Discover Milan by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Important information:
This town is not one of the cities we visited during our road trip, but it will be a stop to consider in the future. This article aims to prepare our stay there and to share the information we collected about this destination.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips for this destination with us, either by email or in comments.
Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate guide to a road trip to Milan, Italy! Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic city and explore its strategically ideal location. We also discuss how to get to Milan and what different options are available to RV and motorhome enthusiasts. Don’t miss our tips on where to sleep, free parking and do your laundry. We’ll also tell you about our top destinations, must-visit restaurants and can’t-miss events. Finally, we’ll help you plan your budget so you can make the most of your stay in Milan.
Subscribing to our Vantour's newsletter means receiving, once a month, no more, the cream of the crop of our tips and stories. From van travel guides to everyday life hacks, to exclusive tips for fully embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
We promise, no abuse, just quality content to enrich your adventures.
Motorhome road trip video in this destination
Subtitles available in your language! Remember to activate them in the video player
What is Milan, Italy?
History of Milan
Its roots can be traced back to the Celtic past, when the Celtic Insubrians founded Mediolanum, which would later become Milan. That was only the beginning, as the Romans were later attracted by the city’s charm and came under the Emperor Augustus, naming it the “capital of the Western Roman Empire”. Milan survived barbarian invasions over the centuries, and its Christian heritage was born under the rule of its patron saint Ambrose, who built the first church on the city’s spiritually rich soil.
Milan grew and changed over time, but it never lost its soul. In the Middle Ages, the city shone as a public republic, and its ancient walls bore witness to the power struggles between Milanese noble families such as the Visconti and the Sforza. Under Sforza’s reign, the divine Leonardo da Vinci painted the famous smile, the Mona Lisa, which is almost as famous as the city of Milan itself and still vibrates under the weight of centuries. Every stone of the magnificent cathedral tells the story of the splendor of a city that has changed over time but still retains its historical and cultural pulse.
Location
Milan is located in the plains of Lombardy, next to the shores of the sparkling Lake Como and a stone’s throw from the famous Alps. You can almost hear the whispering of the trees in the forests of the Val Grande, just a stone’s throw away! Mind you, even if there’s no volcano causing a commotion, there are cities like Torino (Turin) and Genoa that are very close, just a stone’s throw away! Pretty far for a stopover, right?
How to get to Milan?
If you’re planning a road trip to Milan in a camper van from nearby Italian cities, you’ll need to take the main roads.
From Genoa, head towards Milan on the A7 highway. You’ll drive through beautiful landscapes and have the chance to discover charming Italian towns along the way.
From Turin, follow the A4 highway towards Milan. This route offers a pleasant crossing of Piedmont, with its mountainous landscapes and vineyards.
Starting from Verona, join the A4 highway towards Milan. You’ll pass through charming towns such as Bergamo and Brescia.
If you’re coming from Florence, take the A1 highway north to Parma, then follow the SR9 national road to Milan. You’ll cross the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna along the way.
Finally, if you’re departing from Venice, take the A4 highway towards Milan. You’ll travel through the Po Valley and have the opportunity to admire the cities of Padua and Verona along the way.
To travel from Rome to Milan by train, you can take the main railway line connecting the two cities. Catch a train from Rome Termini station to Milan Centrale station. You can choose from different trains throughout the day. The journey takes about three and a half hours.
When you arrive at Milan Centrale, you can easily reach your final destination thanks to the many public transport options available in the city. Get ready to explore the wonders of Milan, from its impressive architecture to its renowned fashion boutiques. Have a great trip!
If you want more travel tips and tricks, check out https://www.vantour.net.
To get to Milan by plane, the closest national airports are Milan-Malpensa Airport (31 miles from Milan) and Milan-Linate Airport (5 miles from Milan). The closest international airports are Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport (28 miles from Milan) and Lugano-Agno Airport (53 miles from Milan). The closest city to Milan-Malpensa Airport is Como (25 miles), while the closest city to Milan-Linate Airport is Monza (9 miles).
