Chinatown Travel Guide

Milan

Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown

Imagine any kind of Asian food or trinket and you can probably find it in one of the shops in this district, the oldest and largest Chinatown in Italy.

Milan may not be the first place you expect to find a thriving Chinatown, but immigrants from Asia have been arriving here since the 1920s as workers for Italian silk manufacturers. Taking over the modest three-story houses near the historic city center, successive generations have turned the street of Via Paola Sarpi, and the area around it, into a remarkable fusion of Italian and Chinese influences. Shop, eat or come for one of the annual holiday festivals, when the street overflows with dragon costumes and more.

Though the area lacks the distinctive arch that marks out Chinatowns in other cities, a few minutes are enough to make the cultural heritage of the area abundantly clear. Wander down the charming, pedestrian-only cobbled streets, then duck into one of the many stores that line the sidewalk.

Buy authentic Asian groceries in one of the biggest ethnic food shops in Italy. Browse the wide selection of Chinese goods on offer in the overflowing shops, or hunt for deals on Italian leather and silk.

Take a break from shopping to sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer, which range from traditional Italian to specialties from throughout East Asia. On a hot day, cool off with a cup of bubble tea, a milky drink with chewy balls of tapioca added.

Slurp on some noodles in a Chinese restaurant, or buy a snack from the takeout counters that serve handmade dumplings and other street foods. Head back into the shops, then end the day with aperitivo from Cantine Isola, a small taverna that has been operating since 1896.

Milan’s Chinatown is located to the northwest of the city center, a 15-minute walk from the city’s central train station. Via Paola Sarpi is open daily and all day, but shops and restaurants close earlier than others in the city, making Chinatown a good place to head if you are after an early dinner.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Chinatown

Hotel Viu Milan, a Member of Design Hotels

Hotel Viu Milan, a Member of Design Hotels

5 out of 5
Via Fioravanti, 6, Milan, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹24,079 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹24,079
₹27,907 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (857 reviews)
5 star hotel
"Fabulous hotel- right beside the tram stop 14 & 16. The 16 takes you right to the San siro. The no 10 tram stop takes you to the train station. Hotel is spotless and super modern, classy too. A little pricey for wine and cocktails but lovely rooftop bar and pool and lovely views. Would definitely ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Viu Milan, a Member of Design Hotels
ibis Milano Centro

ibis Milano Centro

3 out of 5
Via Finocchiaro Aprile Camillo 2, Milan, MI
The price is ₹9,499 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
₹9,499
₹11,728 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,263 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

ibis Milano Centro
Rosa Grand Milano - Starhotels Collezione

Rosa Grand Milano - Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
P.za Fontana 3, Milan, MI
The price is ₹28,784 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
₹28,784
₹33,083 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Rosa Grand Milano - Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Berna

Hotel Berna

4 out of 5
Via Torriani Napo 18, Milan, MI
The price is ₹14,945 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹14,945
₹17,861 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,081 reviews)
"It is a very nice and beautiful hotel.the elevator is very small but for that old building it is okay."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Hotel Berna
Starhotels E.c.ho.

Starhotels E.c.ho.

4 out of 5
Viale Doria Andrea 4, Milan, MI
The price is ₹12,916 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,916
₹15,628 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
Brilliant stay!
"We had a wonderful stay at the star echo .. the young man at reception allowed us to check in early and he and all the staff were lovely .. providing excellent service & hospitality! The hotel itself was fantastic .. absolutely no complaints from us .. highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Starhotels E.c.ho.
Urban Hive Milano

Urban Hive Milano

4 out of 5
Corso Garibaldi Giuseppe 84, Milan, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,862 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹14,862
₹17,769 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (814 reviews)
"Loved everything!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Urban Hive Milano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

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Porta Garibaldi

4/5(43 area reviews)

You might enjoy the art galleries while in Porta Garibaldi. Corso Como is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Via Rosales Tram Stop or V.le M.te Grappa Via Gioia Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Porta Garibaldi
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San Marco

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting San Marco, you might make a stop by sights like Basilica di San Simpliciano and Cerchia dei Navigli.

San Marco
Pinacoteca di Brera which includes heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

Brera

Shopping, live music and restaurants highlight some notable features of Brera. Make a stop by Pinacoteca di Brera or Orto Botanico di Brera while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Via Cusani Tram Stop or Cairoli Station to get around town.

Brera
Santa Maria Delle Grazie showing street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Magenta

Noted for its churches and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Magenta. Top attractions like Museum of the Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Piazza Virgilio Tram Stop or Via Monti - Piazza Virgilio Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Magenta
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Centro Direzionale

While you're in Centro Direzionale, take in top sights like Torre Diamante or Grattacielo Pirelli, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Gioia Station or Via Filzi Via Pirelli Tram Stop.

Centro Direzionale
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Porta Nuova

4/5(67 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Porta Nuova. Check out top attractions like Piazza della Repubblica and Corso Como, and jump on the metro at Repubblica M3 Tram Stop or Turati M3 Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Porta Nuova


Chinatown Travel Guide