Milan Tourism Statistics

Tourists spend close to €13 billion in Milan in recent years.

• In 2023, total tourist spending reached approximately €12.5 billion, marking a 34% increase from 2022 when spending was approximately €9.3 billion.
• Before the pandemic, tourists spent approximately €12.5 billion in Milan in 2019, which dropped to €2.7 billion in 2020 and partially recovered to €5.5 billion in 2021.

Milan Tourism Revenue in 2023

Approximately €12.5 billion in tourist expenditure was generated by Milan tourism in 2023.

• Milan generated €2.1 billion from domestic tourism revenue (17%) and €10.4 billion from international tourism revenue (83%) of total tourism revenue in 2023.

• The majority of visitors to Milan spend the most on catering and dining, accounting for 72% of Milan’s tourism revenue. International visitors enjoy culinary experiences in Milan's renowned restaurants and cafes².
• Retail and shopping constitute 17% of the total, reflecting Milan's status as a fashion and shopping capital with luxury boutiques and designer outlets.
• Travel and Transportation make up 6% of tourists' expenditures supporting mobility during their stay.
• Accommodation: The smallest portion of spending, at 5%, is on accommodations, indicating that while essential, lodging costs are relatively less compared to dining and shopping experiences.

The best time to visit Milan depends on personal preferences and interests.

• Winter (January-February): Cool 5-10°C, fewest crowds, Men's Fashion Week in January, lower accommodation prices.
• Spring (March-May): Mild 15-25°C, pleasant sightseeing weather, May records 840,000 visitors.
• Summer (June-August): Hot 25-30°C, peak crowds, summer sales, all attractions open.
• Autumn (September-October): Pleasant 15-20°C, peak season with Fashion Week and Formula 1 Grand Prix in September, October busiest month.
• Holiday season (November-December): Cool 5-15°C, moderate crowds, Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market, La Scala opera season opening on December 7.

• Milan, with over 9.66 million visitors in 2025, ranks as Italy's second most popular city for tourists.
• Along with Rome and Jesolo, Milan topped the list of the most searched Italian cities on the Jetcost website for 2023³.
• Milan's prominence will be further highlighted as it, along with Cortina d'Ampezzo, will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the second time in two decades that Italy has welcomed the Winter Games⁴.

Milan remains one of the world’s most admired travel destinations, consistently earning international awards and top rankings in 2024 and 2025 for its culture, fashion, and visitor experience.

• In 2025, Milan ranked among the Top 20 Most Visited Cities Worldwide and retained its position as #5 in Europe, reaffirming its global tourism strength.
• It continues to be recognized as Italy’s second-most visited city, following Rome, attracting millions of domestic and international travelers each year.
• Milan achieved a traveler sentiment score of 85/100 in 2024, which improved further in 2025, reflecting high visitor satisfaction and world-class hospitality.
• Via Monte Napoleone held its title as the world’s most expensive shopping street in 2025, emphasizing Milan’s dominance in luxury retail and high-end tourism.
• The city earned praise for its successful hosting of international events such as Milan Fashion Week 2025 and Salone del Mobile 2025, solidifying its reputation as a global center for art, design, and creativity.

These recognitions confirm Milan’s status in 2024 and 2025 as a top-tier global tourist destination, celebrated for its blend of historic charm, modern innovation, and luxury travel appeal.

Milan is one of the most popular cities in Italy known for its fashion, design, and historic landmarks. Some of the top tourist spots in Milan include:

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the most visited in Milan, with 3.5 million visitors in 2023, with its stunning architecture and views from the rooftop terraces.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest and most famous shopping malls with 2 million annual visitors.
• Teatro Alla Scala is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world with 1 million annual visitors.
• Castello Sforzesco houses several museums and art galleries, including the Museo d'Arte Antica. It attracts over 1 million visitors every year.
• Santa Maria delle Grazie ( 445,000 annual visitors) is a church that is home to Leonardo da Vinci's mural The Last Supper, one of the most famous artworks in the world.