Milan


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Milan (Italian: Milano) [1] is, financially, the most important city in Italy and the province of Lombardy. Together with Paris it is one of the fashion capitals of the world: a paradise for shopping, Opera and night life.

Contents

[edit] Understand

Historically, Milan was for a long time an independent state subject to the power of French and Austrian forces. During the 19th century it was conquered by Piedmont and became part of Italy.

In the 20th century, Milan became the most industrialized city in Italy, and is now Italy's foremost financial centre.

At first contact, Milanese life can seem a bit hectic and Milanese people a bit brusque, especially compared to the rest of Italy.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

[edit] Malpensa airport

The main international airport is Malpensa (Milan Malpensa, code MXP). It's a two runway airport, well connected to the center of the city by public transportation.

  • SEA Aeroporti di Milano [2] - official site of SEA, the firm operating Malpensa and Linate airports.
  • Malpensa Express trains [3] leave every 30 minutes from the Airport and arrive at Stazione Cadorna after 40 minutes. It should be a fast link, but due to line congestion it has become like any ordinary commuter train, very crowded at rush hours, particularly going to Malpensa. Ticket: single trip 11 euro (13.50 if bought on train), round trip (single day) 14 euro (17 if bought on train). Ticket must be validated in the station before boarding.
To save a little bit of money, at the expense of a change, buying two separate tickets and waiting some time at the connecting point, you may use the special train between Malpensa Airport and Saronno and a regular service between Saronno and Milan (total cost for a single trip bought at ticket office 8.10 eur). An even cheaper way, but with a much more difficult connection, is changing in Busto Arsizio FN (total cost for a single trip bought at ticket office 5.95 eur).
  • Buses leave every 20 minutes for Centrale Station and Linate airport, costing about 5 euros. Travel can take from 30 minutes (weekends) to 1 hour or more (during weekday mornings)
  • Using a taxi to get from Malpensa to the city centre is expensive: 60-75 euros.
  • You can reach Milan by Trenitalia trains departing from Gallarate. A bus service is available from the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Malpensa to Gallarate Railway Station.

[edit] Linate airport

Some European or national flights arrive at Linate Airport (LIN). This small, one-runway airport is closer to the city centre than Malpensa, but a less number of air companies fly there.

  • There is a public transport bus stop for the 73 line outside the terminal building. This goes to San Babila Square, in the city centre, which is served by metro line MM1. The bus runs every ten minutes and costs €1. This bus service is managed by ATM [4], the public transport society of Milan. You can buy the ticket from the newsagent or the ATM vending machines. With the same ticket, you can transfer to one or more buses, trams or subways in a 75 minute period. You can also directly use a comprehensive ticket to many places in the suburbs. For more detail see #Get around. You can obtain information and a timetable from the ATM web site. The "Direction SAN BABILA M1" lists the stops from outside Milan (from Segrate San Felicino) passing through Linate Airport and going to the city center of Milan (end of line in San Babila Square). The "Direction S.FELICINO" lists the stops from the city center (San Babila Square) to the town of Segrate San Felicino passing through Linate Airport. Buses leave approximately every 10-20 minutes. (note that this is not a dedicate service, with many stops on route. The most part of its route use reserved to bus line, however during peak hours take account of possible delays.)
  • A dedicate bus service connects Linate airport. It runs every 30 minutes and ticket costs 3.00 eur per adult. (ticket sold at local newsagent and on-board
  • A bus service, operated by Malpensa Shuttle [5] connects Malpensa airport to Linate airport (timetables, fares and ticket booking on website). The trip takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Taxis from Linate to the city centre cost from about 12-18 euros.

[edit] Orio al Serio airport

Some budget airlines fly into Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), about 45km north-east of Milan near the city of Bergamo. Ryanair refers to this as Milan Bergamo Airport. Public transport into Milan is slightly less convenient than Malpensa or Linate:

  • Orio al Serio Airport [6] - official site of Milan Bergamo airport.
  • Trains to Milan leave from Bergamo station, which you can get to by shuttle bus or taxi, but is quite far from the airport. Buses to Bergamo are run by ZANI and take 10 minutes, at a cost of around €1.50. Trains from Bergamo to Milan run every 30-60 minutes and take around 1 hour. Adult one way fare approx €4.
  • Bus
  • The bus leaves for Milan from immediately outside the arrivals section of the airport, and from v. Ferrante Aporti on the east side of Central Station in Milan for all the companies below.
  • Autostradale [7] run a direct bus [8] from Orio Airport to Milano Centrale station, which is probably the best choice. Departure times may vary but buses generally run every half hour during the day, less often at night, and take about 1 hour or more. Beware cutting things too fine, however, because the highway ti Milan is very crowded during weekdays. Adult one way fare €6.70. Tickets are sold in Orio Al Serio Airport in Bergamo and at the Central Train Station in Milan. Be at the Milan Bus stop at least 15 minutes before nominal departure time or you may get left behind.
  • Zani Viaggi [9] also run a bus service from Bergamo Airport to Milano Centrale station with a stop at the Cascina Gobba MM3 station on the North Eastern outskirts of Milan. Adult fare €6.70 one way, tickets sold at an office in the airport or online.
  • Terravision [10] has a bus service from from Orio Airport to Milan.
  • Taxis will set you back maybe €100 from Orio to Milan.

