 One of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan offers an informal designer show to any traveler lingering at a sidewalk café. The residents of this busy city are stylish and sophisticated, and a traveler is likely to do a bit of shopping in hopes of bringing a bit of that attitude back home.
But it's not all about Prada and a hip attitude. Milan is fast becoming a top business capital in Italy, and its cultural delights are enticing as well. Museums, in particular, should be at the top of a must-see agenda, since the city is filled with art collections. For example, check out the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum?an Italian Renaissance collection housed in a late 19th century mansion.
Milan also has the oldest churches in Italy—the Duomo is most notable. This soaring, Gothic cathedral from the late 1300s has hundreds of spires and statues; visitors can climb up to the roof for a stunning view of the city.
For opera, the famed La Scala has been delighting audiences since 1778. The theater underwent a major renovation just a few years ago to freshen it up for the 21st century. Other sightseeing stops that can keep visitors busy for days include cemeteries filled with striking sculptures and monuments, a medieval abbey still run by monks and libraries that offer books from centuries ago.
There's also the famed Grand Prix, held at the Monza Autodrome racetrack, just northeast of the city. Car makers like Jaguar, Ferrari and Fiat show off their Formula One creations, which zip around the track at dizzying speeds.
Not to forget shopping, the city is ideal for a buying spree. If fashion is your forte, spend time around the Fashion Quadrangle, located near the Duomo—major designers house their stores there. And for those seeking style on a budget, there are numerous smaller shops along Buenos Aires Avenue, one of the longest shopping streets in Europe.
And after all of that shopping and walking builds up an appetite, don't worry, there are scores of restaurants serving traditional Italian food. Every eatery has a signature dish, so take an eating tour through the city to find the most delicious entrée to your palate—you won't be disappointed. Just don't forget to save room for gelato, the delicious Italian ice cream that is available nearly everywhere in the summer.
No matter where you go in Milan?whether you're filling up shopping bags or taking business meetings at your hotel, there are many ways to stay in touch with the office, family and friends. Here's where to get a secure connection:
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Don't-Miss Events
Milan has a number of festivals that will delight any traveler:
- Carnevale: Just before Ash Wednesday, Milan and many small towns in the surrounding areas stage carnivals as a way to enjoy themselves before Lent.
- Festival del Naviglio: The first 10 days of June are devoted to this gathering, which brings together a wealth of parades, performances and music. It's mainly held around the Naviglio canals and ends with a major parade.
- Milan Jazz Festival: Jazz is wildly popular in Italy, and this festival at the beginning of November often lasts for weeks, as musicians take over both small and large venues.
- Festa di Sant'Ambrogio: The city's biggest feast day—held on December 7th—is marked by fairs and religious celebrations. To mark the occasion, La Scala opens its opera season the same day.
For other popular events, check out these helpful sites:
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