Find and book cheap city breaks to Milan in Italy
The city of Milan was founded by Celtic tribes around 600 B.C. When the Romans conquered the city, it was renamed “Mediolanum”—the land in the middle.
Thanks to Milan’s strategic location in the middle of the fertile Po River valley, it quickly became an important centre for trade in the Roman Empire.
Later, it also became its western capital. In 313, Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan, declaring Christianity equal to other religions in the Empire.
Today, Milan is the second largest city in Italy. Almost everything in Milan revolves around the fashion industry.
Most famous designers and fashion houses tend to be located in the city—the area around Via Monte Napoleone and Via Della Spiga is the heart and home to many fashion industry flagship stores.
Centro Storico is where many of the city’s famous sights are located, including the Duomo and the La Scala Opera.
Navagli, by the canals, is another exciting neighbourhood famous for its nightlife and the artsy Brera enclave.
Milan is all about design and high fashion, so the range of shops and trendy bars can be almost overwhelming. But Milan also has the Duomo cathedral, da Vinci’s “Last Supper” and the simple neighbourhood restaurants where no long lunch is complete without ossobuco and risotto alla milanese.
The best way to understand how Milan is laid out is to take a ride on one of the trams. Route 1 runs from the main train station, via Piazza Cairoli to Castello Sforzesco and is probably the best choice. But many other routes also offer good views of the city.
Milan has a large selection of restaurants, from strict sushi eateries to top-class establishments, where the corporate credit card reigns supreme. As is often the case in Italy, the best dining experience is usually at less extravagant restaurants and trattorias serving local and national specialities.
In Italy, gelato is eaten just as religiously as pasta. It’s not only Italy’s delicious answer to ice cream.
it is a way of life. Italian ice cream is often said to be the best in the world.
The Brera and Navigli neighbourhoods have the most bars and a bustling nightlife. For a more trendy option, try the area around Corso Como. Do it the Milanese way and mingle at a selection of bars between 19.00 and 21.00. Filling snacks can sometimes be had for free with your drinks!
Milan is the capital of fashion, and there is plenty to choose from when it comes to shopping. Even those less interested in fashion, or who can’t afford the prices, will find exploring Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga and the surrounding streets rewarding, this is where all the fashion houses have their impressive flagship stores. Armani’s department store on Via Manzoni 31, is a good example, or Gucci’s store on Via Monte Napoleone— covering a whole city block. Dolce & Gabbana’s impressive store on Corso Venezia, is housed in the former palace of a Sicilian nobleman. Other good shopping venues include: