When it comes to associating cities with calcio, Milan tops the list – every time.

Home to two of Italy’s most storied clubs – and its most incredible stadium in the form of San Siro – there is so much to do and see that you will probably be booking your next visit before you leave.

But for those with a small window, and one eye on kick-off time, here’s a few pointers on how to get the most out of Milan on matchday.

Stay in… CityLife 

Milan’s commercial district is an ideal location for those in town with calcio in mind. Its links to trade and recent residential facelift means there are a range of options when it comes to accommodation, from reasonable rates offered by apartment rentals or B&Bs, to more business-class comfort. 

Some hotel rooms will even come with their own view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium itself, with San Siro just a 30-minute stroll away. And if that sounds like too much in the late summer heat – or winter frost – then the metro line straight to the ground is easily accessible from Lotto or Amendola. 

Go and see… Piazza del Duomo

If it’s your first time in Milan, then heading to Duomo isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. The city’s most iconic landmark at its centre, the piazza is always bustling with locals and tourists, and is the go-to spot for Inter and Milan supporters whenever their side has something to celebrate (or even if they don’t, as Destination Calcio discovered in May).

You can even scale the cathedral if heights are your thing, and get a closer look at the Madonnina – the golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the structure which gives its name to the rivalry between the city’s two clubs. 

Grab food at… Altrimenti 

Milan is a city that takes food seriously, whether that’s grabbing a slice of pizza to go or the full five-course culinary experience. 

One such place that can offer the latter is Altrimenti, a Michelin-star kitchen on Via Monte Bianco – a 20-minute trip from the stadium. Priding itself on sourcing quality ingredients and keeping its menu seasonal, the restaurant’s dining area cuts through the pomp that can come with Michelin recognition, with 76 prints that line the walls bringing a contemporary feel to the space. 

If it’s on-the-go you are looking for though, then stick around a little longer at Duomo to find Luini. The bakery is famed for its panzerotti – tomato sauce and oozing mozzarella fried in dough. Just be prepared to join queues that can spread back onto the piazza. 

Get the pre-match buzz at… San Siro 

When visiting San Siro – that’s the area as opposed to the ground itself – there is no better place to soak up the atmosphere than at the stadium.

Food stalls and merchandise trucks line the roads all the way up to the imposing concrete structure – one of the most iconic sights in calcio. 

It’s worth taking every chance to admire it from up close – and doing so with a birra and panino alongside tens of thousands of fans is the way to do it. 

Toast victory in… Navigli 

One of the city’s most picturesque locations, the canal system to the south of the centre is an enticing sight day or night. 

Lined with bars and restaurants on both sides, here you will often find away fans soaking up the atmosphere before those early autumn Champions League evenings – with its aperitivo options tough to beat.

With bars usually open until 2am, there’s a chance to nip back for one after full-time, too.