Archives for “market” tag

In my opinion, one of the best ways to discover the habits of a country is to visit a supermarket or, even better, a street food market. Walking through the stands full of fruits, vegetables, spices, it is possible to figure out what locals will eat for dinner and therefore understand a bit more about their culture.

The Market of via Fauchè is one of the best street markets in Milan, where you can find many stands full of fresh fruits or vegetables. 

I love the variety of stuff you can find here, all in one place: not only fruits and vegetables but also fresh fish, cheese, flowers, clothes, bags and shoes.

The market it is situated in a residential area, so taking a walk into the market could present a nice occasion to visit an authentic part of Milan, off from touristic paths.

There are no metro stations close-by, but you can choose between different tram and bus lines (tram 1, bus 43, 57) and again experience the truly Milanese atmosphere. (Trams are a peculiarity of Milan and they are beautiful, I think. )

If it is spring or summer after the walk in the market, you can have a wonderful ice-cream at Massimo del Gelato (check the Massimo del Gelato article) (via Castelvetro, 18). Try Chocolate Cavour (fantastic, with cherries and a hint of coffee).

Mercato Papiniano, one of the most well known and biggest markets in Milan, is perfect for those travellers who like to buy some fresh cheese, fruit and bread for a simple feast.

It’s a great opportunity to see what fruit and vegetables are in season and Italy has a fantastic range of diverse produce in all seasons. Look out for lots of green vegetables and cheap oranges now and the start of spring starting to appear.

As per what you would expect at a market there is the usual yelling and price competitiveness, much more lively than a visit to the local supermarket! There are a few stalls with a fantastic range of cheese and some good fresh seafood. Turn up late and you should be able to bargain on the price.

You can also find all sorts of cheap household options and cheap clothing, fantastic for an extra pair of clean socks!

If you’re planning a weekend trip to Milan, why not plan a little stroll on your Sunday afternoon? But make sure you plan your trip for the last Sunday of the month, except for July and August.

On these Sunday’s you can find the Naviglio Grande (the larger canal in Milan) Antique Markets opening up the area to second-hand vintage clothes, antiques, old books and local shops are open too.

A lot of the shops on the canal are local artists and if you wander into some of the courtyards you can see more art on display as well as see the traditional public style housing of the past.

On a nice day it really is pleasurable to stroll down the canal and see what interesting or strange things are on sale. On a colder day, maybe a nice lunch or coffee and some people watching?!

If you want to stop for lunch, many of the restaurants are open. I am often tempted by a takeaway chocolate and pear crepe or a coffee at Bar Stazione. You can then stare out the window and watch the world go by before joining the crowd.