Milan

Holidays and festivities

Milan is a popular shopping destination. So for many travelers it’s important to know when the national holidays are. We made a list of the national holidays you might encounter in Milan. Most services and shops are likely closed on these days.

In 2024 the holidays fall on the following dates:
1 January – New Year’s Day.
6 January – Epiphany (or Three Kings’ Day).
31 March and 1 April – Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
25 April – Liberation day.
1 May – Labour day.
2 June – Day of the Republic. The national holiday of Italy, where they celebrate the day where they decided to become a republic through a referendum in 1946.
15 August – Assumption of Mary.
1 November – All Saints’ Day.
7 December – Saint Ambrose’s Day. This is a celebration specific to Milan, as Saint Ambrose is the patron saint of the city.
8 December – Immaculate Conception Day.
25 December – First Christmas Day.
26 December – Second Christmas Day.
31 December – New Year’s Eve.

Opening hours in Milan

The opening hours of shops in Italy can vary greatly. The hours in which a shop is open is less regulated than in north europe. So expect some flexibility in the opening hours of touristic attractions, restaurants and shops. It is common for shops to open around 09:00 and close around 19:00 to 20:00 hours, also some shops close at 17:00.

Keep in mind Italians like to have dinner around 20:00 to 21:30 hours, so the kitchens in the restaurants also tend to open quite late.

In the afternoon some churches, museums, shops and restaurants can also close due to riposo, which is the Italian afternoon break. As Milan is a very northern and touristic city people are less likely to hold an afternoon break than in South Italy, but it still happens on occasion. You can expect shops to close in Italy due to riposo between 12:30 / 13:30 for two hours until 14:30 / 15:30, while you will find most things stay open in the touristic areas.

It is very common for museums to be closed on monday. Shops are likely to be closed on sunday. And churches tend to have services for locals on sunday, while being open for tourists on other days. Banks can also be closed in the weekends.

As you can see the opening hours in Milan aren’t set in stone. But these guidelines will help you understand when to shop and which times to take into consideration. If you go to a village surrounding Milan after noon then it can be a good idea to for example take a bottle of water with you in case the cafes happen to be closed.

Weather and climate of Milan

Italy is a large country with several climates. So if you go to the beach you might experience a different climate than in the city of Milan. Milan has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). This means the summers can be quite warm, especially in the sun.

Milan has a long summer and the weather stays warm at least from May to September. In May you have an average temperature of 22,3 degrees celsius (72.1 degrees fahrenheit). In June you have an average temperature of 26,2 degrees celsius (79.2 degrees fahrenheit). And in July you have an average temperature of 29,1 degrees celsius (84.6 degrees fahrenheit). And in August you have an average temperature of 28.5 degrees celsius (83.3 degrees fahrenheit). And in September the weather still remain 24.4 degrees celsius (75.9 degrees fahrenheit) on average. As you can see the summers can be incredibly warm, so be sure to bring some nice comfortable shirts.

The winters are an entirely different story. In november you can expect the temperature to be an average of 10.7 degrees celsius (51.3 fahrenheit). In december it drop to an average of 6.4 degrees celsius (43.5 fahrenheit). In January it will be 5.9 degrees celsius (42.6 fahrenheit). And february 9.0 degrees celsius (48.2 fahrenheit). So the average temperature stays well above the freezing point. When it does freeze you can expect some snow. It’s normal for it to snow about 7 days a year.

Milan usually has a calm breeze and usually no strong winds. April and May tend to be the rainiest months and the winter months have the least rain, but as the Alps protect Milan from bad weather so the city has actually quite a low amount of rainfall compared to other European cities.

So in short, during most days you can wear your t-shirt and sunglasses.

Passport and visa

Italy is a EU country which is part of the Schengen area, so European tourists can enjoy the privileges that come with their EU passport and just travel to Italy without a visa.

Americans can stay in Italy without a visa for 90 days. For non-Europeans it’s important to note that when you travel to Italy your passport should be valid for at least another six months. And as you enter the Schengen zone (so when you land in Italy) be sure to get a stamp in your passport as you arrive.

Other countries might require a VISA. A good website to check out if you require a VISA when you travel to Italy and how to acquire it is VisaHQ.

Languages spoken in Italy

As you might know people in Italy speak Italian. Between the very north and south of Italy there are pretty large differences in dialect, so if you speak Italian you might find south italians harder to understand. Italy also has a lot of regional languages, such as Sicilian and German, but this is no problem for tourists as everyone tends to speak Italian.