[edit] By train

The main railway station is Central Station [11], which is served by Trenitalia [12], the State Railways. Regular trains serve all Italian cities (Turin, Venice, Rome, Naples, Florence and many others), and some European cities (Barcelona, Zurich, Geneva, Munich, Paris, Stuttgart, Zagreb, Vienna)

Note that the station is not in a great part of town, though in the area there are a number of decent budget hotels (see "Sleep" below) and some business-oriented international brand hotels. In general the area south of the station is a business and local government center, pretty much active during working hours but almost deserted at night. Should you need a few supplies for your trip, there is a small supermarket in the western side of the station at ground level, as well as cafes and other small shops. As of June 2006, the station was undergoing extensive renovation. At night, parts of Central Station become a sleeping area for vagrants.

Central Station is served by MM2 and MM3 metro lines and is an interesting place to see, since it's very big and built in fascist style. Taxis stops directly in front of the station, the ATM buses on the West side (IV November Square) and buses to Malpensa on the East side (Luigi di Savoia square).

Another important railway station is Cadorna, served by Ferrovie Nord [13] (North Railways), where the Malpensa Express stops and which is also a stop for MM1 and MM2.

Garibaldi station, is the terminus for most commuter railway lines, and is served by the state railways. It is also a stop for the MM2 and for the Passante (see Milan#Get_Around).

Other main train station are Lambrate, Greco-Pirelli, Rogoredo and Porta Genova for the FS Trenitalia railway and Bovisa and Domodossola for the Ferrovie Nord. The Domodossola station is very close to the city section of the Milan Exhibition Centre - fieramilanocity.

Note that Ferrovie Nord (FNM) and Trenitalia (FS) are two different railway networks, with different stations, different trains and different tickets. For example: if you need to go to Malpensa and you are in FS Greco Pirelli, you need to go first to Garibaldi station, then take MM2 to Cadorna and then Malpensa Shuttle to the airport. In same cases from Garibaldi station, you can take the passante to Bovisa FNM (these trains leave from the underground station below Garibaldi station and next to the city underground station. Be sure that the train you take stops at Bovisa) From Bovisa you can get on the Malpensa shuttle train.

[edit] By car

The main highways linking Milan to the rest of Italy are:

The main highway operating company is Società Autostrade [14].

Because of heavy traffic, it is strongly recommended not to drive in Milan during working days. Driving is much better during weekends. Perhaps you should leave your car in one of the well-marked car parks near the highway ring: they're managed by ATM and are easily connected with Milan undergroud lines but they close at around midnight. They're near highway exits in Cascina Gobba (East), Lampugnano (West) and San Donato (SouthEast). If you must drive in Milan during weekdays, then make sure you have an up-to-date map showing the one-way system.

[edit] By bus

The main Bus Terminal of Milan is located just outside the FS Garibaldi Train Station.

Since some long route buses depart from other point of city, and some of them made more than one stop in the city, take informations from the bus company about where the bus you need departs, arrive, or stops.

The main national bus lines are operated by Autostradale [15] but there are many other small companies offering even international travel.

[edit] Get around

ATM [16] operates a public transport network which is pretty efficient (especially the underground lines and the streetcars). Single tickets cost 1 euro and are available from newsstands, bars and automatic ticket machines in metro stations. Daily and two-day tickets are available in several newsstands (including subway newsstands) and the tourist information office. Single tickets are valid for 75 minutes, during which you can use them on as many trams and buses as you like and for one metro ride and for one ride on the urban part of the suburban train. Your time starts once you validate it by inserting it into a box which prints the date and time on it. These are found inside trams and buses and at the turnstiles at the metro. If you've first used a single ticket on a bus or tram you must also validate it when you enter the metro or before taking the urban part of the suburban train. A new ticketing system is being introduced during 2006. If you have a new magnetic type ticket, you should validate it every time you board on a new bus or tram, as well. Daily tickets (abbonamento giornaliero urbano) are sold for 3 euros and are valid for 24 hours from first validation.

  • The Metro (short for Metropolitana, the logo is a big white M on a red background) has three lines, each commonly identified by a color as shown below, and is the best way to get around if you're near a station. The lines are: MM1, red (rossa); MM2, green (verde); MM3, yellow (gialla). The last trains run at around midnight (2 a.m. on Saturday nights).
  • The Suburban Railway System (the logo is a big green S on a blue background) includes a special line known as Passante, usually considered the fourth subway line, and has eight more lines, each identified by a number (1 to 10, lines 7 and 8 are not yet operating). Note that suburban trains run less often than Metro trains (depending on the line, they range from 1 to 4 per hour) but, as some lines share the tracks and the stations, you can expect as many as 10 trains per hour in central Milan between Lancetti and Porta Vittoria stations. This lines are usually marked with a large blue line on maps.
  • Trams run above-ground on rail lines running through the streets. Being above ground means you get a view of what you're passing, so if you don't need to go far they're convenient and fun.
  • Buses should probably be your third public transport option. Less comfortable than the metro and trams, but more routes to choose from.

ATM Tram and Buses service stops around 2 am. Please note, however, that some lines end their service earlier and some do not have a night service at all. In any case check your route and timetable in advance if you want to travel at late night. From 8 pm to 2 am a special shuttle service is operated by ATM, called Radiobus [17], an on-call bus accessible only be pre-booking.

