As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold across northern Italy, athletes settling into the Milan Olympic Village are finding an environment that mixes elite competition with everyday Italian habits. From food and furnishings to small cultural details, daily life inside the village is becoming part of the Olympic story.
The Milan Olympic Village is hosting more than 1,500 athletes and team staff from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22. Rooms are modern and practical, with reliable Wi-Fi, multiple power outlets, and generous storage for sports equipment.
One of the most appreciated features has been the beds, widely considered a clear improvement over the cardboard-style beds used at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Athletes have reported better sleep quality and greater overall comfort, a key factor during demanding competition schedules.
Bathrooms have also drawn attention, particularly the presence of bidets. Common in Italy but unfamiliar to many visitors, they have sparked curiosity, jokes, and online discussions among first-time users. Along with this, athletes have noticed other everyday Italian gestures that feel new to them. Simple habits such as greeting staff with hand movements, expressive body language during conversations, and the instinctive shrug or open-handed gesture used to emphasize a point have quickly become part of daily interactions inside the village.
Food has been another highlight. After criticism aimed at previous Olympic dining services, organizers focused heavily on quality and variety. In Milan, up to 4,500 meals are served every day. Menus are centered on Italian staples such as pizza, pasta, risotto, polenta, vegetables, and grilled meats, alongside international dishes and options for specific dietary needs. High-carbohydrate meals are especially popular, with pizza ranking among the most requested items. Feedback suggests satisfaction levels are high, with significantly fewer complaints than in past Games.
Outside the village, Milan itself has left a strong impression. When competition schedules allow, athletes have explored the city’s historic landmarks, fashion districts, and lively neighborhoods. From the Duomo to the Navigli canals, the mix of history, design, and street life adds a distinctive backdrop to the Games.
As events continue across multiple venues, the Milan Olympic Village is proving that comfort, food, cultural habits, and even expressive gestures can shape the athlete experience. For many competitors, these details will remain as memorable as the results on the slopes and rinks.
