Travel to Milan Italy

              Milano  

Milano is financially the most important city in Italy. It has the second most populous city proper in the country, but sits at the centre of Italy's largest urban and metropolitan area. The city has rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan business capital. In essence, for a tourist, what makes Milan interesting compared to other places is that the city is more about the lifestyle of enjoying worldly pleasures: a paradise for shopping, football, opera, and nightlife. Milan remains the marketplace for Italian fashion – fashion aficionados, supermodels and international paparazzi descend upon the city for its spring and autumn fairs. Do not get fooled by the modern aspect of the city, since it is one of the most ancient cities in Europe with centuries of history and heritage.

Milan is famous for its wealth of historical and modern sights - the Duomo, one of the biggest and grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world, La Scala, one of the best established opera houses in the globe, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an ancient and glamorous arcaded shopping gallery, art gallery, with some of the finest artistic works in Europe, the Pirelli tower, a majestic example of 1960s modernist Italian architecture. The San Siro, a huge and famed stadium, a grand medieval castle and the UNESCO's World Heritage Site Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica, it has one of the world's most famous paintings: Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

History -:

If Rome represents the "old" Italy, Milan represents the "new" Italy. Milan is the most modern of all Italian cities. At first sight, Milan looks like a bustling and relatively stylish metropolis, with a good number of grand palaces and fine churches in the centre, but might seem like a slightly prosaic, soulless and business-orientated place. It can be quite rainy, grey and foggy, and some of the buildings, ancient or modern, have quite a severe appearance. Whilst there are a lot of parks, Milan looks as if it has very little greenery, and apart from the very well-kept historic part, many areas are indeed quite scruffy and dirty.  Milan unlike most usually historical European cities which throw the sights in your face requires quite a lot of exploring - take it as it is, and you might enjoy its fashionable glitter and business-like modernity, but might find it not very "captivating". If you spend time, though, strolling through less well known areas such as the chic Berra district, the lively University quarter, or some of the smaller churches and buildings, Differences between Rome and Milan are evident from several proverbs, such as an Italian saying about the differences of the two cities which roughly translates, "Rome is a voluptuous woman whose gifts are very apparent, while Milan is the shy, demure girl whose treasures are plentiful, but discovered in time.

When to travel -:

Milan, depending on how you want to tour the city, is a rewarding visit all the year. Keep in mind most places, including tourist destinations and museums.

In winter the city can become cold and the weather is usually foggy and rainy if not snowy. The city in the few weeks before Christmas becomes delightful to visit.

In spring, the weather is similar to that of autumn. The city is also quite nice to visit at Carnival, where people dress up and celebrate, and during Easter, where there are special services held in churches and some special events.

In summer the weather is extremely hot and humid, with the odd powerful rainstorm here and there. Whilst in July, apart from the weather, most shops remain open in August as many locals go off to take their summer holidays many businesses and venues shut down. The city may become quite empty.

How to reach-:

By plane -:

Milan has two main international air gateways, Linate airport and Malpensa airport. Milan's additional airports, Bergamo’s Orio al Serio airport (45km East) and Parma airport (100km South) mostly host budget airlines.

By train -:

The main railway station is the Central Station which is served by Trenitalia the State Railways. Regular express and fast trains serve all Italian cities,  The station area is not in a great part of town at night though in the area there are a number of decent budget hotels and some business-oriented international brand hotels. In general the area south of the station is a business and local government center almost deserted at night. 

By car -:

The main motorways linking Milan to the rest of Italy are:

A1, the Autostrada del Sol, a six-lane motorway linking Milan .

A4 Westbound, a six-lane motorway linking Milan to Turin, the Westyern Alps and France.

A4 Eastbound, the Autostrada Serenissima, an eight-lane motorway linking Milan to padua and venice and further to Slovenia.

A7, a six-lane motorway linking Milan to Genoa the Ligurian Riviera and the Cinque terre.

A8, the Autostrada dei Laghi  an eight-lane motorway linking Milan to Switzerland.

A9, a four-lane motorway linking Milan to Varese and Western Ticino in Switzerland

The main highway operating company is Società Autostrade per l'Italia .

By bus -:

ATM operates a public transport network which is pretty .Single tickets are available from news-stands, tabaccherie , bars and automatic ticket machines in metro stations. 24 hr tickets you must have a valid ticket before boarding a bus or tram. Tickets are not sold on board and you will not find a self-service ticket machine at bus and tram stop. You need to buy a valid ticket from one of the places listed above. Single tickets which you can use them on as many trams and buses as you like, for one metro ride and for one ride on the urban part of a suburban train. If you have first used a single ticket on a bus or tram, you must also validate it when you enter the metro or before taking the urban part of the suburban train.