In general Italians do understand basic English and you can make your intentions known by speaking English. Especially in the touristic areas you will have no problem getting around with English. As the English mastery of Italians widely differs you will encounter plenty of people who are fluent, but it will also frequently happen that, despite the person understanding you, they might not be able to respond to you in English. On our travels this has never been an issue as Italians are very expressive and can usually easily be understood.

Tipping culture in Milan

In general you have no obligation to tip in Italy. In restaurants you will also often find that tipping money is already included in the price, which is called ‘coperto’ on the bill. Sometimes they will also charge you for servizio, which is pretty much the same thing.

Theoretically coperto is a fee paid for the usage of certain goods while servizio is charged for certain services, but in practise both fees are interchangeable. It is unlikely you will find both fees on your bill at the same time.

Tourists may get surprised to find this service charge on the bill, but it is normal in Italy. Coperto not only covers the hidden charges of your meal, such as the served bread and usage of cutlery, but it also ensures nobody has to worry about what kind of tip is appropriate.

The height of the coperto usually ranges between the 1 to 5 euros. More touristic areas tend to have a higher fees. It is mandatory for restaurants to make the height of the coperto known (for example on their menu card) before charging it. In most of Italy, including Milan, you will find coperto on the bill. The only exception is Rome and the Lazio region, as they have banned coperto in that region.

The same goes for taxi drivers. There is no need to tip a taxi driver and you will find most Italians don’t tip them.

Of course a tip is always appreciated. In Italy a tip is truly considered a bonus for a job well done. So if you appreciate the service and you feel good you can always give a small tip by rounding the bill up. If you prefer more solid numbers you can give a tip of 10% or perhaps leave 1 or 2 euros. But it is absolutely not a requirement. The majority of Italians do not tip.

Paying and currency

The currency of Italy is the euro. Paying in cash is very common in Italy. And taxi drivers usually only accept cash. So when you travel to Italy it’s useful to have some cash at hand. You can for example take some cash with you from home or go into a bank or ATM to withdraw some cash.

Dedicated money exchanges can ask for very high fees, so it is not always recommended to use them. And if you do, then do discuss the fees up front and compare them with other exchanges.

Debit cards are the default in Italy. So for ease of use it can be useful to have a Maestro debit card at hand. But most stores, especially in touristic areas, also accept credit cards, especially from Visa and MasterCard.

Before you go on vacation it is also a good idea to check your bank limits for paying abroad. Some banks block a card if someone suddenly goes on a spending spree abroad, so it’s best to inform them about it upfront.

Driving in Milan

Italians have a passion for cars and motorcycles. So, it is no wonder that many car brands like Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati and motorcycle brands like Aprilia, Benelli, Ducati, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio have been founded in Italy. Due to their passion for cars, Italians are on average quite confident, competitive, skilful and fast drivers. A famous saying in Italy is: “You watch your front, let everyone else watch your back”. And this summarizes their driving style.

Horn-honking and flashing their lights is just a way of communication in Milan. It can mean anything from ‘watch out’ and ‘get out of the way’ to ‘hello’ and ‘the light has turned green’. So you shouldn’t get nervous when an Italian driver starts using his horn or starts flashing his lights. It’s dangerous to let others hurry you, so be a confident driver, just like the Italians, and trust in your own ability and make your own decisions.

Although Milan is a compact city with relatively good public transportation to its main attractions, it can be convenient to drive yourself around within this great city of fashion and business. Fortunately driving in a city like Milan is not really that different from driving in other major cities. When you are an alert and confident driver, that has some experience with driving in another city, there is no need to avoid driving in Milan.

Car rental in Milan

If you don’t want the annoyance of packed group tours or public transportation, and want to do some sightseeing in Milan and its surroundings on your own terms, then renting a car is an excellent option to consider.

Hiring a car in Milan is straightforward as the well-known agencies are widespread and all the usual driving rules and regulations apply. Having a GPS system is advised, as it will help you navigate in the city, so you can concentrate on driving. And just like several other countries in the European Union, Italy does require an insurance coverage for liability, theft, and accidents. As a result, most rental companies also offer the required insurances. If a friend or family member also wants to drive the rental car, do make sure that he or she is also approved and authorized at the rental car office. This will prevent any issues regarding insurance coverage if anything happens.

