Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, nicknamed Salotto di Milano (Milan’s drawing room), is the oldest active shopping gallery in Italy.
Practical details
- Name: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hours: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele opens round the clock. Its highlight attraction, The Highline Galleria, opens daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Tickets and prices
You can enter the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele for free. However, to enter Highline Galleria, you must have a ticket.
For visitors above the age of 25, tickets cost approximately €12, while for visitors under the age of 25 or visitors over the age of 65, tickets cost around €9.60. Children under the age of 14 can enter for free.
Why should I visit?
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a truly beautiful building. You’ll find high-end dining, celebrity chef eateries, classic white-tablecloth restaurants, iconic pubs which come to life in the evening, and luxury brand boutiques, including the very first Prada store which opened in 1913. The views are also well worth a trip to the Highline walkway on the mall’s rooftop. Even if you aren’t interested in shopping it’s worth walking through to admire the intricate gold and glass design.
How to get to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
By train or bus
Take the Line 3 subway train to Milan Duomo station or the M2 M3 bus to Via Larga. Milan Duomo and Via Larga are both just 5 minutes on foot from the drawing room of Italy.
By taxi
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to one of the gallery’s four entrances. The taxi app FREE NOW is widely used and easy to download.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay close by, check out hotels near Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Background of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was designed by Guiessepe Mengoni. Named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the kingdom of Italy, this landmark’s construction began in 1865 and came to an end two years later.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, it was popular with the city’s elite. In the late 1960s, it was a key point for radical student demonstrations and rallies. Today, it’s a well-maintained attraction that’s perfect for leisurely strolling and shopping.
Who should visit?
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to retail shops, high-end boutiques, cafes, and rest areas. Ideal for anyone who wants to catch their breath and do some shopping after checking out the Duomo. It is also suitable for architectural enthusiasts, as it is one of the few remaining iconic Renaissance Revival-style buildings.
Should I book in advance?
The store itself doesn’t require any booking. However, the Highline Galleria is a popular attraction and its limited tickets are in demand. Booking in advance will help you to avoid missing out.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is before 12:00 pm on weekdays. The shopping arcade is busiest on weekends, especially Saturdays, and also on weekdays, between 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Its high season is usually between June and August.
Is it accessible?
You can count on having a smooth experience at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele if you have mobility limitations. It features step-free entrances, sidewalk ramps, and service by several accessible tour providers in Milan.
Top tip for a first-time visitor
While visiting the centre, partake in the Milanese tradition of spinning on the bull’s balls. Believed to bring the spinner good luck, this practice occurs on the tile image of a prancing bull at the centre of the mall.
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Find more things to do in Milan.
Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 14.06.2023 and may vary with time.
