You know that feeling when you’re traveling through Europe and suddenly realize you need some serious retail therapy? Well, that’s exactly what happened to us after leaving our disappointing shopping experience at Foxtown Outlet in Lugano, Switzerland. We were craving a proper shopping adventure, and honestly… Milan’s Serravalle Designer Outlet totally delivered.
Let me tell you everything you need to know about visiting this massive outlet mall, because trust me, there are some insider tips that’ll save you both time and money.
Getting to Serravalle Designer Outlet: Location & Transportation
Serravalle Designer Outlet is located about two hours drive from Milan city center. Now, here’s the thing – traffic can be absolutely brutal, especially when you’re trying to leave Milan during peak hours. We drove directly from Lugano with our rental car, which was actually pretty convenient.
But let’s be real… not everyone’s got a rental car, right?
Shuttle Bus Service from Milan
If you’re staying in Milan without a car, there’s a dedicated shuttle bus service that’ll get you there. The shuttle runs twice daily (morning and afternoon), and it costs €25 per person for a round trip.
Now, I’m gonna be straight with you – that’s a decent chunk of change, and you’re basically committing your entire day to this shopping trip. But if you’re serious about luxury shopping at Serravalle Designer Outlet prices, it might be worth it.
You can book your shuttle bus tickets through this link: Serravalle Outlet Day Trip from Milan
Parking Situation at Serravalle
When we arrived, the parking situation was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. The parking area is huge, but with so many visitors, finding a spot takes some patience. We ended up circling around for about 10 minutes before snagging a decent spot.
Oh, and it was one of those drizzly, overcast days – you know the type where you just want to get inside somewhere warm and cozy.
Longchamp Store: The Must-Visit for Handbag Lovers
After that disappointing meal, we headed straight to what everyone told us was the star attraction – the Longchamp store. Apparently, this is where most tourists end up buying their bags, and I can see why.
My mom and sister each picked up a beautiful bag at seriously discounted prices. The selection was impressive, and the staff was helpful without being pushy.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask about tax-free shopping if you’re a tourist! The tax refund makes those already good prices even better.
Gucci Store Experience
Next up was Gucci, because I’d been wanting to upgrade my wallet for ages. The old one was falling apart, and I figured… why not treat myself to something that’ll actually last?
There was a short wait to get into the store (they control the number of people inside), but it moved pretty quickly. Once inside, I was honestly a bit overwhelmed by all the options – bags, clothes, accessories everywhere.
I focused on the men’s wallets, which were generally priced between €200-300. Not exactly cheap, but for Gucci at anSerravalle Designer Outlet? Pretty reasonable. I ended up choosing the most compact, slim design I could find – perfect for someone who hates bulky wallets.
Final Stop: Starbucks for the Road
Before heading back to our Milan accommodation, we made one last stop at Starbucks for an americano. At €2.50, the price was pretty much on par with what we’d pay back home, which felt fair for airport-quality coffee.
Is Serravalle Worth the Trip?
Here’s my honest take: if you’re not super into luxury shopping or designer brands, the time and money investment might not be worth it. My family are not huge shopping enthusiasts ourselves, but we walked away with some quality pieces that we’re still using and loving months later.
For serious shoppers or anyone looking to score authentic designer goods at outlet prices, Serravalle is definitely worth adding to your Milan itinerary.
The variety of brands is impressive, the discounts are real, and if you plan it right, you can make it a fun day trip from Milan. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