Most car rentals in Italy allow that you pick up your car in one place and drop it off in another place in Italy without any additional fee. Which means you can go on a city trip, without having to worry about in which city you have to drop the car off. If you want to drop the car off in a different country then they do might charge an additional fee. If you want to rent a car, then you can find the best deals when you make use of a car rental comparison website as this will show you where you can get your favorite car at the best price and terms possible.

Booking well in advance via a car rental comparison website is also a big time saver as you don’t have to compare all the different car rental companies by yourself. You can directly pick-up the keys on arrival, your car will be ready to hit the road when you arrive at the pick-up location and you can pre-select the most suitable car for your journey. This way you don’t have to choose between the cars that are left over at that specific car rental location. Especially during holiday season and important fashion-, design- and furniture fairs the most popular cars tend to be unavailable for people who haven’t booked in advance.

Who is allowed to drive

In Italy all drivers must be over the age of 18. In the European Union driving licenses which are issued by a member state are valid throughout all EU countries, including Italy.

If you have a driving license that is not issued by a member state of the European Union, then you need to have an international driving permit. You don’t need it in order to get a rental car, but you must be able to show it to the police if they ask for it.

Be aware that an international driving permit is not a substitution for your actual driver’s license, so you still need to have your own driver’s license with you. This is because the international driving permit is only meant as an internationally accepted document that certifies the validity of your home country driver’s license.

Traffic rules in Italy

Are you from a country where driving on the right side is the norm? In that case the driving laws in Italy will be quite similar to the driving laws from your home country. The cars drive on the right side on the road and the left lanes are only for passing other cars. Vehicles approaching from the right have right of way at intersections and crossings. But do note that vehicles on rails always have right of way, unless road signs indicate otherwise.

The road signs show the maximum legal speed limits and range between 50 km/h (31 mi/h) on urban roads and 130 km/h (81 mi/h) on motorways, although on certain motorways the speed limit has been raised to 150 km/h (93 mi/h). When it rains or snows the maximum legal speed limit is lowered to 90 km/h (56 mi/h) on main extra-urban roads and 110 km/h (68 mi/h) on motorways.

Drivers in Italy are required by law to have their driving licence, car documents, insurance papers, a warning triangle and a reflective safety vest with them. The use of seatbelts is obligatory for the driver as well as the passengers. Children up to age 4 have to be in a child safety seat and children under age 12 have to be in the back seat of the car. It is not allowed to use a mobile cellular phone while driving unless a hands-free system is used.

In Italy it is tempting to enjoy their tasty alcoholic beverages, but be aware that drinking and driving is never a safe choice. This is why in Italy the legal limit alcohol in the blood is 0.05% for drivers. In practice a woman will reach this limit after one glass of wine and a man after two glasses of wine, depending on their length and body weight.

The infrastructure of Milan

Italy was the first country in the world to build a motorway, which was the Milano-Laghi motorway from 1921. Nowadays Italy has about 7,000 km (4,350 mi) of motorway with many service stations alongside it, offering a wide range of facilities like fuel pumps, restaurants, hotels and shops. Just like in most countries Italy has a wide variety of roads, from big multi-lane motorways to small winding gravel roads. The Italian motorways (called autostrade) and the roads in Italian cities like Milan tend to be of a very good quality.

You have to keep in mind that the roads become quite different from the rest of the city when you enter the historical center of Milan. The streets in the historical center are more narrow, it becomes more difficult to find a parking spot and the center is a designated traffic restricted zone or ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). In this area a congestion charge is applicable, which I shall explain in the next paragraph. The ZTL covering the center of Milan is also a Congestion Charge zone (Area C) and has 43 access points that are electronically monitored by surveillance cameras.

On set times you need to have an entrance ticket to enter the historical center by car, which costs €5,- (2018) and is valid for one day. You need to have this entrance ticket on weekdays from 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM, except on Thursday when it’s from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. During other times there is free admission for cars wanting to enter the congestion charge zone.

Entrance tickets can be purchased at ATM points of Intesa Sanpaolo, the Milan Transport Company (called ATM), tobacconists, newsstands, participating garages and parking meters. After purchase, these tickets need to be activated no later than at midnight of the next day after entering Area C (and tickets purchased in garages must be activated by midnight of the same day). The easiest ways to activate the ticket are:

– SMS a message to +39.339.994.0437 with the text “PIN.plate”
– Via call center: +39.02.48684001
– At the Italian website about Area C
– At Via Friuli 30, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Employees of the hotels and vendors at the tobacconists and newsstands are very willing to help you with the purchase or activation of the entrance tickets, as it is actually very easy. If you do not want to purchase an entrance ticket to drive in the center of Milan, you could park your car just out of the congestion charge zone. Then you can make use of public transportation or walk to your destination as the historical center of Milan is very compact.