By Metro -:

The Metro has a big white M on a red background as a logo and has four lines, each commonly identified by a color as shown below, and is the best way to get around Milan. The lines are: MM1, red; MM2, green; MM3, yellow; MM5, violet. The subway network is rather extended.

By tram -:

Run above-ground on rail lines running through the streets. Milan is par excellence the city of trams. It is the second city in the world for tramway lines extension.  They are a true symbol of Milan just like red double Decker bus is for London. Being above ground means you get a view of what you're passing, so if you don't need to go far, they're convenient and fun. Some tram lines are run by yellow or orange antique traditional carriages with wooden paneling inside and glass chandeliers. The most important historical trams are the "series 1500" type. They survived to the WWII bombings and are still now in perfect conditions. Since their historical value no retirement option is even considered for these tram types.

Walking -:

Walking is definitely a possibility. Many of the main tourist attractions are within an easy and pleasant walk from one another.  Several tourist hot spots, such as the Corso Vittorio Emanuele have been made pedestrian, so walking shouldn't be a problem. No matter how hot the day, one will see elegantly dressed people of both sexes in timeless fashion without a drop of sweat. There are many places to sit  from the ubiquitous cafes, especially in the parks .As the roads do not always maintain a straight lineits better to  get a decent map of the city before setting out.

Where to Travel-:

Museum -:

Milan offers the visitor a large variety of art museums, mainly of Italian Renaissance and Baroque.

Pinacoteca di Brera -: 

A world class museum with importance comparable with the Madrid's El Prado or the Paris' Louvre. One of Italy's most important art collections and one of the foremost collections of Italian paintings. Shows masterpiece and art Icon like "the Kiss" by Francesco Hayez, the "Lamentation of Christ" by Mantegna and the "Supper at Emmaus" by Caravaggio or the "Marriage of the Virgin" by Raphael.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana -: 

Historical library that also houses the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana art gallery. It is a must see and shows the world famous "Basket of fruits" of Caravaggio, along with the "Musician" by Leonardo da Vinci and the preparatory drawing of the School of Athens by Raphael.

Gallerie d'Italia piazza Scala -: 

settled in three gorgeous palaces, Palazzo Anguissola Antona Traversi, Palazzo Brentani and Palazzo della Banca Commerciale d'Italia, well worth a visit on their own, this museum offers a very interesting collection of masterpieces from XIX and XX century. Located in Piazza Scala, this museum is very easy to visit and well enjoyable.

Churches -:

The Duomo -: Milan's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church (1386) in white marble, with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior and a famous façade... Roof opens daily unless you are physically unfit, it is best recommended to take the stair. On an average, it should not take more than 5-6 minutes to climb the stairs. You may have your belongings searched by the Guardia before entering the Cathedral, so show up lightly packed.

Saint Mary of the Graces -: 

A Unesco World Heritage site, this basilica is one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance architect Donato Bramante. The dome is one of the most delightful creations of Renaissance era. The exterior is delicately carved, and the interior is filled with bright light and whimsical atmosphere, a triumph of harmony.

Saint Ambrose -: 

The most important example of the Lombard Romanesque style of architecture, built between 1080 and 1140. In this basilica structural and technical innovations like the groined cross vault lead to wider vaulted naves being made possible. Now it is the second church in the city right after the duomo. The magnificent marble pulpit dates back to X century.

San Nazaro  -: 

Another IV century basilica preserved within a younger church complex. It is very important in history because it was the first western church ever built in a Latin cross plant instead of a Greek cross plant. Very interesting the Trivulzio mausoleum at the entrance, dedicated to the Marshall Trivulzio, who betrayed the Sforza family and gave Milan to the King of France masterpiece of the Basilica is the Santa Caterina chapel.

MUST GO-:

Historic monument -:

La Scala Theatre -: 

One of the most renowned opera houses in the world. It first opened in 1778 and re-opened in 2004 after extensive renovation. It has seen performances by stars such as Maria Callas and Pavarotti. Reachable by subway: MM1 and MM3 Duomo Station.

Cimitero Monumentale  -: 

Milan's old cemetery in Art Nouveau/Liberty style. It is definitely a must see. 250000 square meters of monumental tombs and sculpture makes of it the biggest Art Nouveau museum in the World. It is arguably the most beautiful cemetery in the Planet. It is filled with lavish sculptures, impressive mausoleums and monuments.

Casa Campanini -: 

one of the best palazzo built in Milan according the Art Nouveau/Stile Liberty fashon of early XX century. The portal is a masterpiece.

