Our top five sights

Duomo

Smack in the middle of the historical centre of Milan is this stunning cathedral which took over five centuries to build and is the fourth largest in the world. Take the elevator up to the top for views of the city and the nearby Alps – mornings are your best chance of a clear view.
Piazza del Duomo
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Da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Found in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece is incredibly popular and your visit must be booked in advance.
Santa Maria delle Grazie, 02 9280 0360
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La Scala Museum

If you don’t have the time or inclination to see a full opera, a visit to the famous opera house’s museum will give you a taste of the institution’s long history, as well as a glimpse of the famous stage.
Piazza Scala, 02 8879 2473
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Pinacoteca di Brera

It’s not just about Da Vinci; have a wander around Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera which houses some of Italy’s finest art, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Tintoretto.
Via Brera 28, 02 7226 3264
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Parco Sempione

One of Milan’s few green, peaceful spaces, conveniently Wi-Fi enabled. Don’t miss the 14th-century Castello Sforzesco at the main gate, or the ugly Torre Branca which was commissioned by Mussolini and offers lovely views from the top.
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Our top five activities

Football at San Siro Stadium

See A.C. or Inter Milan in action at this monster-sized stadium seating over 80,000 people. Book tickets in advance, and don’t forget your ID.
Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 02 404 2432
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Opera at La Scala

Not one of the most famous opera houses in the world for nothing, if you’re a fan of opera then you must try to get tickets for a performance at La Scala. The opulent, ostentatious interior will transport you to another era.
Piazza Scala, 02 8879 2473
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Shopping in the Quadrilateral d’Oro

Milan’s Golden Square is heavenly for those who love high-end designer labels. All major Italian designers have their flagship stores here. Browse the Armani and Versace and shop until you drop. Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, Via Borgospesso, Via della Spiga
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Golfing

For a break from the city, there are some extremely picturesque golf courses nestled in the mountains, including Kastelruth in the Dolomites and Monte San Pietro’s Golf Club Petersburg in South Tyrol.

Skiing

Milan is within easy reach of the Italian Alps which offer great skiing in the winter season. Try Bormio for hot springs as well as snow, or the Aosta Valley for the vibrant and popular Cervinia.

Our top five events

February: Milan Fashion Week

Several fashion weeks are held throughout the year, attracting huge crowds and names, but the most important and popular is the women’s fashion week in late February.
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February: Carnevale Ambrosiano

Held annually in February, this is the longest carnival in Italy, ending the Saturday following Ash Wednesday with a procession to the Duomo in the historical centre.
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June: Festa del Naviglio

Milan’s canal district has its festival every year in early June, with all sorts of markets, events and artists performing in the streets.
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December: Opera Season Begins

La Scala opens for opera season in December, and Milan dresses itself up to the nines to attend the first night. Brush off your black tie.
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December: Oh bej! Oh bej! Christmas Fair

Translated as “Oh so nice! Oh so nice!”, Milan’s traditional Christmas fair is a bright, colourful occasion full of stalls selling decorations, handicrafts and sweets. Dating back hundreds of years, the fair is held in early December.
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Superstudio Piu hosts MIA from 10th-12th May, Milan’s image art fair exclusively dedicated to photography and art video. Exhibitors include high-profile galleries, artists, photographers, publishers, foundations and critics from Italy and abroad.

Shopping

The most famous and high-end shopping area in Milan is the Quadrilatero d’Oro, outlined by the Vias della Spiga, Montenapoleone, Borgospesso and Sant’Andrea. The Brera district is good for fresh, young fashion, while Porta Ticinese offers alternative, arty clothing. For cheaper labels, outlet shopping is practically a sport here, a particular favourite within the city being Il Salvagente (Via Fratelli Bronzetti 16, 02 7611 0328). The best markets include the Saturday flea market Fiere di Senigallia (Viale d’Annuzio) and the Mercato di Via Lorenzini for an open-air maze of stalls (Via Lorenzini). Don’t forget to make a stop at local favourite 10 Como Corso (10 Como Corso, 02 654 831) for an arty concept store full of clothes, cafés and art.