When you drive away from Milan to a motorway, chances are high that you will come across a motorway toll system. The toll can be paid by cash or with Eurocard, Mastercard or a Visa card. Motorway A1 will bring you from Milan to Florence and Rome, while motorway A4 goes to Verona and Venice.

Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral is a majestic sight and one of the first thing you will notice in Milans city center. Having the capacity for 40.000 people it is one of the biggest churches in the world and certainly the biggest one in Italy.

The history of this gothic cathedral is a long one. It’s construction initially started in 1386 it wasn’t until more than half a millennium later that it was finished. This can be seen in the abundance of rich details in it’s architecture. Generations of work have gone into its unmatched amount of 3400 statues, 700 figures, 135 gargoyles and 55 beautifully stained glasses that visitors can admire.

If you climb the stairs or take the elevator to the rooftop of the cathedral you will have a panoramic view of the city center. And you will be surrounded by beautiful statues with the most notable being the golden Madonnina, which is a golden virgin Mary statue at the top of the cathedral.

Near the entrance of the cathedral you will a ray of light following a path on the floor. This is a historical sundial from 1768 placed here by the astronomers from Accademia di Brera, which is used to accurately set the clocks from all over the city. Another ray of light shows the summer and winter solstice, which is the day with the most hours of daylight of the year.

A notable object which can be found in the cathedral is one of the nails with which Jesus was crucified. This nail is on display once a year during the Rito della Nivola.

The Duomo di Milano is one of the landmark locations in Milan. And it’s certainly one of the best places to go sightseeing in Milan as its central location allows you to combine a visit with many other nearby attractions.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is an important church in Milan. After 34 years of construction it was finished in 1497. This is where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper can be found, to which it owes its status as a UNESCO world heritage site.

If you wish to see The Last Supper, where Leonardo da Vinci portrays Jesus and his twelve disciples in the scene where Jesus announces that one of them will betray him, then it is important to book well in advance. As there can be waiting times of several weeks to see it.

From the outside of the church you can see it’s beautiful large dome towering over it. Santa Maria delle Grazie combines both renaissance and gothic styles. The beautiful nave uses a gothic style, while Apse and Dome showcase a renaissance style. The church also has a charming inner courtyard known as the frogs cloister, named after the little frog fountains which can be found in it. The courtyard is also a good place to take a pictures of the dome from.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Both cultural travelers and shopping lovers will have to discover the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. An elegant shopping mall named after the first modern King of a united Italy. And I can assure you that having this monument named after you is quite a compliment considering you can see attention to detail is given to every inch of this timeless masterpiece.

The entrance of the building looks like a majestic triumphal arch. The structure has an entirely mosaic floor with portrayals of the coat of arms of Milan and the capitals of the former Kingdoms of Italy. The inside of the monument shows an extravagant renaissance style design. The most notable feature is the monumental glass and iron roof that reaches a total of 47 meters high and adds a new dimension to the structure, as you will find the atmosphere of the galleria seems to change depending on the time of day.

The galleria functions as a luxury shopping mall where you can find haute couture, jewelry and cafes among other things. As it is often used as a meeting place for the Milanese it is often colloquially called the salon of Milan. At Meet The Cities we recommend to follow the example of the locals at least once and sit down for a cup of coffee simply to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

In front of the structure is the Piazza della Scala, where you will find a statue of a pondering Leonardo da Vinci. For a good reason as some of the most important museums of Milan can be found here. On the other side you will find the Duomo di Milano.

Castello Sforzesco

In the heart of Milan, in city’s central park called Parco Sempione, you will find the 14th century castle Castello Sforzesco. This castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Milan and should definitely be visited if you have the opportunity.

As you wander the castle’s halls and courtyard you cannot help but find yourself admiring the castle’s past and present beauty. The defensive walls have a hidden path in them for troop movement and the atypical and very recognizable castle tower Torre del Filarete shows the architects truly wanted to create something unique. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci helped decorate the castle as you can see in Da Vinci’s famous wall and ceiling fresco of intertwining trees called Sala delle Asse, which is still a major tourist attraction of the castle today. And there are many more hidden secrets to discover as you tour through this historical fortification.