Other sights -:

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele  -: 

The mother of all shopping malls: upscale shops in a splendid 19th century palace of a mall, with a stunning mosaic floor, and wonderful glass roof and cupola. Contains boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, a silverware store called Bernasconi, and eating places such as the Zucca in Galleria, Biffi or a Gucci cafe (and loads more, notably art galleries, fashion boutiques, bookstores and restaurants). At Christmas time, it becomes an enchanting place, with beautiful lights and glitzy decorations.

Piazza Del Duomo -:  

The grandest square in the city, the Piazza del Duomo is the cultural and social heart of Milan, and contains several of its most famous sights. Of course, the majestic cathedral and classy Galleria are there, but there also is the Royal Palace, a fine 18th century building which is currently an art exhibition centre, and several big, austere, old buildings. The street, with its huge lights, enormous statue of King Victor, huge buildings, and dark floor does at first sight seem quite overwhelming and overly majestic.

Piazza Belgiojoso -: 

This is one of the most popular high street shopping arteries in the city. It has a very elegant modern appearance, but too has some well-preserved grand 18th and 19th century buildings, including the wonderful rotunda-like neoclassical church of San Carlo al Corso. The Corso contains some great retail stores, including big shopping centres, fashionable outlets, and youthful, sporty designer boutiques.

Via Dante  -: 

One of the grandest and most frequented fashionable high streets in Milan. The Via Dante, named after the poet, is a beautiful and debonair pedestrian avenue which goes from the busy Piazzale Cordusio, all the way to the Largo Cairoli, just in front of the city castle. With loads of street vendors. It’s great for anyone who wants to get to the Sforzesco Castle Corso di Porta Venezia is considered one of the finest and most beautiful streets in the city.

Piazzale Cordusio  -: 

It boasts some grand and beautiful late-19th century architecture. Once, and to some extent still today, it was an economic hub of the city, with the headquarters of several companies, and big banks and postal offices. To be reached viaCordusio station, or, the slightly further Duomo.

Piazza Della Scala  -: 

The location of the Statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and La Scala theatre. It is a small, but grand square flanked by fine palaces, such as the city hall and the commercial and the bank. Great place for a photograph and right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. 

Parks and Garden -:

Sempione park -: 

 a big space of green land right behind the Sforzesco castle, and one of the most famous and popular in the city. Designed in like a neoclassical landscape garden, there are loads of features, such as a lake, an arch called the Arco della pace a Roman-style sports' amphitheatre, a tower, and several interesting features. It's a lovely leafy place to enjoy a walk at any time of the year.

Giardini pubblici  -:  

An old 18th century park complex in the Montenapoleone  district, designed in an English Romantic garden style. Inside, you can find rockeries, water features, fountains, statues and monuments, and other interesting features. You also get a planetarium, a natural history museum, and on the other side of the Palestro Street, you can also find an opulent Royal villa which today hosts a contemporary art collection within grand ornate halls.

City walk -:

Exhibition Fairs  -:  

Many exhibitions are held during the year, ranging from wines to computers, industrial equipment and chocolate. The old exhibitions area is in central, the new one is in Rho for more information, visit the Fiera Milano website .If you want to see Milan from above you can go on Duomo roof between spires and statues. It’s a great experience for a stunning, panoramic view of the city. Another choice is the Branca.

Shopping -:

The main shopping area is the so-called Fashion Quadrangle it contains the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world. Everything reeks of ostentation and the splendor of a chic, fashionable lifestyle. Shop windows shine, exhibiting the trendiest shoes, coolest glasses, funkiest dresses, most glamorous clothes, and most luxurious crystal chandelier

Gucci Flagship -: 

This is Gucci's flagship store in the city, opened in 2002, which has haute couture clothing and accessories. There are also some other Gucci stores in Milan, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and even in Milan's Malpensa airport.

Serravalle Scrivia -:  

One of the biggest shopping outlets in Europe, containing 180 stores, despite being 1 hours' drive from the city and in the Piedmont region, it is definitely worth a visit if you're a shopping fan. And it has a very pleasant feel because it is more like a mini-town than an actual outlet, with Italian-style piazzas and pretty alleyways, surrounded by rolling hills and a lovely local countryside, and absent of cars. With over 20 million visitors having come ever since it’s opening in 2000.

Food & Restaurants -:

Milan is a city that changes its mind as quickly as fashion trends come and go, it remains one of the strongest bastions of traditional Italian cooking, where homemade elements are still very much praised and appreciated. There are trattorias, enoteche and restaurants (including luxury ones) everywhere that offer traditional Milanese and Italian dishes to eat.

Milan, as a big city, is filled with several different forms of fast-foods, from the foreign giants and national chains, to independantly-owned take-aways and sandwich bars. Most fast-food restaurants are found in the Duomo, Buenos Aires and central station areas, as these are the most crowded and busy ones in the city. In the Piazza Duomo and Galleria, one can find international fast-foods Italian chains such as Auto grill are found too.

