Paralympic Winter Games – March 6–15, 2026

Why now?

Event Dates: March 6–15, 2026

Post-Winter Olympics buzz; Italy is a top luxury booking destination for 2026 and Milan accommodation demand is well up year-on-year as the Paralympic Winter Games arrive in the city for the first time.

Venues in Milan, Cortina, Verona

How we help

• ✓Filter for 24/7 staffed reception and well-lit entrances
• ✓Neighbourhood safety tips and area guidance
• ✓Free cancellation options so you stay flexible
• ✓Stays reviewed and rated by women travellers

What Milan is known for

• •The Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• •La Scala opera house
• •Design and fashion districts (Brera, Quadrilatero della Moda)
• •Navigli canal-side nightlife

Where to stay – neighbourhood guide

Solo female safety tips for Paralympic Winter Games

• ✓Pickpocketing is the most common issue for tourists — especially on Metro line M1/M3 and around the Duomo. Use a zipped crossbody bag worn in front in crowds.
• ✓Use FreeNow, itTaxi, or the official white taxis with meters. Do not accept rides from drivers soliciting at Milano Centrale.
• ✓For the Paralympic venues, buy ATM transit passes in advance via the ATM Milano app — avoid ticket-machine queues where scammers sometimes operate.
• ✓Restaurants: a 10% coperto/service charge is often already included — check the bill before adding a tip.
• ✓March evenings are cold (5–10°C). Well-lit routes are fine, but empty side streets feel colder and quieter — rideshare after 10pm.

Getting there and around

Milan has two main airports: Malpensa (MXP, 50 min from centre) and Linate (LIN, 15 min from centre). The Malpensa Express train runs every 30 minutes to Cadorna and Centrale stations and is the safest low-cost option. Linate is now connected to the metro via line M4, which runs directly to the city centre. Within the city, the ATM metro is clean, reliable and the safest way to reach Paralympic venues in Santa Giulia (M3 to Rogoredo or M5 to San Donato, then shuttle).

Frequently asked questions

When is the Milan Paralympics 2026?

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games run from March 6 to March 15, 2026, with events split between Milan (opening ceremony, ice sports at PalaItalia Santa Giulia) and the Cortina / Valtellina mountain venues. If you want to see both the opening and the mountain events, plan on a full week.

Is Milan safe for solo female travellers during the Paralympics?

Milan is generally safe for solo women — the bigger risk during major events is pickpocketing in crowded areas, not violent crime. Stay central (Brera, Porta Nuova, Duomo area), use zipped bags, buy transit passes in advance, and stick to the metro or official taxis for late returns from venues.

Where should I stay for the Paralympics?

For ice events at PalaItalia Santa Giulia, staying along the M3 (yellow) or M5 (lilac) metro lines — Porta Nuova, Brera, or central Duomo — puts you 20–30 minutes from the venue with reliable late-night metro service during the Games. If you're attending opening ceremony at San Siro, hotels near the M5 (Lilla line) are faster.

How do I get from Malpensa Airport to central Milan safely?

Use the Malpensa Express train, which runs every 30 minutes between Malpensa Terminal 1 and both Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale stations. Journey time is around 50 minutes, trains are well-lit and staffed, and tickets cost a fraction of airport taxi fares. Avoid unofficial drivers offering rides in arrivals.

Do I need to speak Italian?

English is widely spoken at Milan hotels, major restaurants and transit information counters, and all Paralympic venues will have multilingual signage and staff. Learning a few basics (buongiorno, grazie, scusi) is appreciated but not required.