Milan Hotels

Milan is not only the largest city in Italy’s Lombardy region, but it’s also one of the most powerful. Aside from its major fashion street-cred and non-stop nightlife, it’s the Italian base for international corporations and industries, as well as thriving hubs of business and general ka-ching. Plus, it’s the home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan (football teams, in case you didn’t know). A trip to the San Siro stadium on match day isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the atmosphere is extraordinary!

And speaking of extraordinary, history-rich Milan is filled with some of the most incredible architecture you are ever likely to encounter. Truly. Il Duomo alone will enchant and amaze, and the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio is bound to hold you spellbound. To indulge your other senses, La Scala is the world’s most famous opera house, while a day trip out to nearby Lake Como will produce jaw-dropping vistas (and the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the world’s most famous people).

But the jewel in Milan’s glittering crown is surely Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Adorning a wall in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, it’s street art at its best. On the other hand, it’s also the painting that inspired The Da Vinci Code. Damn you, Milan!

MILAN’S TOP 10

MILAN LOCAL

Porta Venezia

Cameras to the ready in Milan’s most architecturally pleasing district. The Palazzo Saporiti, Palazzo Castiglioni, Palazzo Serbelloni and Villa Reale are all beautiful palaces on huge grounds. Then once you’ve has your fill of domes and arches, hit up the Museum of Natural History (Museo di Storia Naturale), which may look like just another palace, but actually holds some of Italy’s most important treasures. This area is home to a big African population, so expect a good feed and a unique nightlife.

Brera

Arty types will appreciate Brera’s cultural vibe as well as the number of art galleries scattered throughout. The Brera Art Gallery and Brera Picture Gallery both house a variety of ancient and contemporary paintings and sculptures, and see plenty of tourists on a daily basis. This area is also home to the Brera Botanic Garden, an exquisite display of flora on lush grounds.

Quadralitero della Moda

If you’ve got the taste (and budget) for expensive Italian brands and glamour, this place will make you very, very happy. This is one of the swankiest shopping districts in the entire city (which is obviously saying something) and where you’ll find a number of high-profile malls including Via Verri (McQueen, Burberry & Gucci) and Via Borgospesso (Versace & Armani). If you’re going to splurge on fashion, you may as well do it here.

Porta Sempione

Simplon Park, Milan’s main park, is located in this district and while it’s always buzzing with people, it’s still a great place to relax and re-group (particularly after a hefty shopping session at the Quad). Head to the top of the Torre Branca for an extraordinary city view. Once finished in the park, visit Sforza Castle, a mammoth, neoclassical building steeped in history and filled with masses of sculptures, statutes (including the last one completed by Michelangelo) and art.

MILAN EAT & DRINK

MILAN EVENTS

A popular antique market finds it’s home along the Navigli canal on the last Sunday of every month. Practice your haggling skills and bag yourself a vintage treat. Make sure it’s worth lugging home, though.

Early to mid-June sees Milan Food Week take the city on a food-fuelled extravaganza. Restaurants, bars, galleries and other venues throughout Milan are brought alive with the aid of fine food and wine, as well as music and even debates (food is important to Italians, OK?).

Milano Jazzin’ Festival (July/August) really ought to get itself a new name as it’s not purely a festival of jazz. Pop, world and folk tunes are just some of the other genres that pull in the crowds at this music fiesta. Grab some food and dance like nobody’s watching.

Men, if you’ve got some kissing up to do, we suggest you hit up Bijoux if you’re in Milan during the month of September. This jewellery and accessory event showcases jewellery of all budgets and styles.

Milan Fashion Week and Milano Pret-a-Porter in September are iconic fashion events known all over the world. You won’t get access to shows thrown by the likes of Gucci, Prada and D&G, but you will be able to loiter around and check out the celebs and fashionistas who’ve fallen off the wagon.

WHEN TO GO

Milan has a very hot and humid summer, so try to avoid visiting from June to August. Also, if you’re not keen on shopping during heavy rains, steer clear of visiting around October/November.

Winter: Average of 5°C (41°F)

Spring: Average of 19°C (66°F)

Summer: Average of 28°C (82°F)

Autumn: Average of 13°C (55°F)

WHAT TO MISS

Milan is rife with street vendors who pressure tourists into buying their obviously fake designer wares and string bracelets. If they manage to get your attention, they won’t hesitate to slap a bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment. Be firm, but not rude, and ignore them when possible. This tends to mostly occur in tourist-heavy areas around Il Duomo.

Despite its popularity and the buzz of people, Milan’s Central Station is often the site of crime. Always make sure you’re surrounded by crowds and come and go via the main gates. Also, try to avoid being the area at night. Loreto and Porta di Mare are also iffy after dark.

GETTING AROUND

The Milan Metro is the biggest subway system in the country and will get you where you want to go and fast. Fares are pretty cheap, too.

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