Let’s face it, Milan is a very large and densely populated city and is so big that it’s not possible to visit all the main attractions in only one day, nor is it possible to explore all its lifestyles in a few hours.

However, if you are planning a trip to Italy and you can spend a few days in the city, you can’t miss the opportunity to take part in a food tour of Milan, walking amongst some of the most famous food and vintage markets. This is one of the most original ways to discover the lesser known parts of the city and to spend a few hours as if you were a local.

A food tour of Milan amongst fresh food markets

Milan is famous all over the world for its Michelin starred restaurants and expensive boutiques, but it offers many other options to tourists and locals, like fresh food markets and vintage markets.

You can find at least one fresh food market in each one of the neighborhoods of the city. Every day, you can buy local fruit and vegetables, meat and cheese from the local farmers and go for a walk among the humans that make Milan a colourful and multicultural city.

Flavors from the world mix with those of the local cuisine. In the Milanese local markets it is possible to find original Indian curry and authentic rice produced in the rice fields of the nearby Brianza district.

Taking part in a food tour of Milan allows you to discover either the smallest or totally obscured local markets and their wonderful mix of flavors and cultures so, let’s have a look at 3 of the most interesting food markets in the city.

Papiniano

It is the most popular market among tourists due to the large number of international stallholders and the vast range of fresh produce and other merchandise.

Where: Viale Papiniano.

Opening hours: on Tuesday, from 8am to 3pm, and on Saturday, from 8am to 6pm.

Ampere

With nearly 200 stalls it is the most popular market for students due to the proximity to the Polytechnic University of Milan.  You can buy fresh food from the small farmers’ stalls, clothes, flowers and plants.

Where: Via Andrea Maria Ampere, Piola metro station.

Opening hours: every Thursday, from 7:30am to 2pm.

Mercato della Terra

It is known as the Slow Food market of Milan where you can find only local farmers from the Parco Agricolo Sud di Milano, the largest Agricultural Park of the city and one of the biggest in Europe.

Where: Fabbrica del Vapore – 4, Via Procaccini, Monumentale metro station.

Opening hours: on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9am to 2pm.

The Vintage Markets 

These are 3 of the most interesting vintage markets in the city.

Mercatone del Naviglio Grande

It is the best Antiques Market in the city and it takes place along the main canal of Milan, the Naviglio Grande. It is famous for the large number of stands where you can find virtually anything, from old books to unique pieces of jewelry.

Where: Naviglio Grande, Porta Genova metro station.

Opening hours: on the last Sunday of the month.

East Market in Lambrate District

It is a famous vintage and designer fashion market where it is possible to find clothes, vinyls and other unique pieces from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Where: Lambrate Design District, Lambrate metro station.

Opening hours: every Saturday, from 7:30am to 2pm.

Fiera di Sinigaglia

It is the only weekly flea market in Milan. It takes place in the Ticinese district and it attracts visitors and locals. You can find exotic objects or bargains and collectibles.

Where: Via Alzaia Naviglio Grande, Porta Genova metro station.

Opening hours: every Saturday, from 7:30am to 2pm.