  • Taxis are pretty expensive and drivers and cannot catch walking customers. The best ways to catch a taxi is from taxi stands or by phone booking. The main taxi companies answer to phone numbers 02.40.40 and 02.69.69. A special phone number 848.814.781 allow you to be automoatically to the nearest taxi stand. It is charged at local phone charge, but it is only avaible from wired landlind (both private and public phone), but not from cellular or mobile phone. If you book a taxi by phone you'll start paying from the moment the driver accepts the call and comes to pick you up.
  • Cars are definitely not a good idea to get into the city centre. Like most major cities traffic is a considerable problem, not to mention the hassle of parking. During working hours traffic is often blocked, inside the city as well as on the highway ring surrounding it. It is much better at night, but you'll probably have problems finding a place to leave the car near enough to nightlife attractions.
  • Several buses connect suburban cities and towns surrounding Milan. Some are managed by ATM. You can travel on most of them with an inter-urban ticket (biglietto interurbano) which are sold in two forms: including travel in Milan or without. In the without form you can only go to the end of the line, while with the cumulative version you can transfer to any ATM line. There are several rules and distance limits which apply - check on them.
  • Walking is definitely a possibility, and although Milan is a large city this is an excellent way of imbibing the culture of the place. No matter how hot the day, one will see elegantly dressed people of both sexes in cutting or perhaps timeless fashion with not a drop of sweat. There are many places to sit, apart from the ubiquitous cafes, especially in the parks. Get a decent map of the city before setting out though, as the roads do not always maintain a straight line, and the various piazza can be confusing to the newcomer. In the many parks, there are dog only areas, but one should always be careful when walking as the two things one will see on the ground in the streets are cigarette ends and dog feces.

[edit] See

[edit] Museums

Milan offers the visitor a large variety of art museums, mainly of Italian Renaissance and Baroque.

  • Cenacolo Vinciano [18] Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Last Supper". Tickets should be reserved at least a few days before the visit. Cancelled reservations are sold from 8:15 every morning (if there are any).
  • Pinacoteca di Brera [19], on Brera Street. Reach by subway MM2 Lanza Station, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, tram lines 1, 4, 8, 12, 14, 27 or buses 61 and 97.
  • Pinacoteca Ambrosiana [20]
  • Poldi Pezzoli Museum [21], on Manzoni Street. Reach by subway, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, or with many buses and trams.
  • Bagatti Valsecchi Museum [22], a late 19th century aristocratic mansion with Italian Renaissance art collections located in via Gesù 5, between via della Spiga and via Montenapoleone; subway MM3 Montenapoleone Station, MM1 San Babila Station, tram lines 1 and 2, Montenapoleone stop
  • Societa' per le Belle Arti ed Esposizione Permanente [23]
  • The Sforzesco Castle [24] Reach by subway, line MM2, Lanza Station, or with many buses and trams. Home to the museums of applied arts, ancient art, historical musical instruments, prehistory, Egyptian art and fine arts. Highly Recommended!
  • Civico Museo Archeologico Roman antiques from Milan.
  • Contemporary Arts Pavillion (PAC) [25], in Palestro Street, near Porta Venezia Gardens. Reach by subway, line MM1, Palestro Station, or with many buses and trams.
  • Museo del Duomo (Museum of the Cathedral) [26]
  • Museo d'Arte Paolo Pini [27]

Other Museums:

  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology [28] on S.Vittore Street. Reach by bus or subway, line MM2 Sant'Ambrogio Station.
  • Triennale di Milano [29] on Alemagna Street. Reach by bus 61 or subway, line MM2 Cadorna-Triennale Station.
  • Natural Science Museum, at 55, Corso Venezia, inside Porta Venezia Gardens. Line MM1, Porta Venezia or Palestro Stations. Has reduced and free entry [depends on person] after 16:30 most days or 14:30 Fridays.
  • The Palazzo Reale [30], opposite South side of Duomo, always hosts many exhibitions, usually very interesting.
  • Museo Teatrale alla Scala[31] A museum dedicated to the world's most famous opera house.

[edit] Churches

Some of the most beautiful churches one can see in Milan are:

  • The Duomo, in Duomo Square, is Milan's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church (started in 1386) in white marble, with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior. Its famous facade is currently partly covered in scaffolding. Don't miss the chance to climb up onto the roof. Great views between the Gothic spires. Reach by subway, lines MM1 or MM3, Duomo Station, or with many buses and trams. Roof open daily 9 am - 5:30 pm.
  • Saint Mary of the Graces ('Santa Maria delle Grazie') , which houses the famous Last Supper ('Cenacolo Vinciano') by Leonardo da Vinci. You must make a reservation several days in advance as tickets are usually sold out, recently by as much as three weeks or more. Tickets can be only be reserved by phone (02.8942.1146). Reach by tram 20-24-29-30 or by subway, line MM1 and MM2 Cadorna Station.
  • Saint Ambrose, in Piazza San Ambrogio, a beautiful early romanic church which was almost destroyed by allied bombing in World War 2.

[edit] Historic Monuments

  • The Castello Sforzesco, where the Sforza-Visconti ruling families of Milan resided. Later it was the Austrian governor's residence, when Lombardy was part of the Hapsburg empire. It houses several museums. Metro: Cairoli.
  • La Scala Theatre [32], 1 Piazza Scala, one of the most renowned opera house in the world. It first opened in 1778 and re-opened in 2004 after extensive renovations.

