These are the essentials for staying in Milan, the simple, practical details that let you enjoy the city without stress, so you can focus on what really matters: soaking up its energy, beauty, and flavour. Knowing these little things before you arrive makes your trip smoother. Instead of wasting time searching for a pharmacy at midnight or wondering how to pay in a café, you’ll already have the answers.
📞 Numbers That Matter
Emergencies are rare, but it’s always good to know who to call. In Milan, the single emergency number is 112. For an ambulance, it’s 118; for the fire brigade, 115; for the police, 113; and for local police, 02.02.08. If you’re driving and need roadside assistance, call 803116.
A smart tip: download the app 112 Where Are U. It automatically shares your location if you need help.
| Phone number | |
| General emergencies | 112 |
| Ambulance | 118 |
| Fire Brigade | 115 |
| Police | 113 |
| Milan Local Police | 02.02.08 |
| ACI Roadside Assistance | 803116 |
🏥 Health & 💊 Pharmacies
If something happens and you need urgent care, head to the emergency room at one of the main hospitals like Niguarda, Policlinico, San Raffaele, Fatebenefratelli, or Sacco.
For smaller issues outside regular hours, call the medical guard at 116117.
Pharmacies are everywhere, but if you’re near the train station, there’s one right inside Centrale. You’ll also find municipal pharmacies in Piazza De Angeli and Viale Monza.
If you’re unsure, just check the farmacie di turno (on‑duty pharmacies) to find the closest open one.
💶 Money
The currency is the euro (€), and honestly, you don’t need to carry much cash. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find.
🕒 Time Zone
Milan runs on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), and in summer it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2).
🏨 City Tax
When you stay in a hotel or B&B, there’s a small city tax. It’s usually between €3.50 and €7 per night, depending on the category. It’s normal, and you’ll pay it directly at your accommodation.
🚻 Toilets & Practicalities
Public toilets aren’t everywhere, but you can find free ones at Palazzo Reale during big exhibitions, in the Cortile della Rocchetta at Castello Sforzesco (9:00–17:15), and in major department stores.
🚭 Smoking Rules
Since 2025, Milan has gone greener: you can’t smoke outdoors unless you’re at least 10 meters away from other people. E‑cigs are fine, but fines are steep if you ignore the rule.
ℹ️ Other Essentials
Italian is the main language, but in tourist areas you’ll get by with English.
The country code is +39, and Milan’s prefix is 02.
Free Wi‑Fi is available in many squares and public libraries.
The city is lively and safe, but like in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like the metro or around the Duomo.