The northern Italian metropolis of Milan is easily accessible by night train from Munich and Vienna, making it the perfect destination for a sustainable city break. Together with zero-emissions hotel Milano Scala, we have put together some tips for a sustainable weekend in Milan!

This is the fourteenth and final part of our series on “tips for a sustainable weekend getaway.”

Eco-friendly travel to Milan

Milan train station is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. However, as the journey from the DACH region takes a couple of hours, we recommend taking the night train. There are direct Nightjet connections from Munich and Vienna.

Read more about the sustainability of night trains in our blog post on the best night train routes in Europe.

A cheaper option (sometimes for less than 50 euros) is to take the long-distance coach. Click here for Flixbus connections to Milan.

From the station you can easily get to the Hotel Milano Scala and at weekends you can also get around the city by tram.

“We are located in the heart of Milan. This means that you can connect to all three main light rail lines (red line M1, yellow line M3 and green line M2).” – Hotel Milano Scala

Tip: Get the Milan Pass Light for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This pass gives you free travel on all public transport, an audio guide for your mobile phone and a 10% discount on entry to many attractions.

Sustainable accommodation at Hotel Milano Scala

Centrally located, the Hotel Milano Scala was the first zero-emissions hotel in the city. In fact, it was named one of the “World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels” by National Geographic Traveler. The hotel generates its own green electricity using geothermal probes. On the inside, you’ll find a green exterior, eco-chic interiors, classical music at breakfast, and regional cuisine made with organic ingredients. But our highlight is definitely the rooftop terrace with a bar, seating, and a rooftop garden that supplies the restaurant and bar with fresh herbs, vegetables, and berries.

To get a taste of what it’s like, we recommend this short (1.5 minute) promotional video on YouTube.

A sustainable weekend in Milan – here’s what it could look like

Friday is for culture

If you take the night train, you can get to Milan from Vienna and Munich in about 12 hours – it will be around 8 o’clock in the morning.

Even if it is too early to check in (2 p.m.), we recommend that you go straight to the hotel. Here you can store your luggage and have breakfast (until 10:30 a.m.). Afterwards, you will be ready to explore the city.

Historic Brera, Milan Cathedral and Museums

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the historic Brera district. The main attractions, including the Cathedral, are just a few minutes walk away.

Milan Cathedral is open to visitors on Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm (please note the dress code).

If you are satisfied with a view of the Cathedral from the outside, the Hotel Milano Scala recommends a visit to the Milan Castle as an alternative. The Castello Sforzesco is open on Fridays from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last tour at 4:30 pm) and often hosts exhibitions and events.

Another alternative is the Pinacoteca di Brera. One of the most important art museums in Italy and within walking distance of the hotel. The art on display focuses on Italian Renaissance painting and the Baroque period.

Eco-friendly midday snack at Soulgreen

Soulgreen is the perfect place to take a break and snack after your cultural experience. Here you will find organic food such as bowls and freshly squeezed juices in an appealing environment. In addition, the café supports a project that provides free meals and clean water to children around the world through its “Proud to Give Back” program (Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

After 2 p.m. you can check into your hotel room and relax at the hotel or visit one of the many other museums in the city if you haven’t had enough. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Traviata. The restaurant uses regional (organic) ingredients and offers a classic and elegant atmosphere.

Milan’s La Scala

One of the most famous opera houses in Europe, if not the world, is only a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Evening performances usually begin at 8 p.m. Check the Teatro alla Scala schedule here.

Price: The best seats at La Scala will set you back around 500 euros, but cheaper seats can be had for as little as 20 euros.

Eco-Shopping, art and architecture on Saturdays

What is a weekend in Milan without shopping? After all, Milan is considered one of the most famous fashion and design cities in the world. But how do you shop in a sustainable way? For starters, you could do some window shopping – just stroll past Milan’s chic stores and admire the window displays.

Window shopping in Via Montenapolene

“Via Montenapoleone – the heart of the “Quadrilatero della moda” – is within walking distance and our guests like to take a look at the street.” – Hotel Milano Scala

Via Montenapolone is considered the second most expensive street in the world after New York’s Fifth Avenue. You’ll find the biggest names in fashion right here. There are jewelers, famous Italian shoemakers, etc. Of course, in most cases this has nothing to do with sustainability – but a peek never hurt nobody 😀 

Vintage scene in Milan

Milan’s vintage scene is more sustainable. Second-hand clothes make ecological sense. But again, we have to warn you: it’s not cheap! In the Navigli district, along the Navigli canal, there are many vintage shops where you can discover used designer clothes, accessories and more. It’s definitely more expensive than fast fashion, but of higher quality.

In the old town of Milan you will find the vintage fashion store Cavalli e Nastri. It is located (along with other vintage stores) in Via Gian Giacomo Mora.

Eco-fashion in Milan

Milan also has some lovely boutiques specializing in sustainable clothing. Here are a few of our recommendations:

#1 Panpepato: A small, friendly boutique where fashion designers Martina and Eva sell their handmade collections for women and children. You can also find handmade jewelry and accessories.

#2 Progetto Quid: This fashion project sells surplus stock and fabrics donated by Italian fashion brands. They employ women who would otherwise have no chance of finding work.

#3 ASAP LAB: ASAP stands for “As Sustainable As Possible” and here you will find cashmere products made from recycled wool, for example, as well as small accessories such as elegant leather pencil cases. (Please note that the shop has somewhat unusual opening hours, including a lunch break. It’s best to check if the store is open before your visit).

Vegan Cherry Bomb Burger for Lunch

Have you ever seen Flower Burger on Instagram? Those are the beautiful selfies with colorful vegan burgers. The eye-catching and meat-free burgers were invented by two artists from Milan who opened their first two Flower Burger restaurants there. The concept is now spreading as a franchise. It is open from 12:30.

If you eat here, don’t forget to take a selfie 🙂

Bosco Verticale – Green urban architecture

For a little relaxation in the afternoon, take a trip to the Bosco Verticale – the vertical forest. These are two green skyscrapers that have a positive effect on the city’s microclimate. (Read more in our blog article on green urban development).

The Bosco Verticale is located in the Isola district. Here you will find parks, cafes, bars and lots of young people. This is the place to be if you want to be part of Milan’s young nightlife.

Departure and Sunday highlights

If you decide to take the night train and have to be back at work on Monday, it is advisable to leave on Saturday evening and spend Sunday relaxing at home.

If you are still in Milan on Sunday, here are two highlights for that day.

#1 Antique market in the Navigli district: Every last Sunday of the month there is an antique market in the trendy Navigli district (where the vintage shops are located, along with many cafes and art galleries). You can find the current dates here.

#2 Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli: At the hotel you can still enjoy a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning and check out is at noon. We recommend that you have breakfast a little earlier so that you can attend the Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli (between 12 and 15:30). This is an eco-restaurant with a cozy and eclectic interior with many upcycled objects. It has an open kitchen and a garden. It feels just like being at a friend’s house.

And with that pleasant feeling, you’ll be reluctant to leave Milan – but I’m sure it was a great weekend, full of experiences and a small ecological footprint to boot.