The castle can be visited for free, so be sure to incorporate it into your trip. But the castle is home to several museums, which are described on the best museums in Milan page, which do require a ticket.

Arco della Pace

Within the central park of Milan, Parco Sempione, you will find the landmark city gate of Milan, Porta Sempione. The original city gate was part of the Roman wall of Milan. Although these days little of these Roman walls remain. Many of the stones of the Roman walls have also been reused to construct buildings in Milan.

A part of the city gate is the aesthetic Arch of Peace, or in Italian the Arco della Pace. This impressive arch that stands over 25 meters tall, which is 82 feet, is one of the most well designed triumphal arches in Europe. The construction of this arch started under the rule of Napoleon, who wished a triumphal arch marking the road that connected Milan to Paris.

The arch has bronze statues on it facing the city, with the classical Roman god Minerva standing on top. In the pillars you will find impressions of Apollo and Mars. Besides Roman mythology the decorations of the arch also portray major historical events in Europe.

Colonne di San Lorenzo

One of the more romantic places of Milan can be found at the Colonne di San Lorenzo. The Colonne di San Lorenzo is a 7 and a half meters tall colonnade from ancient times and a testament to the long and rich history of Milan. The pillars are assumed to be from the 2th century, where they were part of a pagan temple. But in the 4th century the roman columns were moved to their current location. There are a total of 16 pillars that have survived to this day.

The pillars can be found in a long shopping street on a square in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore church. This square can also be a popular gathering place for locals during the evening, who wish to enjoy a drink with a great view of the roman ruins in the background. It’s entirely public and free so if you go sightseeing in Milan be sure to take a stroll past these Roman columns.

At Meet The Cities we enjoy walking from the Duomo of Milan in the city center, through the long street called Corso di Porta Ticinese, to the south towards Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio. During this 2 km stroll you will encounter many shops and be able to see some of the most important historical sites of Milan as you walk past both the Colonne di San Lorenzo and the Porta Ticinese city gates. As you arrive you at Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio you check out the Milanese canals and drink a cup of coffee at one of the typically Milanese cafes there to finish it off.

Galleria Vik Milano

Galleria Vik Milano is a very unique and exclusive boutique hotel located in one of the world’s oldest shopping malls: the beautiful and iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This world-class hotel is officially a five stars hotel as there is no formal body that recognizes any rating over five-star deluxe. But Galleria Vik Milano is considered a seven stars hotel because of the extreme luxury of the complex, its gracious services and its location in the heart of Milan only some steps away from some of the must-see attractions like the Duomo, the Teatro alla Scala and the Via Montenapoleone fashion district. It is also one of the few hotels in the world that is located inside a monument.

Many of the high-end luxurious rooms and suites have a balcony and a breathtaking view inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, while others have a wonderful courtyard view. All the rooms and suites have a large size, but one of the suites even has a surface area of no less than 580 sq.m. (6243 sq. ft.). The rooms and suites have a unique design, wooden floors, marble bathrooms, WiFi connection, a flat screen tv with satellite channels, a minibar, tea making facilities, an espresso machine, 24-hour room service and even a twice-daily housekeeping service so that your room or suite is always in order.

Galleria Vik Milano used to be called TownHouse Galleria, where they preferred to not call themselves a hotel but a townhouse instead. This is because they will do everything to make their guests feel like home, but even more luxurious and more pampered of course.

The guests of some of the suites are paired with a private butler that speaks their language and whose sole purpose is to get them whatever they wish for. One of the most common requests are for example to watch The Last Supper from Leonardo da Vinci in private, or to secure a reservation in the most popular restaurants of Milan. Privacy is also a very important aspect for the hotel as many guests are heads of state, famous artists, super models and top executives.

Galleria Vik Milano also has a fitness center, a spa, a library, a bar and two restaurants of which one has a posh lounge and a beautiful view on the dome and the octagon of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, while the other has open-air terraces with spectacular views over Milan.

An extra service is the free-of-charge access to the Highline Galleria, which is a walkway across the iron and glass rooftops of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, as well as to The World of Leonardo da Vinci museum.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia – Luxury Collection Hotel

If you are looking to wine and dine in glamour and style, then the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan would be a perfect choice. This sophisticated 5-star hotel is well known to offer its guests all the comfort, convenience, and flexibility they wish for. Excelsior Hotel Gallia also has a great location on the opposite of Milan Central Station.

