Milan Food Tours

Get ready for a sensory journey through the capital of Lombardy. One of the best things to see and do in Milan is to let yourself be carried away by the enticing aromas and authentic flavors that await you around every corner. From the picturesque cobblestone streets of Brera, to the bustling canals of the Leonardo Da Vinci-esque Navigli, to the bustling markets of Porta Ticinese, these food tours will take you to explore the best of local cuisine.

Taste craft beer, sample fresh pizzas and pastas, and sweeten your palate with authentic gelatos. You can also do wine tastings among trattorias and restaurants, and don't forget to savor the authenticity of street food. Here are the prices, advantages and disadvantages of the must-do gastronomic experiences in Milan.

Immerse yourself in the culinary essence of Milan with a gastronomic walking tour of Navigli and Porta Ticinese. For about 4 hours, an expert gastronome can take you along the famous "columns of San Lorenzo" to walk through Navigli, Milan's canal district that you will want to get lost in.

These canals are filled with art galleries, vintage stores, trattorias, pizzerias and clubs for all tastes, making it perfect for sampling the contrasts of Milanese cuisine in a colorful atmosphere, especially if you make it one of your things to do in Milan at Christmas time.

During this type of tour you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of local wines, artisanal cheeses and cocktails exquisitely prepared by expert mixologists. Savor specialties with fresh and refined ingredients such as tarts mignons, charcuterie and cheese boards, artisan pastas and of course, gourmet pizzas. Another dish often included is the risotto milanese, the emblematic dish of Lombardy.

To conclude this appointment for the other Milan, it will be the turn of the dessert, usually starring the cannoncini filled with local ingredients, accompanied by an authentic espresso coffee.

Details of interest

• Price: from 88 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours approximately.
• What you should know: on this type of tour you usually make between 5 - 6 stops to sample the variety of food in the area. Although the tour can be done for lunch, the area comes alive when the sun goes down. If you prefer to take the boat tour instead of walking, you can also book a boat tour in Milan's Navigli neighborhood.
• What the tour may include: gastronomic guide service. Wine tasting. Lunch or dinner. Tapas tasting. Alcoholic beverages. Bottled water.
• Pros: the tour allows you to explore one of the most picturesque areas around Milan, its canals are a must for lovers of good food and art in one place and you will be surrounded by an expert.
• Cons: Groups can be large. Shuttle service to the accommodation is not included.

The good life beyond Piazza del Duomo is summed up by experts as Milan 'a la Milanese', and the highlight of a tour of Milan's vibrant food scene is a walking tour of the charming Brera neighborhood. Discover the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine as you explore the cobblestone streets and art galleries of this iconic area mostly known as bohemian luxury.

This type of tour can be done privately, accompanied by an expert guide, you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes at **Brera'**s best eateries. From wood-fired pizzas to cotoletta alla milanese, breaded steak to risotto alla milanese and Italian cheeses and cured meats, the tour will take you on a culinary journey that seduces the palate. In addition, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines to complement your gastronomic experience.

Take the opportunity to explore the highlights of Brera. Visit the Pinacoteca di Milano or get lost among the little streets around Piazza della Scala, while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Brera, especially enchanting during the Christmas season with its bright lights and festive atmosphere, this activity is ideal to note among the things to do in Milan in December.

Details of interest

• Price: from 120 € per person.
• Duration: from 3 hours and up.
• What you should know: although children are usually welcome, it is important to keep in mind that the minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21 years old, so they do not enjoy wine tasting and other alcoholic beverages in this type of gastronomic tour in Milan.
• What the tour may include: expert local guide service. Wine tasting, usually about 3 - 5 varieties. Walking tour of Brera. Local food tasting, often about 6 - 10 dishes and tapas, enough to cover a full lunch or dinner. Coffee. Bottled water.
• Pros: the area is chic, this is home to trendy restaurants, terraces and cafes, so you taste Milanese haute cuisine surrounded by art in all its expression.
• Cons: Transfers to the accommodation are not usually included.

In the wide mix of gastronomic possibilities in Milan highlights its proposal of street food and luxury bohemian leads the experiences. With these street food tours in Milan you discover the essence of Italian cuisine.

Accompanied by a local guide, you can explore the picturesque streets while savoring a variety of sweet and savory dishes typical of Italy. From Venetian sandwiches to fried pizzas or tapas with fresh mozzarella, as well as delicious focaccias, this type of tour is an explosion of flavors. And if you list the experience among your things to do in Milan in winter, specifically in December, try the classic panettone in its city of origin.

The tours are usually private, but if you prefer, you can also join a small group to share the experience with other food lovers.

Interesting details

• Price: from 90 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you should know: this type of tour is one of the few that is done by transportation, so people with physical disabilities can join the experience.
• What the tour may include: local guide service. Street food tastings, often about 6 - 10 varieties of snacks. Bottled water. Beer. Glass of wine. Soft drink. Shuttle service to lodging.
• Pros: this is the ideal tour for people who want to know the gastronomy of Brera without walking as part of the tour is done by subway, streetcar or bus. It is a flexible gastronomic tour, adjusted to the season and group.
• Cons: Public transportation tickets usually cost extra. The recommendation is to get your Milan Public Transport card.

