20 Best Souvenirs from Milan to Bring Home With You

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The city of Milan is known as the world’s fashion and design capital. With that in mind, I’ll show you beautiful and sophisticated souvenirs from Milan that you can get in the best gift and specialized shops around town.

Don’t worry: I won’t recommend any souvenirs like the shirts you see above. You’ll find plenty of stalls around the historic core selling classics like those shirts plus mugs, fridge magnets, and keychains.

I’ll focus instead on more exclusive stuff that symbolizes the city and its region (Lombardy) in a more subtle way, from bold design items to couture and from gorgonzola cheese to Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Wearable souvenirs from Milan

1. High-end clothing

Couture is hands down one of the best souvenirs from Milan; the city, after all, is the world’s fashion capital.

While this kind of gift doesn’t suit every pocket, you don’t have to buy a nightgown or any other four-figure item — a scarf or a hat would definitely do.

You’ll find plenty of stunning options (and a few deals) at La Rinascente department store and especially at the Quadrilateral of Fashion district between Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia.

Also read: The 15 Top Italian Luxury Brands You Should Know About

2. AC Milan or Internazionale clothing

AC Milan and Internazionale are two of the most successful soccer teams in history, so fans of the sport will love a jersey or some other apparel of either team as a gift from Milan.

If you don’t know which team the person you have in mind likes better, visit the legendary San Siro Stadium, where the gift shop sells apparel of both. 

3. Jewelry

Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you should get a diamond necklace at Bulgari. Of course you can, but I’m not sure how representative of Milan that would be after all. A cute charm by DoDo, which is a local obsession, would make a far more affordable gift instead.

4. Craft umbrella

In a world where umbrellas are virtually disposable, a handmade umbrella sounds almost like something from a bygone era. Indeed: Francesco Maglia has been crafting umbrellas since 1854. 

Models start at $220, so do avoid buying one for a forgetful friend if you’re not a fan of throwing money away!

Food souvenirs from Milan

5. Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola was invented some 1,100 years ago in the little town of the same name within the Milan metropolitan area.

The delicious blue cheese, a must-buy in Milan, comes in two versions: spicy and “sweet”. It’s normally sold prepackaged, so you won’t risk spreading its funky smell all through your luggage. 

6. Panettone

If gorgonzola tastes too strong for your liking, then try Milan’s one and only Christmas dessert, panettone.

This traditional fruitcake is typically on the dry side, though producers have been launching stuffed and glazed versions lately. You’ll find panettones year-round in delis like Peck.

7. Rice for risotto

As the primary ingredient for risotto, rice can make is among the most original souvenirs from Milan that you can get.

Hit one of the city’s delis, where you’ll find beautiful packages of both classic varieties like Carnaroli and Arborio and less obvious ones like black rice.

8. Saffron pistils

This is even more specific than rice, yet I’m positive your favorite amateur chef will love it. The quintessential Milanese recipe is saffron risotto, which in an upscale restaurant is made with saffron pistils rather than powder.

They look fancy like the city and taste just as refined!

9. Wine

Milan is the capital of Lombardy, a region where grade-A wine has been produced for centuries. 

A few varieties have earned the coveted DOCG recognition, including the prestigious Franciacorta, Oltrepò Pavese (another sparkling wine), as well as the straw varieties Moscato di Scanzo and Sforzato di Valtellina.

The city is dotted with wine shops and bars like EnotecaWine, where you can try and pick your favorite bottles to bring home.

10. Campari

Campari was invented in Novara, about 30 miles away from Milan, and went on to become Italy’s top apéritif.

The red drink is used to make cocktails like the Americano, Negroni, and the 100% Milanese Negroni Sbagliato.

In case you’ve never tried it, hit the Camparino Bar at the Galleria to find out whether you like it.

11. Chocolate

Granted, Italy may not be as renowned for its chocolate as Belgium or Switzerland. Yet given Milan is the national capital of all things sophisticated, it’s home to prime chocolatiers that have been refining their craft for over a century. 

That’s the case with Zàini, which has three locations across the city, and Gay Odin, which opened near the Sforza Castle in 1894.

Milan souvenirs to brighten up your home

12. Home decor

While you may not be aware of that, you probably have a few decor items at home that were first introduced during the Milan Furniture Fair, the most important design week in the world. 

So if you want an original and representative gift from Milan, bringing home a beautiful piece of design like a table lamp by Kartell or one of the pastry shop Biancolatte‘s white houses.

13. Bold appliance

Speaking of design, Milan is also famous for its inventiveness when it comes to all the stuff we use to make our lives a bit easier at home.

Local manufacturer Alessi, for instance, makes juicers that look like spiders, both chrome-plated and vintage-looking toasters, and tons of other appliances that you’ll love. 

14. Moka pot

There are only two respectable ways of making coffee in Italy: with either an espresso machine or a Moka pot by Bialetti. The two appliances were created in greater Turin, not Milan, but eventually became symbols of Italian design and cuisine across the world.