[edit] Other sights

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the mother of all shopping malls: upscale shops in a splendid 19th- century palace of a mall. Now has a McDonald's for those who want inexpensive refreshment which is otherwise impossible to find here.
  • Biblioteca Ambrosiana historical library with treasures such as Leonardo Atlantic Codex.
  • Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense [33] is a library established in 1770 by the Austrian governor. In has since acquired other historical collections and the archives of RAI (Italy's state television). It's very active in organising workshops and debates on new media and new technologies.
  • Via della Spiga and its neighborhood is the center of high-class shopping, where almost every luxury brand can be found.
  • Porta Ticinese and the surrounding area is a very old-fashioned quarter nearly untouched by WWII bombings. At night Milanese people like to have a walk near Colonne di San Lorenzo (S.Lawrence's columns).
  • Piazza Della Scala is the location of the Statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and La Scala theatre. Great photograph opportunity, and right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
  • I Navigli is the location where many night spots are open till late. Once a month there is an open air market of antiques.
  • San Siro Stadium [34] is the famous stadium of Milan. Terminal point of tram 16.

[edit] Do

Milan is a great city to walk around and see the sights and people.

  • Football. Watch the AC Milan [35] or FC Internazionale [36], at the famous Meazza Stadium, also known as San Siro. Tickets for most matches are available in advance or on the day. Watch out for the scalpers at the stadium as they sell the tickets much expensive than the official ticket offices. As many as 60 matches per year are played in San Siro from late August until late May. MM1 Lotto Station or tram 16.
  • Exhibition Fairs. A lot of exhibitions are held during the year, ranging from wines to computers, industrial equipment and chocolate. The old exhibitions area is in central Milan (MM1 Amendola Fiera or MM1 Lotto - Fiera 2 Stations), the new one is in Rho (North West Milan, MM1 Rho Fiera Station, A4 highway Pero exit). For more information, visit the Fiera Milano website [37].
  • If you want to see Milan from above you can go on Duomo roof (by stairs or lift), between spires and statues. It's a great experience. Another choice is the Branca Tower (Camoens street, near Triennale, inside Sempione Park), built in 1933 by architect Giò Ponti. The tower is 108 m high.

[edit] Learn

Milan has 8 universities and the largest number of students in italy.

  • Università degli Studi di Milano [38] commonly known as Statale, established in 1924 in a 14th-century building named Ca' Granda with a marvellous internal courtyard. The University is on Festa del Perdono Street, very close to the Duomo. Reach by bus or subway, line MM1 MM3 Duomo Station. It also has other facilities around the city, the most important in Celoria Street.
  • Politecnico di Milano [39] is a Technical University established in 1863 and it's now one of Europe's most outstanding centres for engineering, architecture and industrial design. The main building is on Leonardo da Vinci Square, reach by bus, tram or subway, line MM2 Piola Station or Lambrate Station. The other main (and newest) facilies are around Bovisa FNM Station.
  • Università Bocconi [40], established in 1902, is one of the leading places in Italy for economics. The central building is in Sarfatti Street and other facilities are in the surrounding area. Reach by bus 79.
  • Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore [41] commonly known as Cattolica, established in 1921 in the XV century Saint Ambrose Monastery, it has two very beautiful cloisters designed by Bramante. Università Cattolica is on Gemelli Street, right behind Saint Ambrose Basilica. Reach by bus or subway, line MM2 Sant'Ambrogio Station.
  • Università di Milano - Bicocca [42] is a new university born as a spin-off from Università Statale. It's situated between Milan and the once-industrial small town of Sesto S.Giovanni, in a recently restructured old tire factory grounds. Reach by bus, tram of railway, FS Greco-Pirelli Station.
  • LIUC [43] established in 1991 north-west of Milan, in the small town of Castellanza, half way between Milan and Malpensa Airport, is a young yet very active university. Reach by train, FNM Castellanza Station.
  • IULM [44] is a communication-oriented university, established in 1968. Reach by bus or subway, line MM2 Romolo station.
  • Università Vita Salute - San Raffaele [45] established in 1996 around San Raffaele Hospital, one of Italy's top research centres in biotechnology and medicine. Reach it by subway, MM2 Cascina Gobba station, then light railway to San Raffaele.

Almost every Milan university has several facilities around the city and some of them also have secondary centres in other areas of Lombardy and Italy, so if you need something specific you'd better ask before getting there. Every university has its own students' residences, which are much smaller than they should be, so they can satisfy only a small portion of demand for them. If you're not able to get a room in a residence, every university has an ISU, a Studying Right Institute, that can help you find a room or an apartment for rent. Note that renting a room or an apartment can be very expensive, starting at 400-500 euros/month for a room. MeglioMilano [46] is an association that is now experimenting a project to help non-Milanese students find a home and retired old people find somebody to help them in everyday life. The project is called Prendi in casa uno studente (Bring a student home), you can ask for information by email at meglio.segreteria(at)meglio.milano.it or by phone at 02.7602.0589.

[edit] Work

[edit] Buy

Milan is a fashion shoppers' paradise.

The main shopping area is the fashion quadrangle (quadrilatero della moda), roughly between Duomo Square (piazza Duomo), Cavour Square (Piazza Cavour) and San Babila Square (Piazza San Babila). Here, in Montenapoleone Street, Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Manzoni Street, all major labels have their main shops: Giorgio Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and so on. MM1 San Babila or MM3 Montenapoleone.

For people wanting to spend a bit less, while still buying beautiful things, other areas are better. One of these is Vercelli Avenue (MM1 Pagano), another one is Buenos Aires Avenue (MM1 Porta Venezia, MM1 Lima, MM1/MM2 Loreto).

For hipsters there's the elongated Porta Ticinese area, expecially on Saturday, when the Fiera di Senigallia takes place near Darsena (now that area is closed and Fiera di Senigallia has been moved to a place near Porta Genova MM2 and FS station).

For men's shoes, you can do much worse than going to Via Belfiore, near Vercelli Avenue.

