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Milan

A city where fashion leads the way


Milan may be the capital of Lombardy, but is also the Italy’s capital for fashion, design, commerce and innovation, where residents and visitors alike can be inspired to live ‘la vita moda’ (the stylish life).




Milan’s top tourist sites


A city as famous as Milan boasts a plethora of all-weather attractions and visitor highlights. Head to the Piazza del Duomo to take in (and explore) the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral, known as the ‘Duomo’. The façade of the striking medieval cathedral is finished in marble quarried from Lake Maggiore. Its art works and city views from the top make it one of the best tourist sites to behold. Opposite the Duomo, you’ll find the sublime shopping arcade of ‘Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’. The oldest shopping mall in Italy, this 4-storey double arcade packs a punch when it comes to a ‘wow factor’ shopping experience. Once you’ve soaked up the culture and shops, head to Castello Sforzesco and its 95-acre public park. The medieval castle houses some of Milan’s best public art collections, from late antiquity to the medieval and renaissance times (including the last ever sculpture produced by Michelangelo). Alongside the selection of civic museums are also 3 libraries (dedicated to art, prints and ancient-modern day manuscripts). Milan is also home to the world-famous late 15th century mural painting, ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo di Vinci, which is on permanent display in the refectory of the ‘Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie’. As well visual wonders, Milan also makes plenty of noise, at its opulent opera hose, ‘La Scala’, with a year-round programme of operas, ballets and concerts to enjoy.




Out and about in Milan


When you’re exploring Milan, you’ll soon find that shopping will soon take over from the sightseeing. A fine pedigree of designer shops can be found at ‘Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’ (Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, Armani and Borsalino to name a few) whilst the pedestrianised Quadrilater d’Oro (Golden Quadrilateral) and the chic boutiques and art galleries in the city’s bohemian ‘Brera’ quarter offers the chance to carry on your chic shopping experience.

Feeling peckish? Whilst Milan is a foodie heaven, boasting the 2nd highest number of Michelin star restaurants in Italy, the city also happily caters for all tourist budgets. A wide plethora of dining experiences are on tap to savour, from authentic trattorias and down-to-earth pizzerias to hipster eateries which serve up Instagram-friendly fusion food. The choice is yours! For those heading out for the night, Milan boasts some of the world’s best bars and trendiest nightclubs. Sip an Aperol Spritz with your friends and make the most of ‘aperitivo’ time in this world class city. Check out Milan’s top bar and club establishments here and pick the perfect evening!




For more top tips on what to see and where to eat, enjoy reading our Milan short city break blog.