Chinatown

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

Things to do


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
The price is P15,849 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P15,849
P18,369 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (864 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 Jul 22, 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 P6,607 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,607
P8,109 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,296 reviews)
"We liked our stay here, but the room was quite warm. The breakfast is great. The location is alright, Nàpiz pizza nearby is great. Few minutes walk to the main station. Some sketchy areas near the tram that we me sure to avoid at night."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

ibis Milano Centro
a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda

a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda

Viale Giovanni Suzzani 13, Milan, MI
The price is P3,426 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P3,426
P4,236 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (987 reviews)
"It was a pleasure stay. Room was clean and staff were helpful whenever we needed. Thanks"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

a&o Hostel Milano Ca Granda
Uptown Palace

Uptown Palace

4 out of 5
Via Santa Sofia N.10, Milan, MI
The price is P10,686 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P10,686
P12,689 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I like the view of the city on the top floor, I liked the food, room service except the TV, and not enough shampo and conditioner in the bathroom."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Uptown Palace
Quark Hotel Milano

Quark Hotel Milano

4 out of 5
Via Lampedusa 11/A, Milan, MI
The price is P7,590 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P7,590
P9,285 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (551 reviews)
"Nice Hotel, staffs were friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Quark Hotel Milano
c-hotels Concorde

c-hotels Concorde

4 out of 5
Viale Monza 132, Milan, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,324 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P4,324
P5,691 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Cathedral of Milan and Piazza ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
Definetly recommend 10/10
"İt is near the Turro metro, very easy access to the city center. The hotel and the room itself was clean, family friendly and the nearby street was not that noisy. Breakfast was very good. Staff was friendly and they even left a cute little gift for us:)"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

c-hotels Concorde
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

Porta Garibaldi is a destination travelers like for its art galleries, and you might hop aboard the metro at Via Rosales Tram Stop or V.le M.te Grappa Via Gioia Tram Stop to explore sights like Corso Como.

Porta Garibaldi
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San Marco

If you're spending some time in San Marco, Corriere della Sera and Cerchia dei Navigli are top sights worth seeing.

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 which includes 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 Grattacielo Pirelli or Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Gioia Station or Via Filzi Via Pirelli Tram Stop.

Centro Direzionale
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Porta Nuova

4/5(1 area review)

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