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Milan

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Milan

Chic Central with old country manners

If all of the cities in Italy were sisters, Florence, Rome, and Venice would get all the attention for their looks, while gritty, forthright Milan would be left to skulk in the shadows, listening to opera. Clearly, it's tough to be in an Italian family, because Milan's attractions would make it the star in almost any other country. Milan's soaring gothic cathedral, the Duomo, is a case in point. To admire this hard-earned masterpiece and tour its dark, magnificent depths is to taste of the spirit of Milan, a combination of formidable thought, hard work, and dedication to beauty. The same can be said of the famous La Scala opera house, where performances are taken very seriously indeed -- a bad showing can lead to turmoil. But what they esteem the most in Milan is fashion. Those looking for the absolute latest in design will not be disappointed. Pass a few days here alternating visits to famous art museums with high-class shopping, and when night falls, let it all blur together with the aid of the city's bumping nightlife. Milan's club scene is in keeping with that of any town with a creative center: notoriously fickle, but lots of fun. Drop those superficial notions about what a great Italian city should be, and you'll find that Milan is an interesting lady, -- indeed, beautiful in her own way.

Milan travel guide by tripwolf

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  • Milan facts

    • population: 1,303,437
    • area: 182 km²
    • time zone: CET (UTC+1), Summer: CEST (UTC+2)
    • calling code: +39 (02)
    • website: http://www.comune.milano.it/
  • recommendations from your friends

    places your friends recommend in Milan

  • not to miss

    the best places in Milan - chosen by tripwolf

    • 10 votes
      sight

      1. Duomo di Milano/ Santa Maria Nascente

      The symbol of the city with a history stretching back 600 years. The cathedral of Milan has grown in the course of many centuries. It remains a great example of the Lombardic Gothic style despite the l...

      more
    • 10 votes
      sight

      2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

      Milan's great meeting place, somewhere to see and be seen, to shop and to enjoy life. Il salotto, the parlour of the city with bars, restaurants, shops (including many bookshops), is a worldly temple o...

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    • 7 votes
      sight

      3. Castello Sforzesco

      A castle, a museum, a showpiece. The castle of the ruling families of Milan came to exist to allow them to live in safety from their own subjects - and not to protect the city from outside enemies. The...

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    » show all top 10 highlights

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    reviews & insider tips (2)

    reviews and insider tips for Milan

    mrandmrshalldis
    2009-04-16
    Milan is the undisputed Fashion capital and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Italy, as well as being rich in artistic and cultural attractions, museums and various kinds of entertainment.

    Ideal destination for all shopping lovers, thanks to the great amount of boutiques in the city centre, Milan also offers a lot of cultural exhibitions such as photographic or painting exhibitions. Setting for a lot of movies, famous for its Universities and Academies and rich in musical, theatrical and sport events, Milan is also particularly appreciated by young people because of its nightlife. Italy's most cosmopolitan city, as well as its real commercial capital, Milan not only offers a prime destination but also a perfect investment opportunity for anyone toying with real estate, be it to buy to let, buy to live or simply buy to then decide.

    Fairs, theatres, musical events, art, happy hours, it is difficult to choose… so here are some of the tourist attractions of Milan.

    SHOPPING
    For people who love shopping, Milan is certainly the ideal destination. In fact, there are different kinds of shops: the most luxurious ones in the “Quadrilatero della Moda” (literally translated the Quadrilateral of Fashion) situated among Via Montenapoleone, Via Andrea, Via Gesù, Via Borgospesso and Via della Spiga, and the cheaper or trendier ones, more appropriate for young people.

    RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
    The Four Seasons Hotel, situated in the “Quadrilatero della Moda”, is one of the most famous hotels, but the choice among B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, inns and pizzerias is obviously endless. Brera and Navigli are the most well known or sought after areas for nightlife, as they offer plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs.
    Halldis offers plenty of accommodations, holiday apartments, rental properties and lodging solutions in Milan for every need: from a business trip to a weekend to a special Christmas and New Year in Milan, from a residence self catering apartment to luxury apartments and luxury accommodation. You can also contact Rentxpress at +39 02 583490 for alternative solutions.

    OFFICES
    The best solution for a ready to use office is the Conca del Naviglio Business Center, located in the very center of Milan
    adena
    2008-06-03
    I don't recommend spending time in QT8.