Opened in 1932, the hotel’s breathtaking interior decor and hardwood floors plus its exquisite Art Deco façade are quite the sight to behold. The hotel is renovated in 2014 by renowned Milanese architect Marco Piva and has a large spa, an indoor swimming pool, a business centre, a fitness centre, restaurants and even a rooftop bar.

The beautiful rooms and suites have furniture and materials that are exclusively Italian made. And the refined marble bathroom even has floor heating. It is probably needless to specify that all modern comforts like a television featuring surround sound, a minibar, a tea maker, an espresso machine and high speed internet access are present. In addition to that the dedicated team of Luxury Collection Concierges will assist their guests with all their requests. It even has a complementary Masarati service that brings their guests to downtown Milan.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano

The Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is one of the places that offers great five-star service and a luxury experience to its guests. This hotel is housed in a former bank building and is well-known for its elegant, chic interior settings showcasing the classical Milanese style of the ‘30s with some subtle French influences. It also has a fantastic Grand Spa with a gym and a heated family-friendly pool. Guests get to enjoy exquisite bonuses like complimentary breakfasts from the hotel’s luxurious restaurant. The hotel also has an elegant bar and a peaceful private 18th-century garden to unwind and enjoy breakfast, a light lunch, an afternoon tea or an appetizer.

The bright and lavishly decorated rooms and suites have all modern comfort like large flat-screen TVs, media docking stations, air conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms with a separate bathtub and shower, and a balcony with breathtaking city views. The hotel also has a 24-hour room service.

Pets are allowed in this hotel and free comfortable dog beds are available.

The hotel is located in the heart of Milan between the artistic Brera district and the high-end Fashion district. This means that you are also within walking distance from must-see places like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Via della Spiga and Castello Sforzesco. Metro station Turati is only a few steps away and there are some parking spaces available if you have rented a car.

Milan Monumental Cemetery

It might be the last place where people would look, but the monumental cemetery, or Cimitero Monumentale, is truly an artistic sight to behold. Filled with unique Italian sculptures, obelisk, shrines and tombs where the dead are honored with elaborate displays of heavenly themed grief and hope symbolism. A lot of famous Milanese sculptors have worked on projects that can be seen here, which shows in the sheer craftsmanship and diversity in the works that can be found here. A lot of famous people from Milan lay here, like the father of Einstein and Salvatore Quasimodo. The Milanese tradition to honor their people with monumental art pieces have turned this cemetery into a public museum that can be appreciated by everyone.

Some of the most famous people are honored in the marble building called the Famedio, which is also one of the biggest highlights as you will find the tomb of Alessandro Manzoni here. Other highlights are for example the Tomb of Antonio Bernocchi and the Campari family tomb, where the famous Jesus’s last supper is recreated with sculptures.

Palazzo Lombardia

One of the architectural highlights of Milan is the Palazzo Lombardia. Standing at a 161.3 meters tall, or 529 feet, the Palazzo Lombardia used to be the tallest building in Italy. The government of Lombardy has taken up seat in this building, but on the ground floor you will find a host of shops and restaurants which you can enjoy at your leisure.

Due to it’s large and complex design a single image does not always truly do this award winning building justice. The building is designed to form a complete and environmental friendly citysperience. And you will for example find one of the largest covered squares in Europe, the Piazza Città di Lombardia, which covers a total of 4000 square meters, between the buildings of the Palazzo.

If you go sightseeing in Milan then this building can be a nice vantage point. A public secret is that every sunday the building opens its doors to visitors, so you can take the elevator to the 39th floor to enjoy a grand view over the city of Milan.

Porta Ticinese

Porta Ticinese means the gate to the Ticino river. As the 12th century city gate has actually been moved to a new location in the 16th century, the name Porta Ticinese now actually refers to two city gates in Milan and a district with the same name.

The city gate pictured, with its distinctly huge pillars, is the 16th century city gate, that was rebuild in the 19th century with a neoclassical design. This gate which used to be part of the Spanish walls of Milan can be found on the Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio. It’s best to visit the city gate either when you go shopping or around dinner time, as it’s located in the romantic Navigli district, where you will also find the canals of Milan and an abundance of restaurants where you can settle down.

