About

Although not Italy’s capital city, Milan is Italy’s economic capital and is the country’s undisputed business centre. Milan is an unexpected gem that also features in the list of Europe’s most visited cities; and for good reason!

People who are not well acquainted with the city might be tempted to easily dismiss it a as “Industrial” place, architecturally it certainly cannot compete with other Italian cities such as: Rome or Florence, but don’t let this put you off; Milan is a vibrant and exciting city like no other; it offers an abundance of some of the best historical treasures a city could hope to offer; world-class cultural sites, splendid buildings, some of the world’s best shopping, as well as a great nightlife!

The city is strategically located in northern Italy; 45 minutes away from the stunning Italian lakes which can be reached by train or car in less than an hour; the alps are also an easy drive away and on a clear winter’s day can be seen in the distance from some vantage points.

The Italian Riviera and stunning beaches are also within reach, less than 2.5 hours away, including the UNESCO world heritage site of the “Cinque Terre”. Sports lovers will be familiar with the city’s 2 world famous teams: AC Milan and Inter Milan and the famous San Siro stadium – where key football games are held and key championships are fought.

Fashion lovers will know Milan is considered to be a by-word for style and elegance and is one of the world’s undisputed leading fashion capitals.

Things to see and do

•The Duomo (The city’s iconic and must see Cathedral)
•Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (The covered shopping arcade with intricate mosaics)
•Leonardo’s “Last supper” frescos (In the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church) – book a well slot in advance online
•Castello Sforzesco (Castle in the centre of the city)
•Cimitero Monumentale (The Cemetery with stunning tomb stones that are akin to an open air museum)
•Teatro alla Scala (Milan’s world famous opera house)
•Palazzo Reale (Literally: The Royal palace – site of some world class exhibitions)
Check-out the latest exhibitions during your stay, as these do change regularly and often feature the work of major artists
•Stazione Centrale (central station and one of the main “1st points of entry and departure” in the city)
•“Il Pirellone” (Iconic Pirelli tower, next to the Stazione Centrale.
•“I Navigli” – Area around historic canals in the south of the city full of life, restaurants and bars especially in the summer
•Pinacoteca di Brera – Famous and extensive fine art/painting gallery, in one of Milan’s most prestigious neighbourhoods
•Leonardo’s horse – replica of original work of art that can be seen by going outside the city limits
•Torre Branca – One of the highest viewing platforms, next to the Just Cavalli Bar, gives a great vantage point of the city.

Getting to and from

Milan is served by 3 airports; two of which are actually considered to be Milanese airports, the first; Bergamo, a low cost airport in a totally different city but as close as the main International Milan airport; Malpensa airport to be useful for access to Milan itself. The other airport, the closest to the centre is called Linate airport and is Milan’s city airport only a few kilometres from the city centre. By contracts, Malpensa and Bergamo are approx 50 kilometres away and can be extremely expensive to reach by taxi.