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 P15,206 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P15,206
P17,593 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (826 reviews)
"The area is not far but not comfy to walk"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Hotel Viu Milan, a Member of Design Hotels
c-hotels Atlantic
c-hotels Atlantic
4 out of 5
Via Napo Torriani, 24, Milan, MI
The price is P9,136 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P9,136
P10,917 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (155 reviews)
"very convenient hotel and very kind staff"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

c-hotels Atlantic
ibis Milano Centro
ibis Milano Centro
3 out of 5
Via Finocchiaro Aprile Camillo 2, Milan, MI
The price is P5,649 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P5,649
P6,995 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,148 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed and a reasonable sized room. Nice bar and reception area where you can socialise."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

ibis Milano Centro
Rosa Grand Milano
Rosa Grand Milano
4 out of 5
P.za Fontana 3, Milan, MI
The price is P15,769 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P15,769
P18,213 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Such a great place, lovely area and the staff is very warm and friendly. My husband forgot his Canada Goose jacket and called from the airport and they were so willing to help and ship to NY! A block from Duomo, around the corner are shops and cafes. Cleaning service was daily and plenty of options ..."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2025

Rosa Grand Milano
Milan Suite Hotel
Milan Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Varesina 124, Milan, MI
The price is P11,027 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P11,027
P12,997 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Milan. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
"Great room. Really nice hotel, but very few options too eat close to the property."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Milan Suite Hotel
UNA HOTELS Galles Milano
UNA HOTELS Galles Milano
4 out of 5
Piazza Lima 2, Milan, MI
The price is P8,504 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P8,504
P10,222 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Milan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice place very close to public transport."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

UNA HOTELS Galles 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

Piazza Gae Aulenti showing street scenes and a fountain as well as a couple

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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

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San Marco
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Tre Torri

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Tre Torri
Pinacoteca di Brera featuring heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

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

Magenta

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I thought that this building was fascinating.  It is like a vertical garden.

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Centro Direzionale

Chinatown