[edit] Eat

Please, eat Italian food. It's great. Try one of the risotto dishes, for example, and remember that Italians generally don't like any foreigner who always asks for spaghetti or pizza, so please, read the menu and remember that almost every restaurant has a typical dish.

However if you're on a long tour of Italy and want a break, in Milan you can also find good Chinese, French, Mexican, etc. food. Chinese restaurants are mainly located around Paolo Sarpi Street, the heart of Milan's Chinatown.

Avoid the restaurants around the Duomo (cathedral) and the central area, they tend to be tourists-only, very low quality at high prices, although if you are in a hurry and need inexpensive refreshment, McDonald's has opened a quite upscale looking place in the middle of the Galleria, which they keep very clean.

[edit] Aperitivo

In the last several years Milan has established a local version of the Aperitivo or Happy Hour.

Roughly from 7pm to 9pm, many bars offer drinks and cocktails at a fixed price (5-8 euros each), accompanied by free all-you-can-eat buffets with snacks, pasta, rice, and many other appetizers.

It is not difficult to get a dinner's worth out of a Happy Hour.

[edit] Restaurants

At the two Osteria del Gnocco Fritto the 4.5 euro cover charge includes baskets of fried, square, hollow, hand-size pastries (similar to sopapillas) accompanied by meats, cheeses, or jams (8 to 11 euro). At Via Pestalozzi, 16 (tel. 02 8912.2631) and off the Grand Canal at Via Pasquale Paoli, 2 (tel. 02 5810.0216).

The Osteria dei Formaggi on the Grand Canal (Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 54) serves all manner of excellent cheese dishes in an intimate dining room heavily decorated with cows. (tel. 02 8940.9415)

[edit] Breakfast

In bars you can enjoy great caffè espresso, cappuccino and a brioche for as little as 2 euros. Please note that bars in the Duomo and San Babila areas can be very expensive.

[edit] Pizza

Milan is not Naples, the birthplace of pizza, but you can find good pizzerias everywhere. The best areas for pizza are near Marghera street, at the end of Vercelli Avenue, and on the Navigli, on Brera, on Paolo Sarpi. Expect to pay 8-15 euro for a pizza and a beer.

If you are in the Northeast area, there are many little pizzerias on viale Fulvio Testi (the northern extension of viale Zara) in the Greco area, of which an excellent choice is Pizzeria De Pino. Ask for John Luca, and don't miss the lasagne. Here you may also get homemade Mirto (as you can at many other places). The prices are very reasonable in these establishments; expect to pay about 4 to 5 euro for pizza and 3 to 4 euro for beer. These places are where the locals eat, are very friendly and helpful but few speak anything but Italian. Take the phrase book with you.

In Milan pizza is eaten with a knife and fork, not with one's hands, but of course eating with one's hands is possible and welcome.

[edit] Snacks

In summer enjoy gelato, excellent Italian ice cream. The quality mark "gelato artigianale" indicates gelaterias that produce their own ice creams, without industrial processing. Bakeries are open every day, you can enjoy great and inexpensive bread-related food, such as pizza and focaccia. You can find a bakery almost everywhere in Milan, even in the Duomo area, and is a good alternative to bars for a fast lunch.

[edit] Drink

Some of the best places for the Happy Hour and late night drinking are:

  • Exploit Café, near the San Lorenzo Columns, in Porta Ticinese Avenue;
  • Bar Bianco inside the Sempione Park;
  • Roialto, in Piero della Francesa Street, near Sempione Avenue;
  • Honky Tonks, in Fratelli Induno Street, near Sempione Avenue;
  • Bar Magenta, in Via Carducci;
  • Il Saloon, in Niccolini Street, Chinatown area;
  • Frescobar, in Bramante Street, Chinatown area;
  • Birrificio Lambrate [47] with its own branded beers, in Adelchi Street, near Lambrate Station;
  • Cicco Simonetta [48], bohemian pub, with comics and musicians, with beer at 3E on Mondays;

New pub with best belgians beers is Brasserie Bruxelles in Viale Abruzzi 33, near Buenos Aires Avenue.

Sitting down for coffee or for a drink in Duomo Square or in the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery can be nice, but it can also be very hard on the wallet.

[edit] Milan by night

Milan has a great variety of places where you can have fun. A great starting point is Como Avenue, near Garibaldi Station, full of bars and glamorous clubs. Another place where you can go is Navigli quarter, near Porta Ticinese Avenue and XXIV Maggio Square, where you can find a lot of small pubs. In many pubs and bars you can find a free booklet named Zero2 which is a guide to Milan Nightlife: if you don't know what to do or where to go, do grab one!

There are bars and clubs open all week long but usually few people go out at night on Mondays or Tuesdays, the vast majority prefer to have fun on Thusdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, Wednesday night appears to be one of the coolest to go out in stylish vip-frequented clubs.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Camping

  • Citta di Milano, way on the outskirts of the city, located in Quinto Romano, Via Gaetano Airaghi 61, Tel. 02.48200134, Fax 02 48202999. If you arrive by car take the tangenziale Ovest; exit at San Siro/ Fiera. If by public transport, take the subway (the M1 line to De Agneli) and then a bus (bus no 72). Be aware that it's next to a rather smelly farm.