If you’re planning a trip to Milan, these are the most convenient airports to consider. Milan-Malpensa is further out, but if you’re closer to Bergamo or Lugano, those could be good options too. Milan-Linate is the closest, making it a convenient choice for a quick getaway to the fashion capital. Explore the different cities nearby to make the most of your visit.
🌌 Are you going to this destination?✈️🚌
⛔ Watch out for internet charges abroad!
For an unlimited internet connection, we recommend HolaFly, our partner for e-SIMs, available in 160 countries. No more mobile data worries!
Take advantage of our special offer: 5% discount on Holafly with the code LaPlaneteDeCaro. 🎉 Click here View page
On our last trip to Italy, we noticed that road conditions vary greatly from region to region. In Lombardy and Piedmont, the standard of national and provincial roads is quite low and often in poor condition. However, if you travel to Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the roads. We recommend that travelers check in advance about the road conditions in the areas they want to visit and take the necessary precautions, especially in terms of safety.
When planning a trip, it is very important to be aware of the local road conditions. This can greatly improve your travel experience. Have you encountered any strange road conditions during your trip? Share your experiences!
Climate: When to Visit Milan in a Motorhome?
Hey there! Planning a trip to Milan with your motorhome? Here’s a handy guide to help you decide when to visit based on the weather conditions.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) (°F) | Rainfall (mm) (in) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°/5° (35.6°F/41°F) | 53mm (2.08in) | ❄️ | Not recommended |
| February | 2°/6° (35.6°F/42.8°F) | 50mm (1.97in) | ❄️ | Not recommended |
| March | 3°/8° (37.4°F/46.4°F) | 53mm (2.08in) | 🌧️ | Not recommended |
| April | 5°/11° (41°F/51.8°F) | 39mm (1.54in) | 🌦️ | Not recommended |
| May | 8°/14° (46.4°F/57.2°F) | 53mm (2.08in) | 🌦️ | Fair |
| June | 11°/16° (51.8°F/60.8°F) | 62mm (2.44in) | 🌦️ | Fair |
| July | 13°/18° (55.4°F/64.4°F) | 79mm (3.11in) | 🌦️ | Fair |
| August | 11°/17° (51.8°F/62.6°F) | 78mm (3.07in) | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| September | 9°/16° (48.2°F/60.8°F) | 58mm (2.28in) | 🌦️ | Fair |
| October | 7°/12° (44.6°F/53.6°F) | 60mm (2.36in) | 🌧️ | Not recommended |
| November | 5°/8° (41°F/46.4°F) | 52mm (2.05in) | 🌧️ | Not recommended |
| December | 2°/5° (35.6°F/41°F) | 52mm (2.05in) | ❄️ | Not recommended |
Make sure to plan your Milan motorhome trip according to the weather conditions for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
If we had one piece of advice for you, it would be to visit the magnificent city of Milan in the spring. The season offers a perfect blend of mild temperatures, sunny days, and an explosion of colors thanks to flowers brightening up the parks and gardens around town. Springtime in Milan will let you fully enjoy all its wonders. So, pack your bags, plan your busy days, and let the springtime beauty of Milan enchant you. You won’t regret it!
Where spots with Vans and RVs in Milan ?