Food & Drink

As with the rest of Italy, food is an obsession in Milan, with many excellent restaurants serving traditional dishes such as osso buco (braised veal shank) with risotto alla Milanese (saffron-infused risotto) or polenta. Try the Naviglio Grande canal area for local restaurants, great cuisine and a young, laid-back atmosphere. If you’re searching for a special dining experience, try Sapori Solari (Via Andrea Solari 48, 347 755 9993), or 13 Guigno (Piazza Mirabello 1, 02 2900 3300). If you’re looking for somewhere to hold a business meeting, try the Mercure Milano Solari café-restaurant (Via Pietro Orseolo 1, 02 581 7801) for a bright, relaxed atmosphere and great food.

Nightlife

Milan nightlife covers a range of options: for trendy bars try the Brera district, such as Bar Brera (Via Brera 23, 02 877 091); for relaxed, late-night bars head for the Naviglio Grande area, where you’ll find bars like Rita (Via Fumagalli 1, 02 837 2865); or for a bit of glamour try Corso Sempione where you can view the Arco della Pace from the terrace of Deseo (Corso Sempione 2, 02 315 164). For more cultural nightlife, procuring tickets for a performance at the world famous opera house La Scala is well worth the effort.

Accommodation in Milan

Milan offers a wealth of accommodation options, from homey B&Bs to luxury boutique hotels. For convenience, staying near the Duomo is very handy; more local with great restaurants is the Corso di Porta area. The central train station area is convenient for travel but not picturesque, while the Corso Como area is perfect for glamorous nightlife. For top-class luxury, try the Bulgari Hotel (Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7/b, 02 805 8051); if you’re on a more moderate budget, try the London Hotel Milano (Via Ravello 3, 02 7202 0166). A popular and convenient hotel for business travellers is the Gran Duca di York (Via Moneta 1, 02 874 863).

Flights from London City Airport LCY to Milan LIN with CityJet.

Milan Linate is a small, efficient airport 8km east of central Milan. You can get a public bus into the centre, a dedicated bus that runs straight in, a shuttle to the central train station or an official taxi which is convenient and inexpensive. Journeys in are quick: from 15 minutes for a smooth run in a taxi to half an hour on public transport.

Once within the city, the centre is very walkable, and the metro is efficient and easy to navigate. Trams are fun but more confusing, and buses are best attempted by Italian-speakers. Taxis are eyebrow-raisingly expensive, but good if you’re on a tight schedule.

Milan Linate International Airport Information

Milan Linate International Airport (LIN) Website www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/linate General information +39 02/232323 Distance The airport is situated 7km (4 miles) east of Milan. Public transport Bus: Bus No. 73 runs daily and connects the airport with the Milan underground at San Babila Station on the red line, one stop from the city’s central Duomo Station, where it is possible to change to the yellow north-south line, and four stops from Loreto, which connects with the green line. There is a service to Milan central station. There is also a shuttle bus to Milan Malpensa Airport Terminal 1, on the other side of the city (journey time - 75 minutes). Search For Flights

Hertz Car Hire For exclusive discounts of up to 15% and up to 800 Flying Blue Miles, rent from our exclusive car rental partner Hertz at Linate Airport.   Hertz Car Hire Taxis Taxis are available from the airport terminal Arrivals Level. Length of trip to the city center: 50 minutes. Car parking There are three car parks at the airport; the north and west car parks offer cheaper long-term parking and there is also a multi-storey car park (tel: (02) 7485 2934). Car washing, valet and small repairs services are available. Chauffeur service Magellan Global offer premium quality transport to and from the airport with a free 'meet and greet' service included in the price. You can book anything from a standard saloon to an S class Mercedes. Find out more »