[edit] Budget

  • Hotel Valley, Via Soperga, 19, 20100 | Tel. +39 02.66987252 Fax +39 02.66987252, [49]. Close to downtown, a short distance from the central train station, the Hotel Valley opens its doors to a young clientele in search of an accommodation in Milan.
  • Hotel De Albertis, Via De Albertis, 7 | 20100 Milan, Italy | Ph. +39.02.7383409 Fax +39.02.7383409 , [50], [51]. 1 star hotel located in the Cinque Giornate area. Run by a very pleasant family.
  • Arco Hotel, P.zza S. Maria del Suffragio 3, 20129, Tel. +39.02.70126264 Fax +39.02.70126264, [52] 1 star hotel in the center of Milan.
  • Hotel Delle Nazioni, Via Cappellini, 18, 20124, Milan, Italy, Tel: +39 0266981221 Fax: +39 026701804, [53], [54]. 3 star hotel located just few meters from the main railway station.
  • Hotel Garda, via Napo Torriani, 21 | 20124, Tel. +39 02.66982626 - Fax +39 02.66982576, [55]. Hotel Garda, in the center of Milan and at 5-minutes walking distance from Central Station, is the perfect solution for leisure or business stays.
  • Hotel Loreto, Via Bambaia, 4, 20131, Milan - Tel. +39 02.2613050 - Fax +39 02.26145724 - Web site: [56]. A two star hotel, a short distance from Corso Buenos Aires, in a central location that is also extremely quiet.


  • IYHF hostel - Follow the signs from QT8 stop on the red line to Molino Dorino. Very relaxed curfew compared to most in Italy. Look out for the nightwalkers you pass on the way to the hostel.
  • Postello - [57] (in English). €10/night, and was once a squat. They are currently saving up to buy the building they are housed in, so staying here helps them achieve their goal. Good internet access, and have an anti-facscista focus.
  • Ostello Olinda - [58] A former psychiatric hospital.

[edit] Mid-range

All these have ensuite facilities, shower,bath, WC, TV in room, 24 hour lobby.