Chinese restaurants are mainly located in Paolo Sarpi, the heart of Milan's Chinatown. Long Chang and Jubin are two popular choices. Avoid the restaurants around the Duomo, they tend to be tourist-only spots, with low quality food at inflated prices. Be aware that most restaurants charge an extra "serving tax", approximate 2-4 Euros per consumer Milanese chefs who would love to have you over for an evening dinner. It's a great way to make friends over home-made food, and company.

Osteria del Gnocco Fritto  -: 

Cover charge includes baskets of fried hand-size pastries (similar to sopapillas) accompanied by meats, cheeses, or jams  Osteria del Gnocco Fritto has two locations at -Via Pestalozzi, and off the Grand Canal.

Dean and Deluca of Milan -:

a gorgeous food shop that stocks the finest of just about everything. The prices are high, but since everything is counter service, you can graze a wide variety of delicacies for your money. Speaking of counter service, there is a special way to buy things at Peck. First, you order from the counter. They give you a little receipt.

Chandelier -: 

Chandelier is an eclectic, artsy restaurant, decorated with ornate Neoclassical and Baroque chandeliers, Rococo-style mirrors, swanky elaborate sofas, 1950s art, and generally colorful décor, which serves international, European, but mainly Mediterranean foods. Dishes such as spaghetti and gnocchi, risotto, scampi, salmon, steak, beef, and for dessert, different fruits, Tiramisu, mousse, and chocolate cake can be found on the menu.

Savini –: 

 it is well-established restaurant inside the magnificent Galleria, serving meals such as Milanese-style risotto, spaghetti and ravioli, meat cutlet, lamb and beef, different forms of fish, warmly-made Tirmisu, and other forms of desserts including chocolate cake and tart with strawberries. 

Boeucc -: 

Milan's oldest restaurant is still traditional homemade cooking that is as fresh and tasty as the day it opened. Great for a special occasion, dessert is served on a special tea cart where they are shown to you before you decide; now try get out of having dessert! Even though the dessert is splendid, they are a bit pricy, so keep that in mind before you pick your dessert.

At Night -:

Milan has a great variety of places where you can have fun. A great starting point is Como Avenue near Garibaldi Station, full of bars and glamorous clubs. In the summertime, this street is packed with young and attractive people.

Other popular night spots with bars and people are viale Monte Nero (on Wednesday it's packed with people in the piazza in front of a bar called "Momo"), Piazzale Susa .Nights are overwhelmingly crowded at the Colonne di San Lorenzo and in the cozy Latin-quarter of Brera. Another good spot is the pedestrian part of Corso Sempione near the "Peace Arch".

Hostels -:

Hostel Ostello Olinda -: 

Hostel converted from an old psychiatric ward, though other buildings on the grounds are still used for psychiatric treatment. Reception desk is only open from noon to 8PM, and the staff only speak enough English to keep the place functioning. Entry after dark requires checking in with the gate guard.

Hotel Boston Milan  -:  

The Boston is a cheap and elegant two star hotel of Milan conveniently located close to the train Central Station of the city. 25 single, double and triple bedrooms with private bath, shower, wi-fi connection and air conditioning.

Hotel Ambrogio Milan  -:  

The Ambrogio hotels is a group of three star accommodations located in the centre of Milan. Large choice of bedrooms with private bath, shower, free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.

Hotel Ariston Milan -: 

The Ariston is a 3 star hotel with 52 bedrooms private parking, a wine bar, a breakfast hall and a conference room able to host up to 25 people. Among the other services, the Hotel Ariston Milan also offers private bath, satellite TV, free internet access and a bike service, since the Ariston Hotel of Milan is an ecological accommodation.

Get out -:

The town of Como, at the southern end of Lake Como, can be reached by regular trains and buses. The gothic cathedral is very beautiful. Varenna, in the middle of Lake Como, nestled in the Italian Alps, can be reached by regular trains from Milano Centrale train station. The Parco di Monza, the largest enclosed park in Europe. Inside the park you can find the Villa Reale of Monza, one of the finest royal palaces of Italy, built in neoclassical style by Leopold Pollack in the late XVIII century.

At the end -:

Cremona -:  

A really beautiful historic city centres with the most beautiful cathedral in Lombardy after the Duomo cathedral of Milan. Filled of most important frescoes, you don't need a car to escape from the business, the traffic, the congestion, the fog in wintertime, Milan a wonderful world of lakes, mountains, castles and good food: just take the train and, sometimes, the boat. 

Awesome stories are everywhere you look, all over the globe.

HAPPY JOURNEY