Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Milan

Are you planning on studying abroad in Milan and don’t know where to begin? I get it. That was me two weeks ago. Read on to find out how to get around, a mini guide to grocery shopping (plus three bonus recipes), vintage market shopping (with tips), and three trips to cross off your bucket list.

1. How to Get Around

Pro of public transportation in Milan: Accessible and mostly reliable
Con of public transportation in Milan: Ambiguous signs, so you need to stay alert and observant

• ATM Milano: Essential if anything happens to the trams (strike, construction, delays). This app provides the quickest way to get to your destination. Since it oversees Milan’s transportation, it doesn’t get more reliable than this.
• Google Maps: I want to preface this by saying I was never a fan of Google Maps (sorry). But I’ve been converted—it gives the quickest routes and is always more updated than Apple Maps. Just download it and keep it in your back pocket in case there’s a strike and you need to get home from your internship (trust me on this).
• itTaxi: The most popular taxi app (very similar to Uber). Prices are shown upfront. Most times when you open Uber, it redirects you to a taxi option anyway. I’ve found itTaxi more reliable when running late. Once, Uber said my driver was 20 minutes away (yeah, no), so I canceled and booked itTaxi instead—it was both cheaper and faster. Win-win.
• Omio: Perfect for trip planning—flights, trains, buses—you name it. Reliable with customizable search options.
• Ryanair: It should go without saying, but this is the most popular airline for students (and others) traveling around Europe. Affordable and convenient.

Other Apps:

• WhatsApp: The communication app here. Please download it.
• Get Your Guide: Great when you don’t know what to do in a city or don’t feel like planning. Options range from walking and boat tours to cooking classes and hikes—all at reasonable prices.
• Glovo: The most popular food delivery app in Milan (UberEats exists but isn’t as widely used). I still recommend cooking most of the time, but this app is great for those days you just want to collapse into bed.
• Holafly: For your eSIM. Hopefully, you got one before arriving, but if not—don’t worry. Plans are adjustable. For example, I added coverage outside the EU for a Morocco trip and will just turn it on when I arrive.

⚠️ Please read the signs on the metros and trams. I’ve taken the wrong train at least six times already (embarrassing, I know). From many housing options to IES Abroad, you need to go to Rho Fieramilano, NOT Bisceglie—don’t make this mistake.

Also, escalator etiquette: walkers on the left, standers on the right. Don’t block people—they will be annoyed.

2. Grocery Shopping

Things to keep in mind:

• Peak hours: 12–1 pm, after 5 pm, and weekends (just like the U.S.).
• You must weigh and sticker your produce before checkout. Don’t skip this unless you want an annoyed cashier (or customer behind you).
• Use the gloves provided when handling produce—for hygiene and courtesy.
• Bring a reusable bag. I bought a tote my first time and now fold it up to reuse each trip.
• Don’t throw away your receipt immediately—you need to scan the barcode to exit.

Where to shop:

• Esselunga: The most popular and convenient spot for everything—from irons to pesto sauce. A true one-stop shop.
• Local small shops: Good for specialty items like marinated salmon or if you want something nearby. Usually pricier than Esselunga.

Starter grocery list:

• Bread
• Protein (chicken, beef, fish)
• Milk
• Water bottles (tap water is safe—this is just preference)
• At least two types of fruit
• Rice
• Pasta
• Pesto or tomato sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt
• Eggs
• Chips (salty snack)
• Biscuits (sweet snack for dipping in milk)
• Gum

Household essentials:
Paper towels (or reusable), toilet paper, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, razor, air freshener, laundry detergent (if not provided), chip clips.