  • Ambasciatori Hotel Milan, Galleria del Corso 3, 20122, Milano, Italy, Tel: 0039 02 76020241 Fax: 0039 02 782700, [59], [60]. Four-star hotel located in the historical city center close to the Duomo, Cathedral area of Milan and the main shopping area.
  • Antares Hotel Accademia, Viale Certosa 68, 20155, Milano, Lombardy, Italy, Tel: +390239211122 Fax: +390233103878, [61], [62]. Four-star hotel located close to Milans international fair and exhibition centre Fiera di Milano, Via Vincenzo Monti shopping area and San Siro Stadium.
  • Antares Hotel Concorde, Viale Monza, 132, 20127, Milano, Italy, Tel: 0039 0226112020 Fax: 0039 0226147879, [63], [64]. Four-star hotel close to the Corso Buenos Aires shopping area. Piazza Duomo is only a few stops away on the underground.
  • Antares Hotel Rubens, Via Rubens, 21, 20148, Milano, Italy, Tel: 0039 0240302 Fax: 0039 0248193114, [65], [66]. Four-star Hotel Milan is near Milans Exhibition Centres, San Siro football stadium, Corso Vercelli shopping area and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
  • Antica Locanda Leonardo - Corso Magenta 78, 20123 Milan Tel: +39.02.48014197 Fax: +39.02.48019012 [67]. Antica Locanda Leonardo is located near the Teatro la Scala and is comfortable to reach Milan Trade fair district in Rho.
  • Astoria Hotel Milano, Viale Murillo, 9, 20149, Milan, Italy, Tel: 0039 02 40090095 Fax: 0039 02 40074642, [68], [69]. Three-star hotel very close to the Fair of Milan and Fieramilanocity.
  • Country Hotel Borromeo, Via Bruno Buozzi 04, 20068, Peschiera Borromeo, Milan, Italy, Tel: 0039.02.553771 Fax: 0039.02.55300708, [70], [71]. Four-star hotel located five minutes from Linate Airport with 75 non smoking rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, and mini-bar.
  • Four Points Sheraton Milan, Via Cardano, 1, 20124, Milan, Italy, Tel: +39 02 66746131/4 Fax: +39 02 66746165, [72], [73]. Milan city centre hotel with 205 rooms. Hotel also has 8 meeting rooms, restaurant, bar and exercise room.
  • Grand Hotel Puccini, C.so Buenos Aires, 33, 20124 Milano, Italy, Tel: 00390229521344 Fax: 0039022047825, [74], [75]. The Grand Hotel Puccini is a 4-star city centre hotel is located on Corso Buenos Aires. It has good transport links that allows good access to the Central Railway Station, airports and trade fair area.
  • Hotel Accursio - Viale Certosa, 88, 20156 Milano Tel. +39 02.33001270 fax +39 02.39217466 [76].
  • Hotel Amadeus - Via Vitruvio, 48. Phone 02-6692141 (fax 02-66713291). Very convenient for being really close to the Centrale station. The average rates are €80 but weekend rates for a single room can drop to as low as €42.
  • Hotel Ariston - Largo Carrobbio 2. Phone +39.02.7200055 fax +39.02.72000914 [77]. In Milan, at 5 minutes from the Duomo and from Navigli, Hotel Ariston is a great welcoming place. Designed with bioarchitectural principles in mind. Average rates: singles 160 €, doubles 230€.
  • Hotel Bernina - Via Napo Torriani 27, 20124 Milan Phone +39 02.66988022 fax +39 02.6702964 [78]. Hotel Bernina is situated in the most comfortable and strategic zone of Milan, both for those interested in visiting the city, as for those who are in Milan on business. A stroll from the Central Station, this welcoming hotel in Milan is well connected to all the most interesting sites in the city. Single room from 55€, Double from 75€
  • Hotel Bonola - Via Torrazza 15 Tel: +39 02 381.017.46 Fax: +39 02 381.017.86 [79]. Hotel Bonola is close to the freeway exits (the Tangenziale Ovest exit "Viale Certosa" is 1 km away), “Rho-Pero”, the new trade show center and Mazdapalace the historical trade show center. Singles from €40, Double from €60
  • Hotel Canova - Via Napo Torriani 15. Tel: 0266988181 Fax: 0266713433. [[80]] Singles €51 doubles €68 cheapest booked via an intermediary, more expensive direct. Parking Euros 20 per night, or use cheaper local garage. Excellent location near Stazione Centrale and low price
  • Hotel Ca' Grande - Via Porpora, 87 - Phone +39.02.26145295 fax +39.02.26144001 [81]. Hotel catering to travellers for business, study or tourism.
  • Hotel Casa Mia , Viale Vittorio Veneto, 30 (corner P.zza Repubblica) - Ph. +39.02.6575249 - Fax +39.02.6552228 [82]. Just 15 minutes walk to the Duomo and 10 minutes to Via Montenapoleone, small and attentive. Average prices: single rooms €65, doubles €90, triples €120.
  • Hotel Cristallo, Via Scarlatti, 22, 20124, Milan, Italy, Tel: 00390229517555 Fax: 00390229526129, [83], [84]. Three star hotel situated 200 metres from Milan's main railway station in a location very suited to tourists
  • Hotel Des Etrangers, Via Sirte 9, 20146, Tel. +39 02.48955325 | Fax. +39 02.48955359, [85]. Close to the Milan Fair and the main University of Milan, the Hotel des Etrangers offers services and comfort for business and travel requirements.
  • Hotel Domenichino, Via Domenichino, 41, 20149, Tel. +39.02.48009692 | Fax. +39.02.48003953, [86]. Just a short distance from the Trade Fair District, this hotel in Milan is in an ideal position for anyone on business or those on holiday in the city.
  • Hotel Fenice - Corso Buenos Aires, 2 Tel: +39 02.29525541 Fax: +39 02.29523942 [87]. The Hotel Fenice is located in a perfect location: just a short distance from Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and the fashion stronghold with its famous boutiques. Singles from €65, Double from 100€ night.
  • Hotel Florence, Piazza Aspromonte, 22, 20100 Milan Tel +39 02.2361125, Fax +39 02.26680911 [88]. The Hotel Florence is in a very convenient and strategic position: in a central area of Milan, easily reached from the Centrale station, with excellent public transport services (subway, street cars and buses) and full of attractions. Single rooms from 45€, Doubles from 75€.
  • Hotel Galles - Piazza Lima, 2 Tel: +39.02.204841 Fax: +39 02.2048422 [89]. The Hotel Galles is the ideal solution for a business or pleasure trip in the heart of Milan.. Singles from €75, Queen size bed from €92, parking €21 per night.
  • Hotel Ibis Milano Centro, Via Finocchiaro Aprile 2, 20124, Milano, Italy, Tel: 00390263151 Fax: 0039026598026, [90], [91]. Low cost three star hotel well located in city centre of Milan.
  • Hotel Ideale Via dei Mille, 60, 20129, Tel. +39.02.701.065.66 Fax +39.02.701.066.66 [92]. The Center of Milan, Università Statale, Centrale Train Station and Linate Airport can be reached in just ten minutes.
  • Hotel La Residenza , Via Scialoia 3 - Ph. +39.02.6461646 - Fax +39.02.6464268 [93]. single rooms €55, doubles €88, triples €100, quadruples €120.
  • Mercure Milan Corso Genova as of 2004 Tel: 02 643 50 03 singles €60, doubles €70, parking €20 per night.
  • Hotel Manin Milan, Via Manin, 7, 20121, Milan, Italy, Tel: 0039.02.6596511 Fax: 0039.02.6552160, [94], [95]. 4 star city centre hotel situated in a quiet side street. The hotels is a short distance away from the Duomo Cathedral, Scala Opera House and main railway station.
  • Hotel Miami Milan, via Nuova Rivoltana, 98, 20080, Limito di Pioltello, Milano, Italy, Tel: +390270300333 Fax: +390270300444, [96], [97]. 4 star hotel located within 2km of Linate Airport and 5 km from the city center.
  • Hotel Mozart, Piazza Gerusalemme 6 · 20154, Ph. +39.02.33104215 · Fax +39.02.33103231, [98]. Just a few steps from Corso Sempione, and very close to the Fiera.
  • Hotel Mistral, Via Vincenzo Toffetti 4, 20100, tel. +39 02.57300197 fax. +39 02.57303060. [[99]].
  • Hotel Piacenza - Via Piacenza, 4 Tel: +39 0254.55.041 Fax: +39 0254.65.269 [100]. A short stroll from Porta Romana and the famous and prestigious Bocconi University, the hotel is also near typical restaurants and lively wine bars where you can spend a pleasant evening.
  • Hotel Regal, Via Verdi 10, 20080, Villaggio Ravello, Milano, Italy, Tel: +39029440493 Fax: +39029440515, [101], [102]. 4 star motel located on the Grand Canal 10km from Milan.
  • Hotel Ritter, Corso Garibaldi 68, 20121. A good 3-star hotel situated near the Moscova metro station and at a walking distance from Duomo.
  • Hotel Rona Milan, Viale Monza, 15, 20040, Caponago, Milano, Italy, Tel: +390295742241 Fax: +390295741103, [103], [104]. Four star motel situated 10 km from Milan. The motel is in the Industrial Commuter Belt of Agrate.
  • Hotel Soperga, Via Soperga · 20127, Ph. +39.02.6690541 · Fax +39.02.66980352, [105]. Between the Main Station and Corso Buenos Aires: there is a welcoming and elegant place to stay a while, for recreation or the demands of work.
  • Hotel Windsor, Via Galileo Galilei, 2, 20124, Milan, Italy, Tel: 0039026346 Fax: 0039026590663, [106], [107]. 4 star hotel in Milan with 109 rooms. It is located near the Piazza Repubblica and is close to a Metro stop allowing easy access to Milans attractions.
  • Hotel XXII Marzo [108], P.zza S. Maria del Suffragio 3, Angolo Bonvesin de la Riva 1, 20129, Ph./Fax +39.02.70107064. In the centre of Milan, in the area of the Duomo and near the University and Courts.
  • Lido Hotel, R. Galli n.8, 20148, Milan, Italy, Tel: 0039 02 33000420 Fax: 0039 02 39211429, [109], [110]. This Modern three star hotel is the closest hotel to the new pavilions of the Fiera Milano. Located across from the IOL Stadium.
  • Madison Hotel, Via Gasparotto, 8, 20124, Milan, Italy, Tel: +39 0267074150 Fax: +39 0267075059, [111], [112]. 4 star city centre hotel located just 100 meters from the main railway station. The hotel is beside a subway stop.


