OVERVIEW
The second-most populous city in Italy, Milan is the industrial center of the country and can be found in the Northern region of Lombardy. It is also the region’s capital city.
LANDMARKS
Although certainly one of the most commercial cities in Italy, Milan still boasts some incredible architectural and cultural landmarks.
The Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the city’s cathedral church, whose interior includes a variety of artworks and important monuments.
The Teatro alla Scala is an opera house that’s recognized across the globe. The space is also home to La Scala Theatre Ballet, the resident classical ballet company in the city.
Another important church in Milan is Santa Maria delle Grazie. The venue’s most defining aspect is definitely the presence of Leonardo da Vinci’s mural of The Last Supper.
ASTORIA
Built back in the 15th century, the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is home to many of Milan’s major art collections and museums.
Among the city’s most popular neighborhoods, find the Navigli area. At the Southern edge of the center city, the area is defined by the narrow towpaths that run alongside the remaining canals that once operated across all of Milan and is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes.
Magenta is another renowned neighborhood, an old residential quarter found west of Piazza Duomo.
SHOPPING
A major commercial and industrial hub in Italy (and regarded as one of the world’s fashion capitals), it is no surprise that Milan’s shopping industry has truly defined the character of the country as a whole. Also home to Milan Fashion Week twice a year, the city has come to define the industry internationally as well.
In specific, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and can be found in the center of the city. Within the Galleria, residents are accustomed to visiting a variety of shops and boutiques that cater to all sorts of customers. Haute couture, jewelry, books, art works, and more casual shopping destinations can all be found here.
The most high-class shopping district across Milan is the quadrilatero della moda (“fashion square”), also known as the Via Montenapoleone fashion district. The world’s major fashion houses (Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Versace) are headquartered here, as well as a slew of design and home décor boutiques.
ART
Amongst the many museums and art galleries found in the city, the Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important. Significant artworks can also be found within the Sforza Castle (which includes the Museum of Ancient Art, the Archaeological Museum and others).
DINING
Milan’s dining scene has been heavily influenced by its status as a central industrial location. The city’s cuisine is therefore a mix of influences from other Italian regions.
Iconic regional foods include risotto alla Milanese (risotto with Parmesan cheese and saffron), cotoletta alla Milanese (a fried cutlet) and the michetta (a type of bread).
TRANSPORTATION
Find five railway stations in Italy (Milan Central station is the biggest one) that connect the city to other Italian and European destinations. Within the city, residents travel via tram, subway and bus.
MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA
Armani/Nobu: Via Pisoni 1, 0262312645
Carlo e Camilla: Via g. Meda 24, 028373963
Cracco: Via Victor Hugo 4, 02876774
Fish Bar de Milan: Via Montebello 7, 0262087748
Giacomo: Via Pasquale Sottocorno 6, 0276023313
Joia: Via Panfilo Castaldi 18, 0229522124
Sadler: Via Ascanio Sforza 77, 0258104451
Taglio: Via Vigevano 10, 0236534294
Trattoria Arlati: Via Alberto Nota 47, 026433327