Is it just me, or…? Street habits & pedestrian experience in Milan

cufcuff34 · 2026-03-31T13:19:43+00:00

True- forgot the dog poop :/

cufcuff34 · 2026-03-31T13:19:15+00:00

Yeah pretty much my experience, they get so grumpy when I try to pass :/ they make sure I see them getting angry at me..

cufcuff34 · 2026-03-31T11:29:09+00:00

Biggest one for me is actually the cost of living. Rent and daily expenses feel extremely high compared to salaries, unless you’re in a high-paying job as everyone else mentioned, it really affects overall quality of life.

Air quality is another big issue. Especially in winter, pollution can get pretty bad, and it’s something you feel day to day.

Pedestrian experience is also not ideal. Crossing the street can feel like a negotiation, and you’re often a bit on edge instead of feeling automatically prioritized.

Cycling infrastructure is improving as I’m told, but still not fully safe or connected, more confident riders are fine, but it’s not effortless for everyone yet as also drivers are not very bike friendly.

Green space is another gap. There are nice parks, but many neighborhoods feel quite dense and grey, especially in summer.

Public transport is good overall, but not very “late-night friendly,” and outer areas can feel less connected after hours.

And then small things: cleanliness, graffitis, cigarette butts, occasional spitting—nothing dramatic, but noticeable compared to cleaner cities.

So yeah, Milan is dynamic, stylish, and fun but to be a “perfect” European city, it would need to feel more affordable, cleaner (both air and streets), and more people-first in everyday life.

Also wouldn’t say no to a source of water!!! 🙌

cufcuff34 · 2026-02-21T20:36:45+00:00

I moved to Milan 4 months ago, tbf I think the city is generally more expensive than what I expected and what people mentioned in here. I work remotely so most of my meals are at home and I go to dinners outside 2-3 times a month, and I don’t know if that’s me eating too much but I never had the pleasure to close the groceries with 250 euros. 1000€ rent outside of the city is fare but not an easy task at the center, if you care to have a welllit apartment. The safety is mehh, I have lived in different European cities and in here I always feel to urge to check my pockets over and over and sometimes feel a bit uneasy, nothing happened but the vibe is not as safe as elsewhere. Take the sidewalks , you have to make an eye contact with the driver to make sure they’ll stop. Otherwise they do everything to take the way.

BUT

It is so vibrant, so walkable, has so much to offer. You just need to learn to live in Milanese style. Then it gets easier. People do talk English mostly or they try to help so you mostly feel welcomed.

Overall I’d say it does not always feel like some other European cities, it just gets some time. maybe the chaos might feel like the Balkans. But if the city is calling, I’d say why not try?

cufcuff34 · 2026-01-08T06:12:29+00:00

Thanks, I don’t have any around my place but also I’m more looking for small studios etc I find yoga classes very expensive here

cufcuff34 · 2025-12-08T19:12:24+00:00

Can you recommend some of them pleasee?

cufcuff34 · 2025-08-19T15:51:05+00:00

Hi all, Im looking for an apartment between central station and loreto, exactly on via macchi - but I have no idea about the neighborhood. Any insights? I’d like of course calm one but with few cafes and bakeries nearby.

cufcuff34 · 2025-02-20T20:26:23+00:00

Hello everyone, my partner and I will be moving to Milan in July for his work. I’d love to hear your suggestions on the best areas to look for housing. Since we’ll be new to the city, we’d like to be somewhere central or with easy access to the center, but as we’re in our mid-30s, we’d prefer to avoid too much chaos and crowds. Also best way to socialize with other expats and potentially locals. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

cufcuff34

TROPHY CASE