If you follow the street directly north of Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio then you will discover the original 12th century city gate, next to the Colonne di San Lorenzo and the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, one of the oldest churches in Milan from the 4th century when Milan was still the capital of the Western Roman empire. This medieval city gate has the design of a brick tower with large arches that you can walk under. The 12th century gate was part of the medieval walls of Milan that were supposed to protect the city from attacks from Barbarossa.

Unicredit Tower

If you have a passion for modern architecture than the Unicredit Tower is one of the highlights of the city. The Unicredit Tower is an impressive skyscraper and its actually the tallest building in Italy. It consists of three towers with the largest one being an imposing 231 meters high, which is 758 feet. It has also been awarded as one of the most visually appealing and sustainable skyscrapers in the world. The spire of the tower is one of it’s most iconic features. As the spire is entirely covered in led lights it can be shown in distinct colors, such as the colors of the Italian flag, on special occasions.

At the base of the towers you will find the Piazza Gae Aulenti, which is an artificial public square with solar panels, water and fountains that is raised several meters above ground level. This architectural highlight is a very photogenic vantage point to the observe the Unicredit Tower from. This futuristic square also has a handful of shops and eating venues for the locals who often pass by.

Teatro alla Scala

Since 1778 Milan has been home to one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The Teatro alla Scala is often praised for its acoustics and the grandiose impression the interior leaves behind. The opera house has a neoclassicist design, with a stunning red and golden interior with six floors of golden balcony boxes from where you can view the grand podium.

Officially the theater has a capacity of 2030 seats, but in practise this is far below the actual capacity of the theater. Initially the building was able to house at least a thousand more guests. As you can imagine this exclusivity has ensured it can be quite difficult to get tickets to the opera house so you need to book well in advance.

It is worthy of note that the Teatro alla Scala also has a matching museum next to it. In the Museo Teatrale alla Scala you can find costumes, marionettes, musical instruments, set pieces and paintings documenting the history of opera. Visiting the museum is a great way to catch a glimpse of the life behind the theater.

Torre Velasca

The Torre Velasca is a pretty unique landmark and partially due to its controversial design it’s an interesting mention. It is a modern building inspired by the towers of medieval castles. This philosophy has given it it’s unique mushroom shape where the top is wider than the lower parts of this modern tower, which was unheard of for skyscrapers. And it’s crude architecture has given the building its massive feeling. Instead of making yet another glass skyscraper the designers attempted to use this tower as a connection between the modern world and the past of Milan.

Standing at a height of 106 meters the building towers over the city blocks next to it. When you stand on top of the Duomo di Milano you can see this building in the distance. The lower floors of the tower are used by shops, the middle segment by offices and the top parts are residential areas.

Hotel Principe di Savoia

Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan is founded in in 1927 and has since then received the international elite and many celebrities from heads of state like King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II, Evita Peron and the Prince of Monaco to famous artists like Madonna and Rihanna. The majority of the guests are successful (business)men and -women, but the hotel is also perfectly suited for the leisure traveler.

The hotel is located in a beautiful landmark building that overlooks the Piazza Della Repubblica, which is between Milan central station and the city center. The artistic Brera district and the exclusive fashion district Quadrilatero della moda are within walking distance.

This amazing 5-star hotel offers its guest a myriad of fun and exciting premia and amenities. Guests enjoy a selection of complimentary offers like a free limousine transfers to the city center, free parking, free breakfasts in either of their two stunningly designed restaurants. The hotel also features quite a number of 5-star amenities like an indoor pool with city views, hot tubs, a spa, a fully equipped bar and a gym with the latest sporting equipment. What’s more, the hotel also offers 24/7 room service which means you can order anything you want at any time of the day or night. And all the staff is well-trained at the finest schools to take care for all the guests’ needs and demands.

The Hotel Principe di Savoia’s rooms have luxurious 19th-century-style furniture. And of course are the rooms fitted with impressive entertainment systems, free internet connectivity, flat-screen TVs, minibars, marble bathrooms with Acqua di Parma toiletries and some even having indoor pools and a charming view of the piazza. Are you in Milan for business? You can also take advantage of the hotel’s 12 well-furnished meeting and banquet rooms to hold business meetings.

Hotel Principe di Savoia’s Acanto restaurant overlooks the beautiful garden with a 18th-century fountain and serves classic Italian dishes with a brilliant presentation. After the dinner you can go to the stylish Principe bar, which is a popular spot for local celebrities and fashionistas, especially during Milan Fashion Week.

