Milan holidays & city breaks

Fashion:

Unleash your inner fashionista and shop till you drop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s first shopping centre. The four-storey double arcade boasts designers stores such as Versace, Gucci and Armani and has a spectacular glass dome ceiling. Browse the city’s Golden Triangle, consisting of streets Via della Spiga, Via Sant’ Andrea and Via Montenapoleone, where you'll find the chic shops of all of the great Italian designers.

Art:

Get up close and personal with one of history’s greatest works of art and cultural icons, The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. Marvel at Leonardo di Vinci’s intricate depiction of Jesus Christ and his disciplines by booking a 15 minute viewing in advance and don’t miss your once in a life time opportunity to be in the presence of a masterpiece.

Culture:

Soak up the rich cultural landscape of this Northern Italian city that is home to 90 museums, 80 art galleries and 50 theatre and concert venues. The Milanese are famed for their appreciation of the arts so culture vultures will feel right at home.

Food:

Indulge in the tantalizing tastes of Italy with a twist. Milan has its own version of pizza called Panzerotti and the local speciality is a saffron infused risotto. Of course, like all Italian cities, there are plenty of gelaterias and bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Historical Landmarks:

Step back in time as you traverse the cobbled streets and impressive city centre of this once ancient and now global city. From the 4th century Basilica of Sant’ Ambrogio and 5th Century San Lorenzo Maggiore Church to the sustainable apartment block known as the Vertical Forest or Bosco Verticale, visiting Milan is truly a walk through the ages of man.

Milan Cathedral:

The most iconic building in Milan, the stunning gothic masterpiece Il Duomo is just waiting to be explored. One you have marvelled at the architecture and craftmanship of the building that took 579 years to construct, climb up on a roof to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Sforza Castle:

Take a tour of this former residence of the Duke of Milan and catch a glimpse of the last know sculpture by Michaelango as well as many ancient art works from the 5th century right up to the Renaissance.

The innovative Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci:

Journey through the mind of one of humanity’s greatest artists and inventors in this specially dedicated celebration of his genius. Peruse original sketches, models and reconstructions of the Italian icon as well as a vast array of technological advances inspired by his legacy.

La Scala Theatre:

Take in an opera or ballet performance in style at the 18th-century opera house that includes a theatrical museum and library.

San Siro Stadium:

Home to rival teams AC Milan and Inter Milan, take a tour of this legendary stadium and feel the thrill of the players room and hollowed pitch.

Risotto alla Milanese:

Famed for its golden hue thanks to the added saffron, this local dish gets its delicious texture and taste from bone marrow and lashings of parmesan cheese.

Panzerotti:

A twist on a pizza, a panzerotti takes the classic ingredients of cheese and tomato, wrapped in dough and fried.

Gorgonzola:

The soft blue cheese comes from the Milan town of Gorgonzola so it would be crazy not to indulge while there.

Panettone:

Another invention of the Milanese, these Christmas fruitcakes are loved the world over. In Milan bakeries offer them all year round so it really can feel like Christmas every day!

Ossobucco:

A meat lovers paradise, this braised veal shank that translates to bone with a hole, is a staple in most Milanese restaurants.

Trade fairs:

As one of the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan is home to many fashion trade fairs and shows so keep an eye out for when they are happening, either to fully immerse yourself in the glitz and glam or avoid the extra crowds they bring.

Bull mosaic:

Spin around three times on the bull mosaic in the Galleria and let the local tradition bestow its good luck on you.

Navigil:

Don’t miss out on the Navigil, a system of interconnecting canals and the quaint areas that surround them such as the Vicola Lavandai and Darsena di Milano.

Vintage trams:

These 100 year old wooden streetcars called Tram Turistico operate just like the regular city trams and even run a popular tourist route.

Metro:

Milan has four subway lines, each with a different colour and number. A standard one way ticket costs around €2 and covers all major attractions. Public transport is also included in the Yes Milan City Pass.

Bus:

The bus service is strong in Milan, with 80 lines covering the areas the Metro does not.

Taxi:

There are taxi stands throughout the city, just don’t try to hail one down as they won’t stop in traffic.