- 📍Camping Village city of Milan: Via Gaetano Airaghi, 61, 20153 Milan MI, Italy • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (45.473611 – 9.0827972)
- 📍Area Camper: Via Luigi Tüköry, 6, 20161 Milan MI, Italy • Rating: 3.6 • Coordinates (45.5115893 – 9.1606249)
- 📍Olympia Milano Camp: Via Giuseppe di Vittorio, 20057 Assago MI, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates (45.4029559 – 9.1376194)
- 📍New Park Milan: Via Luigi Tüköry, 6, 20161 Milan MI, Italy • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (45.51160309999999 – 9.160392)
- 📍CAMPER PARKING LINATE MILAN: at NEW LINATE PARKING, Viale Enrico Forlanini, 123, 20134 Milan MI, Italy • Rating: 3.2 • Coordinates (45.4621578 – 9.2701988)
- 📍Laundry Room Milano: Located at Via Giovanni Bellezza, 1, 20136 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (45.4484794 – 9.197270600000001)
- 📍Lavanderia Self Viale Piave (Laundromat): Located at Via Felice Bellotti, 7, 20129 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (45.4707899 – 9.2077469)
- 📍The Laundry: Located at Via Lodovico Il Moro, 181, 20142 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 3.8 • Coordinates (45.4395436 – 9.1268251)
- 📍New Park Milano: Located at Via Luigi Tüköry, 6, 20161 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (45.51160309999999 – 9.160392)
- 📍CAMPER PARKING LINATE MILANO: at NEW LINATE PARKING, Viale Enrico Forlanini, 123, 20134 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 3.2 • Coordinates (45.4621578 – 9.2701988)
- 📍Camper milano: Found at Via Giuseppe Ripamonti, 481, 20141 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (45.4086446 – 9.2101528)
- 📍Parking Lot: 20016 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy • Rating: 4 • Coordinates: 45.5083004, 9.0974504
- 📍Parking Lot: 20146 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates: 45.46094360000001, 9.1370044
- 📍Parking Lot: Via Gran S. Bernardo, 11, 20155 Milano MI, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates: 45.4892514, 9.1687741
The city of Milan seems to have a service area similar to the one in Verona. We won’t hesitate to keep you updated once we drop our bags there for a bit!
Where and What to Eat in Milan?
Here’s a list of traditional and typical Milan restaurants, along with the specialties to request, to immerse yourself in the local gastronomy.
Milan’s Restaurants
- 🍽️ Salsamenteria di Parma San Babila • Rating: 4.3 • A traditional Italian restaurant known for its charcuterie and cheeses, as well as its delicious pasta dishes.
- 🍽️ Trattoria de la Trebia Milano • Rating: 4.5 • A typical Milanese trattoria offering authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- 🍽️ Al Cantinone • Rating: 4.1 • A family-run restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Milanese dishes, such as ossobuco or risotti.
- 🍽️ Italy Restaurant Milano • Rating: 3.9 • A classic Italian restaurant offering traditional dishes like pizzas, pasta, and antipasti.
- 🍽️ Ristorante Galleria • Rating: 4.5 • Located in the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this restaurant provides a stunning view of the gallery while serving refined Italian cuisine.
Milan’s Specialties
Once you’ve chosen your restaurant, here’s a selection of the typical dishes offered in the area. Taste the saffron risottos, savor the ossobuco alla milanese, and don’t miss the cotoletta alla milanese!
We’ve done Verona, but only Xavier visited Milan years ago, and it’s been so long that he doesn’t remember what the food was like. Seems like a good reason to go back, don’t you think?
Budget Travel for a Road Trip in Milan
The currency used in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Italy is approximately 5% higher than in France, and the local purchasing power is about 3% lower. When traveling, plan for a budget of at least $115 (91£) per day per person.
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 30€ (34.51$ or 26.29£, +10% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Fast-food menu: 8€ (9.20$ or 7.03£, +5% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 5€ (5.75$ or 4.39£, +10% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Single public transport ticket: 1.5 € (approx. $1.68 or £1.29)
- Monthly public transport pass: 35 € (approx. $39.16 or £30.08)
- Unleaded gasoline (1 liter): 1.6 € (approx. $1.79 or £1.38)
- Cheap hotel (room for two people): 60€ (approx. $66, approx. £51) (+5% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Mid-range hotel (room for two people): 90€ (approx. $99, approx. £76) (+10% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Luxury hotel (room for two people): 150€ (approx. $165, approx. £127) (-20% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): 70€ (81$ or 57£) (+5% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Summer dress in a major chain store (Zara, H&M..): 30€ (35$ or 25£) (-10% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧)
- Pair of athletic shoes: 80€ (93$ or 66£) (+10% compared to 🇺🇸 and 🇬🇧
British and American tourists on a budget, beware! Eating out in a mid-priced restaurant will cost you around €30 ($34.51 or £26.29): about 10% more expensive than in France. But if you fancy a quick meal, it’ll only cost you €8 ($9.20 or £7.03). A pint of local beer costs €5 ($5.75 or £4.39): a little more expensive here.