Three Recipes I’ve Loved

🍝 Pesto Pasta (15 minutes)

Ingredients:

• Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• Store-bought pesto sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Balsamic vinegar (trust me)

Equipment: Pot with lid, fork, spatula, two plates

Instructions:

1. Measure your desired portion of pasta and rinse it 2–3 times.
2. Fill a pot with pasta and add double the amount of water to fully cover.
3. Set stove to medium heat. Add 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp salt to the water (prevents sticking).
4. Cover with lid and cook for about 6 minutes.
5. Test a piece with a fork. If it breaks easily, it’s ready. If not, cook 3–4 more minutes.
6. Once done, turn off the stove and carefully plate the pasta.
7. Layering: Add a spoonful of pesto, drizzle with olive oil, mix. Add balsamic vinegar to taste, mix again. Repeat until all pasta is seasoned.
8. Leftovers? Cover with plastic wrap and reheat later.

Enjoy your quick, flavorful pasta!

🐟 Salmon with Boiled Rice (20 minutes)

Ingredients:

• Pre-marinated salmon filet
• Basmati rice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional: Balsamic vinegar

Equipment: Frying pan with lid, saucepan with lid, spatula, fork, strainer, plate

Instructions:

Salmon:

1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Tilt the pan to spread evenly.
2. Place salmon in the pan. Use a fork to poke a few holes on top for even cooking.
3. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, including the edges.
4. Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and isn’t raw in the center.

Rice:

1. Wash ½ cup rice 3 times (or until water runs clear).
2. In a saucepan, add rice + 1 cup water (or enough to cover rice with 2 inches extra).
3. Add 2 tbsp oil and salt. Cover and cook on medium heat for ~5 minutes.
4. Test with a fork—rice should break easily. Add water if needed to prevent burning.

Plate together with optional balsamic vinegar over salmon. Don’t forget your glass of water!

🥘 Lentils with Boiled Rice (1 hour)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup Basmati rice
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Paprika or red chili powder (to taste)
• Salt
• Tomato sauce (optional)

Equipment: Pot with lid, saucepan with lid, spatula, fork

Instructions:

Lentils:

1. Wash lentils 3 times. Place in a pot with 2 cups water.
2. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp salt, ½ tsp turmeric, and paprika or red chili to taste. (Optional: add tomato sauce for depth.)
3. Cover and cook ~40 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding water if needed to prevent burning.
4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil on low. Add 2 tbsp garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Cook until golden.
5. Combine lentils with the spice mixture, stir well, and turn off heat once evenly mixed.

Rice:
Follow steps from “Salmon with Rice” above. Keep covered until lentils are ready.

To serve: Plate rice first, then top with lentils.
Optional: Boil an egg to serve alongside (see below).

🥚 Boiled Egg (15 minutes)

Instructions:

1. Check freshness: Place egg in a cup of water. If it floats, discard. If it sinks, it’s good.
2. Place egg in a saucepan and cover with water.
3. Add 2 tbsp salt and a drizzle of oil. Heat on medium.
4. Boil for ~15 minutes.
5. Remove with spatula, run under cold water, and peel once cool enough to handle.

Enjoy as a protein boost with your lentils and rice!

3. Vintage Market Shopping

Tips:

• Happens on the last Sunday of each month.
• Go early (8:00  A.M.) to avoid crowds—it gets packed.
• Take a reusable bag.
• Learn the phrase: “Quanta costa?” = How much is it?
• Stay hydrated—it feels endless.
• Location: Alzaia Naviglio Grande along the Navigli Canal.
   

4. Short Trips to Cross Off Your Bucket List

• Lake Como (6 hours): Take a train (book on Omio), stroll the coastline, stop at villas, and grab food in small towns to avoid tourist prices. Swimming is safer in smaller towns like Lido. ⚠️ Don’t plan to arrive back at Milan Central late at night—it can be unsafe. Stick with your group if you go with others.
• Switzerland (11 hours): Book with Get Your Guide. They handle all logistics—affordable and time-saving.
• Lake Maggiore (8 hours): Train via Omio, explore smaller towns and leather shops (great quality, affordable), and take a round-trip boat to Isola Bella for its estate and village.