Milan

Milan, Italy

Milan is all about design and high fashion, so the range of shops and trendy bars can be almost overwhelming. But Milan also boasts the impressive Duomo cathedral, da Vinci’s "Last Supper" and the simple neighbourhood restaurants where no long lunch is complete without ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese. Take a lesson in elegance from the city's fashion-conscious denizens, and let the glitz and glamour of Milan overwhelm your senses.

Population:

approx. 1.4 million

Currency:

1 Euro, € = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Fire brigade: 115
Medical: 118
Police: 112

Opening Hours:

Shops in Milan are usually open 9:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 20:00, with some variations depending on the time of year. Large department stores and some of the famous fashion houses are usually open all day.

Newspapers:

Hello Milano
Easy Milan
La Repubblica
Corriere della Sera

The City

Milan was founded by Celtic tribes around 600 B.C. When the Romans conquered the city, it was renamed "Mediolanum"—the land in the middle. Thanks to Milan’s strategic location in the middle of the fertile Po River valley, it quickly became an important centre for trade in the Roman Empire. Later, it also became its western capital.

Today, Milan is the second largest city in Italy. Almost everything in Milan revolves around the fashion industry. Most famous designers and fashion houses tend to be located in the city—the area around Via Monte Napoleone and Via Della Spiga is the heart and home to many fashion industry flagship stores. Centro Storico is where many of the city’s famous sights are located, including the Duomo and La Scala Opera. Navigli, by the canals, is another exciting neighbourhood famous for its nightlife, while Brera is an artsy enclave.

Do & See

The best way to understand how Milan is laid out is to take a ride on one of the trams. Route 1 runs from the main train station, via Piazza Cairoli to Castello Sforzesco and is probably the best choice. But many other routes also offer good views of the city, so jump on and let it take you on a tour of the city's best sights and attractions.

Dining

Milan has a large selection of restaurants, from strict sushi eateries to top-class establishments, where the corporate credit card reigns supreme. As is often the case in Italy, the best dining experience is usually at less extravagant restaurants and trattorias serving local and national specialities.

Cafes

In Italy, gelato is eaten just as religiously as pasta. It’s not only Italy’s delicious answer to ice cream — it is a way of life. Accompany yours with a strong espresso or cappuccino for the full Milan cafe experience.