Yet you might have a hard time fitting an espresso machine into your luggage, so a Moka is probably a better gift idea to give your favorite coffee lover. For the convenience of customers, Bialetti sells six models for one through nine cups of coffee 

15. Fine china

Ginori, founded in 1735, is the second-oldest porcelain manufacturer in Italy and the oldest still operating. Originally from greater Florence, the company went on to become an official supplier for the grand dukes of Tuscany. In 1896, it was bought out by a Milanese competitor.

Now, adding to its exclusivity, Ginori belongs to the House of Gucci. Unsurprisingly, a gift from the shop isn’t exactly cheap: breakfast plates start at $24.00, while a charger plate can cost up to $275.00. That said, an item from Ginori is definitely a fantastic gift for someone you hold dear.

16. Antiques

Antiques of course aren’t something you’ll only find in Milan, but you can hunt for an item that encapsulates the city’s personality like old china, a painting, or a postcard.

The good news is Milan is dotted with flea markets where you can comb for gifts, particularly on weekends and around the Navigli area. Two of the largest markets are the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato and the Fiera di Sinigaglia.

Other souvenirs from Milan

17. Ferrari memorabilia

Ferrari is perhaps the no. 1 symbol of Italian design abroad, so a gift sporting its prancing horse logo can be a wonderful souvenir from Milan.

The brand has a flagship store in the city which, besides working as a sort of museum, sells clothing, accessories, miniatures, and decor. Besides the mandatory red, yellow, and black, you’ll find a splash of vibrant colors around here too.

18. Moleskine notebook

The iconic Moleskine notebooks are sleek and minimalistic just like its hometown. Created 15 years ago in Milan, they have an irresistible vintage look and are noted for lying perfectly flat when open on a desk. 

Originally monochromatic, the hardcover notebooks now come in multiple patterns and loud colors as well. What’s more, Moleskine stores (both online and brick-and-mortar) sell lots of beautiful stationery in addition to the classic notebooks.

19. Opera record

La Scala, the most prestigious opera house on the planet, hosted the world premiere of works by Verdi, Rossini, Paganini, among other major composers. As such, opera and Milan have been inextricably linked for centuries.

If you happen to have an opera buff in the family or be friends with one, then an opera record as a souvenir will definitely make their day. You can buy new records at La Scala’s gift shop or second-hand ones in one of many stores and flea markets across town.

20. Photo book

Milan is a picturesque city and as such looks great in a photo book. Plus, it has changed dramatically over the last 150 years, as entire neighborhoods were raised to make way for skyscrapers. So a book with historical photos of Milan can make another amazing gift.

In case you’re interested in getting some other sort of photo book, Milan has fantastic specialized bookstores as well, like Libreria Bocca right at the Galleria or Micamera near the Cimitero Monumentale.

Where to buy Milan souvenirs

Milan has a few major shopping streets that you should stroll by to snatch the finest gifts and the best deals. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Corso Buenos Aires, and Via Torino are the three main ones.

For all things couture, head to La Rinascente department store by the Cathedral or hit the world-famous Quadrilateral of Fashion, where all the big brands (Italian and foreign) have established flagship stores. Via Montenapoleone is the busiest street in the district.

At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll also find brands like Prada. Milan’s ultimate arcade is home to classic bookstores like Libreria Bocca and a huge LaFeltrinelli location too.

If antiques are what you’re after, hit the Navigli district. The area hosts Milan’s largest flea markets: Fiera di Sinigaglia every Saturday and Mercatone dell’Antiquariato on the last Sunday of each month.

For more elaborate gifts, you’ll need to visit specialized shops. Let’s go over a few highlights:

• Soccer apparel: AC Milan Store and Inter Milan Store by Piazza San Babila or San Siro Store by San Siro Stadium
• Craft umbrellas: Francesco Maglia Milano to the south of town
• Local delicacies and wine: Peck, a block away from Piazza del Duomo
• Chocolate: Gay Odin Milano, est. 1894
• Home decor: Kartell, right outside the Quadrilateral of Fashion
• Appliances: Alessi, within the Quadrilateral of Fashion
• Moka pots: Bialetti at Piazza del Duomo and on Corso Buenos Aires
• Fine china: Ginori 1735 at the Brera district
• Ferrari memorabilia: Ferrari Flagship Store between the Cathedral and the Galleria
• Moleskine notebooks: Moleskine Store on Via Dante or at Piazza Gae Aulenti
• Opera records: La Scala Shop for a fine selection or Rossetti Records & Books for lots of hidden gems

Conclusion

You don’t have to break the bank just to impress your loved ones with sleek souvenirs from Milan. The city has a wide offer of authentic and representative gifts for all tastes and budgets.

A few items on the cheaper side include delicacies like panettone and the emblematic Moka pot. But you can also go full-on fancy and bring home a Versace purse or a stylish appliance or decor item.

The coolest thing about shopping in Milan is having so many options at hand!