Room mate Giulia

Renown as the fashion capital, Milan has always attracted glamorous visitors who demand excellent hotels to stay in. As a result, the city is filled with 5 star palaces, but even better there are 4-star Milan hotels for the street-savvy traveler seeking comforts similar to that of a 5-star.

Room Mate Giulia hotel Milan is located a few steps from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city’s fashion, cultural and shopping areas. This boutique design hotel offers 85 rooms which include Junior, Premium, Standard and the Deluxe Suites. The air conditioned rooms features minibars, free WiFi connection, safes, flat-screen TVs, phones, Pillowtop beds, rainfall showers, hair dryers, Ironing boards and desks among other amenities. Guests can also enjoy a multiplicity of dining options, a sauna, 24-hour health club, and services from the helpful multilingual staff that can assist with concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry and luggage storage.

The hotel’s stylish aesthetics were created by Patricia Urquiola an award-winning internationally recognized interior designer who borrowed inspiration from the city of Milan itself. The style and design of the hotel reflects a lot about Milan and its culture giving it an elevated level of authenticity, and making the guests feel at more home.

Aethos Milan

Aethos Milan is a four stars boutique hotel, located in the enjoyable and historical Navigli district (also known as the canal district). It is a service oriented and family-owned hotel where the owners are always on the site to ensure that the needs of their guests are properly catered for. Each morning is a sweet Italian breakfast served for the guests, during the day there is a room cleaning service and in the afternoon a turndown service. In the lobby of the hotel is a lounge bar that serves creative cocktails and delicious small dishes.

Aethos Milan is designed to give a comfortable yet sophisticated ambiance with attention for details. The suites and apartments are large as the smallest one is 27 sq. m. (291 sq. ft.) and the largest one is a suite of up to 75 sq. m.  (807 sq. ft.). They are stylish decorated with a touch of elegance giving it a friendly and informal ambiance enabling the guests to recapture the homely feeling in the heart of Milan.This makes the suites and apartments very suitable for both short and long stays. In their rooms, guest enjoy flat screen TV, free WiFi, air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine among others amenities. Moreover, the hotel features a cinema room, a mini boutique, lounge and TV room, bikes to borrow, and complimentary concierge services. The hotel also has some internal parking spaces for guests with a car

Maison Milano | UNA Esperienze

Maison Milano is a boutique hotel located in an elegant building in the heart of the city center next to the Piazza del Duomo. Because of its location are many attractions like Teatro alla Scala, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or the Quadrilatero d’oro (Fashion Quadrilateral) within walking distance, which makes this hotel ideal for leisure travellers and shopaholics.

The hotel has 27 spotlessly clean rooms, of which one penthouse on the top floor. Each room is adorned with stylish furnishings and finishing featuring large windows for natural light, opulent fabrics, carpeted floors, a work desk and most rooms have a balcony to enjoy the view of the beautiful neighborhood. The rooms are soundproof and air conditioned, and have a lcd tv a refrigerator, a safe, a phone, tea and coffee makers, a mini bar, an en suite bathrooms and free WiFi access. And the daily housekeeping will make sure that you come back in a clean room after a day of shopping in fashionable Milan.

Services offered at the Maison Milan hotel include concierge service, 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Additionally, room service breakfast option is available.

The Sforza Castle

The Sforza Castle, or in Italian the Castello Sforzesco, is a medieval castle from the 14th century. As you pass through the castle gates and enter the large inner courtyard you will feel like you are going back in time. The Sforza Castle has thick walls and multiple towers which have long been one of the most recognizable images of Milan. Within the castle are six museums, each focussing on a different niche. If you buy one ticket you get access to all six museums.

Our favourite museum is the Pinacoteca, which is an art gallery with religious paintings and other art works from the 15th to the 18th century. But there is also a Museo d’Arte Antica, which is a museum of ancient art, where you can find Leonardo Da Vinci’s ceiling painting of intertwining trees called Sala delle Asse and several sculptures among other things. The Museo degli Strumenti Musicali is the musical instrument museum. And in the Museum of Rondanini Pietà you can find Michelangelo’s last unfinished sculpture of a mourning virgin Mary. While in the archaeological Museum you will find items that date centuries before the birth of Christ. So there is plenty to see and do in the Sforza Castle.

The museums in Castello Sforzesco are open every day of the week, except on Mondays. Due to the sheer amount of things that you can see here we at Meet The Cities certainly recommend any cultural traveler to visit this living piece of history. It’s located in the heart of Milan, so there is no excuse to miss it.