  • Zumbini Rooms - Via Zumbini 6, 20143, Tel.+39 02.36556604 Fax +39 02.36556603, [113]. The residence Zumbini Rooms, in the southern part of Milan.
  • Residence Loreto - Via Rancati 3, 20127, Tel. +39 02.2841041 Fax +39 02.2827616, [114]. Residence Loreto: Comfortable studio and apartments, with bath, fully equipped kitchen and high quality services.

[edit] Splurge

  • Antica Locanda dei Mercanti Via San Tomaso 6;[115];+39 (0)28054080. With/without private terraces. Large double rooms. In an old palazzo in the heart of the city. Charming boutique hotel.
  • Hotel Capitol, Via Cimarosa, 6 - 20144 Milano - Tel +39 02 438591 Fax +39 02 43859700;email: info@capitolmilano.com [116]. The hotel is a completely re-newed superior four stars hotel rich of charming and intimate atmosphere located in one of the best residential area of the city centre of Milan, surrounded by streets with wonderful shops and boutiques, restaurants and bars. The hotel is also conveniently located near by the Exhibition centre, the Financial district, the airport shuttle terminal, the underground station and the most important monuments and attractions of Milan. The 66 rooms and suites are all differently decorated and all equipped with the most up-to-date comforts offer one of the best accommodation in Milan. Friendly and smiling staff and superlative service will be at your disposal during your stay in Milan.



  • Hotel Andreola Central, Via Domenico Scarlatti, 24 - 20124, Tel. +39 02.6709141 Fax +39 02.66713198, [117]. Four-star hotel located 200 meters from the central train station.
  • Hotel Art Hotel Navigli, Via Fumagalli 4, 20100, Tel. +39.02.89410530 - Fax +39.02.58115066. [118].
  • Hotel Ascot, Via Lentasio, 3, 20122, Milan Tel. +39 02.58303300 Fax +39 02.58303203, [119]. Conveniently situated in the center of Milan, just a few meters from Corso di Porta Romana and 10 minutes walk from the Duomo and the National University. Single from 83€, Double from 124€.
  • Hotel Lloyd, C.so di Porta Romana, 48 20122, Tel. +39 02.58303332 Fax +39 02.58303365, Milano[120]. Large meeting rooms, well-being program; business, shopping and culture just 10 minutes walk away. Single rooms from 85€, Double from 116€

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

Generally, Milan today it's a safe place, but always keep watching your baggage,handbag or wallet especially while making use of public transportation or in other crowded areas like open air markets. Perhaps you'd better avoid certain part of the city at night, such as Centrale Station area. Areas in the outskirts and suburbs can become a bit unsafe at night because of the lack of nightlife. Lots of Beggars.

[edit] Get out

  • Lake Como - Beautiful lake in the foothills of the Alps. See the villages of Como, Mennagio, Bellagio & Varenna. Regular trains (50 minutes from Cadorna station) and buses.
  • Monza medium-size town with a beautiful pedestrian-only centre and marvellous park, Parco di Monza, the largest enclosed park in Europe. Inside the park there is the Autodromo Nazionale where the Formula 1 GP, Superbike and other minor races take place. Regular trains (15 minutes from Centrale or Porta Garibaldi stations) and buses.
  • Bergamo - Elegant walled hilltop university town. Regular trains (from Centrale, Porta Garibaldi and Lambrate stations, about 1 hour trip time) and buses.
  • Lake Garda - Beautiful lake with a lot of beautiful small cities, the best is Sirmione. Two big theme parks are nearby: Gardaland [121], the best in Italy, and Canevaworld Resort [122], home of Movieland (a movie theme park) and a water park. Regular trains (65-85 minutes from Centrale station) and buses. Very crowded during summer and weekends.
  • One day trips from Milan without a car: - You don't need a car to escape from the business, the traffic, the congestion, the fog in wintertime and the afa, the humid heat in summer, of the city of Milan to a wonderful world of lakes, mountains, castles and good food: just take the train and, sometimes, the boat.
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