Milan, a city of fashion and design. But for travelers, one of the biggest concerns is often, ‘Where can I buy stylish souvenirs?’ From exquisite Italian gourmet foods and inexpensive, cute sweets perfect for ‘bara-maki’ (shareable gifts), to classic sundry goods, the ideal shops vary greatly depending on your purpose and budget.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected 5 highly recommended shopping and supermarket spots in Milan that you absolutely must visit during your city stroll. From real supermarkets beloved by locals to historic confectioneries favored by royalty, we’ll thoroughly explain each store’s ‘unique appeal’ and ‘smart shopping tips’.
Giovanni Galli
📍 Address: Via Victor Hugo, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
If you’re looking for ‘the ultimate souvenir for someone special’ in Milan, the historic confectionery ‘Giovanni Galli’, founded in 1911, is an absolute must-visit. With a brilliant history that once earned it a royal warrant from the House of Savoy, stepping inside feels like walking onto a classic, elegant movie set.
The store’s signature item is its ‘marrons glacés’. Their exquisite flavor is unlike anything found in Japan; with a subtle hint of liquor, the rich aroma of chestnuts, and a perfect sweetness, they’re rumored to be so delicious you could eat them endlessly. Besides the most popular classic marrons glacés wrapped in golden paper, the chocolate-coated version is also irresistible.
For those who feel overwhelmed by the variety, we recommend a combination of the two classic marrons glacés and the ‘physalis chocolate’ (or ‘truffle chocolate’), which is highly praised in reviews. If you purchase 10 or more, they will be beautifully packed in an exclusive box with an elegant ribbon. Its location, just a short walk from the luxury supermarket ‘PECK’ near the Duomo, makes it perfect for a gourmet souvenir hunt.
Eataly
📍 Address: P.za XXV Aprile, 10, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
‘Eataly’ brings together high-quality ingredients from all over Italy under one roof. While there are stores in Japan, ‘Eataly Milano Smeraldo’ near Porta Garibaldi station in Milan is on a completely different scale. This location was created by renovating the ‘Teatro Smeraldo’, where legendary artists once performed live. A stage, a remnant of its past, remains inside, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and dining while listening to live music – truly a ‘theme park of food and entertainment’.
The colossal three-story interior boasts a selection of goods so vast it feels like an endless department store basement. The first floor is lined with classic souvenirs like chocolates, panettone, olive oil, pasta sauces, and anchovy paste. Their original cute eco-bags are also highly popular among tourists. In the basement, there’s an overwhelming wine cellar, a paradise for wine lovers.
During your shopping, take a break at the gelato corner on the first floor or enjoy an Aperol and snack set, which is the local way. Sales are occasionally held, offering chances to get gourmet ingredients at a bargain. Tax-free forms can also be issued in-store, making it very convenient for bulk purchases.
Esselunga
📍 Address: Viale Luigi Sturzo, 13, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
For those who find ‘Eataly appealing but a bit concerned about tourist-oriented pricing,’ or who ‘want to buy a lot of ‘bara-maki’ (shareable) souvenirs for colleagues,’ we wholeheartedly recommend ‘Esselunga,’ Italy’s long-established large supermarket chain.
This particular store, located within walking distance from Milan Central Station and Garibaldi Station, boasts a massive sales floor extending underground. It’s a true hub of local life where residents regularly fill their carts with groceries. As such, you can find all kinds of ingredients at ‘local prices.’ Especially not to be missed are their private label products, renowned for being affordable and high-quality. The impressive lineup of pastas from various manufacturers and shapes, sweets like cookies and chocolates perfect for ‘bara-maki’ gifts, and affordable yet delicious wines is truly remarkable.
They also feature a system where you can scan items as you shop using a dedicated barcode reader at the entrance, then quickly check out at self-service registers, allowing for smart shopping with a local feel. The surrounding area is a modern district with stores like UNIQLO and Muji, making it ideal for a stop during your city stroll.
Milan Leo Souvenirs
📍 Address: Kiosk inside Sempione Park, behind Sforza Castle, V.le Gadio, 3/C01, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
This is a small kiosk-style souvenir shop located within the vast ‘Sempione Park,’ often called Milan’s oasis, specifically behind Sforza Castle. While souvenir shops in tourist areas often have a reputation for being ‘expensive and having indifferent service,’ this place is an exception.
The warm and friendly service of the staff is highly praised in reviews; you’ll be greeted with a smile the moment you step inside. The shop is filled with unique and high-quality items that perfectly capture the essence of Milan, such as keychains, magnets, and T-shirts, and the prices are surprisingly fair and affordable.
It’s a perfect location for a casual stop during a stroll, but due to its small size, there might be admission restrictions like ‘up to 3 people at a time’ when large groups, such as school trips, visit to prevent overcrowding. Take your time and leisurely search for treasures after visiting the castle.
Algani Souvenirs
📍 Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 11/12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
This shop is your last-minute savior when you think, ‘On my last day in Milan, I really need just a few more classic souvenirs!’ It boasts an unbeatable, super convenient location right next to the entrance of the magnificent ‘Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,’ the grand arcade facing Duomo Square and leading to La Scala Theatre.
Once a store selling American comics and more, it has now become a typical souvenir shop offering all kinds of gifts and Milan merchandise. The small shop, blending into the surrounding luxurious architecture, is packed with postcards and small items.
However, as it’s located in a prime spot with the highest concentration of tourists in Milan, prices are generally quite high. Furthermore, some travelers report the checkout service can be very dry or encounter issues due to the crowds. Rather than shopping leisurely here, it’s wise to consider it as ‘paying for the convenience of time and location’ and use it when you want to quickly grab a keepsake from your Milan trip.
Tips for Smart Souvenir Shopping in Milan
The biggest secret to successful shopping in Milan is ‘using different stores for different purposes.’ For formal gifts for superiors or special treats for yourself, head to specialty stores like ‘Giovanni Galli’ or ‘Eataly.’ And if you’re looking for sweets to distribute in large quantities to colleagues or friends, don’t hesitate to visit a local supermarket like ‘Esselunga’.
Also, plastic bags are almost always charged for at Italian supermarkets. A smart traveler’s trick is to first buy a cute original eco-bag at Eataly or similar, and then use it as your shopping bag throughout your stay. Understand the location and characteristics of each store, and enjoy your Milan shopping to the fullest!
