Milan: Capital of elegance

When is the best time to go?

Spring is the ideal season to visit Milan. During this period, the days are longer, the raini s less frequent and the temperatures are pleasant for visiting the city and its monuments. A tourist destination, the fashion capital is nevertheless much less crowded in spring, making for a more pleasant trip.

A true world reference in terms of gastronomy, you will discover a cuisine that is both traditional and cosmopolitan. Coming to Milan for a few days in spring is also an opportunity to discover Milano Restaurant Week. Thanks to the YesMilano platform, Milanese and visitors alike can get discounts on their bill.

Currency

The currency used to pay for purchases in Milan is the Euro.

Electrical outlet

The eternal question of which adaptor to use when travelling always comes up. You do need an adaptater in Milan as the frequency and voltage are different.

Safety

As the city is alive day and night, there are plenty of people on the move, so it's not a dangerous destination. On the other hand, tourists can be targeted by pickpockets in the main tourist areas such as the Duomo, so it's best to keep an eye on your belongings while you're exploring.

Transport

The capital of Lombardy has an extensive transport network that is perfectly suited to visitors. Buses, trains, trams, bicycles... there are plenty of options for getting around the city, but also for getting out and visiting the surrounding area for a day. Lake Como is easily reached by train from the central station in just 1 hour.

For more information, visit the city's public transport network website.

Milan: what to do

Milan is as lively by day as it is by night, so make the most of the opportunity to go out in one of the city's many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. You'll be spoilt for choice! In the afternoon, take a stroll through the pretty, picturesque streets and stop off at an ice cream parlour for a real Italian-style ice cream. A must-see in the capital of fashion: the Quadrilatère, bounded by four streets, is home to some of the biggest names in haute couture.

You can't claim to have visited Milan without seeing the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. More commonly known as the Duomo of Milan, it rises to a height of 108 metres with the statue that has become the symbol of the city: the Madonnina in gilded copper. You can even visit the roofs! La Scala theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, is also a must-see. Take a detour to Piazza Mercanti (or Merchants' Square), the last vestige of medieval Milan.

Don't miss

Don't think of Milan the way so many others do: it's not just the capital of luxury. This city is full of historical, gastronomic and architectural treasures that are yours to discover! A few recommendations: the Porta Nuova district is a futuristic nugget that's a must-see.

Milan: what to eat

Milan is the city par excellence where you can sample typical Lombardy specialities. Try a real osso buco, accompanied by a Milanese risotto flavoured with saffron. And don't hesitate to order Cotalletta alla milanese, a breaded schnitzel of pork, veal or chicken. Finally, to end on a sweet note, try a Panettone, a tasty brioche typical in Lombardy, topped with sultanas and other candied fruits.

Milan: what to bring back?

You can take home a pretty piece of jewellery from a jeweller's, a silk scarf... If luxury is not your cup of tea, you can take home sweets, chocolates, Panettone and other sweets from one of the city's famous pastry shops...

Reminder

Milan can be visited at any time of year, because it's always on the move. If you go in December, you can have fun in the aisles of the great Christmas market, during the celebration of the Festa di Sant'Ambrogio, Saint Ambrose, patron saint of the city of Milan. Every year in January, the procession of the Three Wise Men marches from Piazza del Duomo to the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin on the occasion of the Epiphany. But it's especially in April, during Design Week, that the city is abuzz with activity. The Navigli are transformed into a giant gallery by young designers from all over the world. Not to be missed!