Holidays in Milan

There are cities in the world that you have to look up on purpose. But there are also cities that everyone has heard of and that are simply impossible to overlook. Milan definitely belongs to the latter, with all its architectural splendor, fashion houses, chic shops and a wide variety of gastronomic delights. What else do you need to know about Milan? Actually, this is quite enough, but the city can pleasantly surprise you if you take a closer look at it ;)

What you need to know about Milan

Milan is rightfully considered one of the world’s capitals of fashion, shopping and design: year after year it hosts fashion events of global significance, famous interior design exhibitions and professional conventions that attract specialists and aesthetes from all over the world. In addition, Milan is the main city of the north of the country, an important transport hub, as well as the financial and economic capital of Italy. On top of that, the city is distinguished by an extremely high price level compared not only with many Italian, but also European cities in general. Nevertheless, the city offers plenty of unique places and all kinds of entertainment that you can enjoy even without a large budget.

Where Milan is located

Milan, being the administrative center of the Lombardy region, is located in northern Italy. There are three airports in and around Milan itself — Linate Airport (LIN), used for domestic and European flights, Malpensa International Airport (MXP) in Varese, and Caravaggio Airport (Orio al Serio, BGY) in Bergamo, which mainly serves European low-cost airlines, charter and cargo flights.

When it’s best to go to Milan

As a rule, Milan has above-zero temperatures throughout the year, except for a few frosty days in December and January, when the temperature drops to -4 °C. The average summer temperature ranges from +26 to +30 °C, so, broadly speaking, the city can be visited without much discomfort all year round. The best time for a relaxed holiday, long walks and sightseeing is mid-autumn or early spring, when the air temperature is quite comfortable and the concentration of tourists in the city is minimal.

What to do in Milan

• Go shopping and be sure to visit the “Golden Quadrilateral”, because this is one of the world’s fashion capitals!
• Attend shows during Milan Fashion Week.
• Admire the splendid Milanese cathedrals for which the city is famous.
• Take a trip to Lake Garda, one of the most picturesque places in the country.
• Treat yourself to a cultural promenade through museums and numerous art galleries.
• Simply stroll through the city streets and local parks, armed with coffee and real Italian ice cream.
• Enjoy an evening cocktail at one of the outdoor cafés with high tables on the street.
• Get properly acquainted with Italian cuisine and sample the renowned local products, including famous Italian cheeses and wines.
• Take in the city panorama from the roof of the Duomo.
• See Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper” in person.
• Ride tram No. 1 along the route with the city’s main attractions.
• Listen to an opera performance at La Scala Theatre.
• Take a boat ride along the canals and see Milan from the water.
• Go to a match of one of Europe’s most celebrated football clubs!

Which hotel in Milan to choose

• Ostello Bello
  Small, cozy and very stylish, Ostello Bello is a real magnet for travelers and creative young people. Among its undeniable advantages are a very reasonable pricing policy, three cozy terraces, late breakfasts and extended buffet-style dinners, a cheerful interior, proximity to the metro and all key sights, as well as a bar that is popular with both tourists and locals.
• Starhotels E.c.ho. 4*
  Located just 200 meters from the central railway station, this elegant eco-hotel is a real find for lovers of minimalism, advocates of rational use of natural resources, and travelers planning active shopping in Milan.
• Straf Hotel 4*
  A luxurious, ultra-modern design hotel where it is worth staying if only because it is incredibly beautiful! In addition, the hotel has a 24-hour gym, a great bar with trendy DJs, and a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean and international cuisine. The hotel is located close to one of the central metro stations as well as the city’s main shopping streets.
• Senato Hotel Milano 4*
  Located in the very heart of Milan, in an early 20th-century building, Senato Hotel stands out from many others thanks to its exceptional design and level of service. Guests have at their disposal beautifully appointed rooms with handmade decor, a fitness club, lounge bar, restaurant and much more. This option is ideal for those who plan to actively explore local venues, bars and boutiques.
• Park Hyatt Milan 5*
  Park Hyatt Milan is considered one of the best hotels in the city, and quite deservedly so: on its premises you will find the restaurant VUN Andrea Aprea, awarded two Michelin stars, a spa, an excellent fitness club and a spacious terrace, while its windows offer a stunning view of the city’s historic center.

Where to eat well in Milan

Every country or city has its own list of dishes and drinks that you absolutely have to try. Well, in Italy and, in particular, in Milan, you should try everything! From traditional pizza to signature local schnitzels, from simple street pies to luxurious desserts based on local mascarpone — the list could go on forever. To help you set your priorities in exploring Italian cuisine, we have divided local places into several main categories:

• Bars. Wine bars, beer bars, aperitivo bars: there is every kind of bar here! Be sure to try local wines and beers, as well as cocktails based on Campari or Zucca. You can drop by, for example, Camparino, Bar Basso, Frida or Frizzi e Lazzi.
• All kinds of small restaurants with simple food and a very homely atmosphere. This could be Capra e Cavoli, Trattoria da Pino or Trattoria da Tiberio.
• Pasticcerie and gelaterie, where you can enjoy amazing local desserts, excellent coffee and real Italian ice cream.
• Pizzerias, without which no gourmet tour of Italy can be considered complete! We recommend avoiding pizzerias in heavily touristy areas so as not to spoil your impression.
• Hotel restaurants, which in most cases will delight you with a selection of locally sourced food and drinks.

What to combine a trip to Milan with

Milan has enough interesting places to keep you busy without going anywhere else and without getting bored, but it still makes sense to include a few more interesting points on the map in your itinerary to make your trip even richer in impressions:

• The town of Como with the lake of the same name, renowned for its beauty as well as its lakeside resorts and recreational complexes.
• Turin and the nearby ski resorts of the Dolomite Alps.
• The picturesque corners of Switzerland located not far from the border.
• Verona and Venice, which will help you better experience the romantic side of Italian culture.
• Major Italian cities that are easily accessible by high-speed train and can serve as convenient transit hubs.