As for getting around, a single public transport ticket costs €1.50 ($1.68 or £1.29) while a monthly pass is a reasonable €35 ($39.16 or £30.08). Do you need gas? Unleaded is €1.60 ($1.79 or £1.38) per litre.
Are you looking for a place to stay overnight? A cheap hotel room for two is €60 ($66 or £51), which I think is pretty fair. Mid-range hotels cost 90€ (about $99 or £76), and if you want luxury accommodation, 150€ ($165 or £127): a bargain compared to France! For shopping, prices are very competitive: a pair of jeans costs about 70€ ($81 or £57), and sneakers 80€ ($93 or £66). Have a great trip!
what to do in milan during you Road-trip ?
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Villa Necchi Campiglio. Discover the architectural beauty of buildings like Milan Cathedral and Castello Sforza. Take a romantic stroll along the Navigli Canal. Sample Italian wine and cheese at the city’s restaurants. Watch an opera or ballet at the famous La Scala Opera House. Hey guys, if you’re in Milan, you should definitely check out the stunning gardens of Villa Necchi Campiglio.
Then, admire the stunning architecture of landmarks like Milan Cathedral and Castello Sforza. For a romantic vibe, take a stroll along the Navigli Canal. And of course, don’t miss the chance to sample delicious Italian wine and cheese at a local restaurant. And hey, why not watch an opera or ballet at the famous La Scala Opera House? Trust me, it’s worth it!
If you’re looking for things to do in Milan, Italy, I have some great suggestions for you! First you need to visit the city’s wonderful museums. The Museo del Novecento and Pinacoteca di Brera are must-sees. Then take a stroll through historic neighborhoods like Brera and Navigli. You’ll love the atmosphere there! If you want to experience contemporary art, head to PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea.
And hey, why not catch a concert or show at the Arcimboldi Theater? It’s a great venue! If you love opera, don’t miss a guided tour of La Scala. It’s such a treat! So get out there and enjoy everything Milan has to offer. Let me know what you think of these suggestions!
If you feel like exploring, why not take a guided bike tour of the city? You can cycle through the streets and enjoy the sights while getting some physical activity in. If you prefer the outdoors, you can always go for a jog or do yoga in a local park. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air and stay active. For sports enthusiasts, a football match at the San Siro stadium is a must. The atmosphere is lively and you can feel the passion the locals have for the sport.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try rock climbing in Parco Gioia? It’s an exciting way to challenge yourself and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re into hiking, consider hiking in the area. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to nature. Whether you’re looking for excitement, relaxation, or both, Milan has something for every type of adventure seeker. Get out there and make the most of your time in this vibrant city!
If you love fashion, be sure to check out the famous Milan Fashion Week parade. It’s an unforgettable sight! And hey, why not attend the Milan Carnival? It’s awesome! For all you design lovers out there, be sure to visit the Milan Furniture Fair during Design Week. You’ll be in high spirits! Want some Christmas cheer?
Don’t miss Milan’s Christmas parties. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season! For all you music lovers out there, the Milan Music Festival is the place to be. Get ready for some amazing concerts and shows. Whether you’re interested in fashion, design, vacations, or music, Milan has it all. It’s a city full of culture and excitement waiting to be explored. From the bottom up!
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Milan?
All in all, Milan is a city rich in history and culture. From its Celtic origins to its Roman heritage to its role as a public republic, every stone of this city tells a fascinating story. Set in a picturesque setting between Lake Como and the Alps, Milan combines nature with city life. To really enjoy this beautiful city, we recommend visiting in spring, when the parks and gardens are in full bloom. Of course, don’t forget to try delicious specialties such as saffron risotto and Cottoletta Milanese. Don’t miss the many cultural and romantic activities Milan has to offer, from strolling through the gardens of Villa Necchi Campiglio to visiting museums and historic neighborhoods. Milan will surely fascinate you!
You may also like
Discovering Bergamo by Camper: Complete Guide
Discovering Sirmione in a Motorhome: Complete Guide
