Although Milan is often called the Fashion Capital of the World, it is actually off the beaten track for most visitors to Italy, being (relatively) far from any of the other major centers of interest. It is definitely worth a look though, for at least a couple of days of your Italy trip.
Places to See
Milan, like so many Italian cities, has some gorgeous cathedrals and museums. While younger countries may feel very proud of their pieces of broken pottery and other unidentifiable remnants of the past, Italy is a place where museums house gilded carriages and priceless artworks – with an air of insouciance that is purely Italian. Milan is no different, and The Last Supper by Da Vinci is appreciated, but not revered by the locals. Of course one of the most spectacular paintings in history is here – it is natural, no? Of course, visitors don't feel this way at all, and tickets to see the painting are often sold 6 weeks in advance. Book early.
Italy is a country where history is alive. The Cathedral Duomo (one of the most beautiful churches ever built, not to mention the priceless treasures inside) is regularly used by devout locals. Beautiful young people loll against it, buskers ply their trade in the afternoon sun, and there seems to be no division between the Milanese of a thousand years ago and those living now.
Food and Drink
We could spend all day on the architectural wonders of Milan, but Italy is nothing if not coffee, good food, and gelato.
The Riva Reno gelaterie is a statement in uberchic ice-creameries (just don't ask for ice-cream). It's a bit intimidating actually – everything is streamlined and gleaming. There are none of the fun pinks and blues that usually dominate sweet shops and none of the gelati are on display – either practice your Italian or just point to the pictures. It's worth all the trouble: In a nation of great gelati, this is in the top ten. Best of all, gelato is fat free.
The Galleria Vittorio is the only place to go for bars, restaurants and people-watching. It's basically a shopping mall but of course the Italians would never admit to anything so vulgar. The Galleria is housed in a 19th century tunnel, complete with glass roof, just so you know you are somewhere special. And you are: The food is a fusion of traditional Milanese (each region in Italy has its own distinct food styles) and modern international. Leave plenty of time: Meal-time in Italy is an unhurried affair – no restaurant would dream of booking a table more than once in an evening and no-one will look twice if lunch evolves into dinner without you leaving the restaurant.
Soccer
Even if you hate sports, buy a ticket to a game of football (soccer) at the Guiseppe Meazza. The atmosphere is electric and it might be the only time you get to see ten thousand grown men crying – if you are sitting with the losing side's supporters. If you're sitting with the winners, be prepared to be kissed passionately by strange men (this applies to you too fellas).
Opera
For a culture hit, La Scala Opera is the best choice. There is nothing like opera in Italian – this language was made to turn a mundane conversation about the weather into art. You can always leave at half-time, but the experience is unmissable.
Hotels
Hotel prices in Milan range from $50 a night (a typical pension run by a little Nona who will probably cook you a feast every day) to around $300 a night for a luxurious suite in a 200 year old building, where even the bellboys look they just stepped off the runway.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Milan.
(Photo:Fotolia/agolaudani)