Fancy following Leonardo Da Vinci's gastronomic trail in the heart of Milan? Join a gastronomic experience with wine tasting in a traditional wine cellar. You will be able to immerse your senses in a journey through the most authentic flavors of Italy.

An expert sommelier will guide you through the vast array of local wines, while you enjoy appetizers prepared by a professional chef. From robust reds to fresh whites and sparkling wines, every sip will delight your palate. Pair your wines with risotto and pasta dishes, carefully selected to enhance the flavors. Afterwards, visit an artisan cheese dairy to sample exceptional cheeses. Finish with a perfectly paired 4 - 5 course meal and a sweet treat as the cherry on top of the experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from 50 € per person.
• Duration: from 90 minutes onwards.
• What you need to know: this type of experience can take place in the Navigli or Brera neighborhood, depending on the tour you book.
• What the tour may include: wine tasting in 3 - 5 varieties. Sommelier guide service. Tasting of Milanese gastronomy. Visit to a wine cellar. Visit to an artisan cheese factory.
• Pros: it is an activity that often takes place in small groups.
• Cons: the transportation service is usually at an additional cost. The tour is often offered in Italian and English only.

In Brera it is typical to visit La Scala Theater right after going up to Milan's Duomo Terrace and shopping along Manzoni, Della Spiga, and Monte Napoleone streets but, if you want to pamper your senses in the best Milanese style, you have to savor its gastronomy and finish with a gelato, as offered in this kind of gastronomic tour of Brera.

For about three hours, you will discover the rich history of Milan while tasting traditional and delicious bites. From eggplant parmigiana, Milanese meatballs, Italian culatello, to the famous cannoli, each dish is a reminder of why Milan is the city of appetizers that will ruin your diet.

And, to top it all off, finish with a creamy Italian gelato, a sweet temptation that captures the essence of life in Milan. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to pair these delicacies with local craft beers.

Details of interest

• Price: from 85 € per person.
• Duration: from 3 hours onwards.
• What you should know: this is a walking tour with 6-7 stops for tastings and as many stops to highlight the most popular buildings in the area.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service. Tasting of tapas and appetizers. One gelato. Bottled water. Coffee.
• Pros: the tour can be enjoyed with friends and families, even worthwhile among the things to do in Milan with children.
• Cons: in this kind of tours alcoholic beverages are usually extra. The shuttle service to the accommodation is not included.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, the average duration is three hours, however, you can sign up for shorter experiences such as wine tastings, where about 3-4 pairings are tasted and only last about 1.5 hours.

Another factor that affects the length of time is private or group experiences. There is a tendency to extend the time when dealing with large groups.

• Footwear. Since most of this type of tour is on foot, at the end of the day it's a sort of city-tour with food tasting, so you make your way through its cobblestone streets while sampling the best of the local cuisine.
• Language. Take into consideration that most tours are available in Italian, French and English.
• Special diets. If you have a vegan, vegetarian or other special diet, alternatives are usually offered within these tours. With your reservation, I recommend that you notify us of your preferences so that options tailored to your taste can be included.
• Wheelchair users. As I mentioned before, these tours are usually walking tours, and are not adapted for people in wheelchairs. If this is your case, I recommend that you consult before making a reservation.

• Local expertise: guided food tours in Milan are usually led by local experts who know the best places to eat and drink in the city. Their knowledge provides a more authentic and complete experience that can be difficult to find on your own.
• Privileged access: Guides have access to exclusive locations and can often arrange special tastings and behind-the-scenes tours that tourists on their own might not have the opportunity to experience.
• Comfort and convenience: With a food tour, you don't have to worry about planning each meal or finding the best places to try the local cuisine. Everything is organized for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.
• Cultural connection: The guides not only take you out to eat, but also provide you with information about Milan's history, culture and culinary traditions. This enriches your experience and allows you to better understand the food you are tasting.
• Social interaction: A food tour is an opportunity to meet other travelers with similar interests and share culinary experiences together. It is a fun way to socialize and make new friends while enjoying the delicious food of Milan.

In the capital of Lombardy, gastronomy is a celebration of refined and comforting Italian cuisine that enters the best gastronomies in the world. You can't miss the risotto alla Milanese, an emblematic dish of the city that combines creamy rice cooked with saffron, butter and Parmesan cheese, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Another must is the ossobuco with risotto or polenta, a delicious combination of veal simmered in white wine and broth, accompanied by a creamy risotto or polenta.

For pasta lovers, the cotoletta alla milanese is a classic choice: a veal cutlet breaded and fried to a crispy outside and juicy inside. Also, you can't miss polenta e osei, a traditional dessert consisting of a sweet polenta molded to resemble a small bird, covered with marzipan and decorated with candied fruit.

Last but not least is panettone, an iconic Milanese Christmas sweet that has become a symbol of the festive season throughout Italy. This fluffy sweet bread is filled with candied fruits and raisins, and is traditionally served during the winter vacations, so even if you welcome the year in the city you can pencil in tasting it among your things to do in Milan in January.