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Lawrence Fraser, Reservations Manager

"Milan not only lays claim to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, but it also boasts the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world! To find your shopping muse, visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a spectacular glass roofed shopping arcade. For music lovers, book a seat at the Teatro alla Scala, a museum and live performance venue listed as one of Italy’s top historic opera houses."

Milan at a glance

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and is widely known as the representation of new Italy. With its striking architecture, great local cuisine, impressive art collections and probably the best designer shops and boutiques in the world, Milan is a city break destination that ticks all the boxes.

It wasn’t until the mid-1800’s that Milan became part of greater Italy. Before that time it was ruled by the French and Austrian empires and was even at one time the capital of the western Roman Empire. Set up as a centre for commerce and finance early on, the city’s prosperous roots continue to make it an affluent city, home to Fortune 500 companies and famed as an international fashion centre dedicated to top fashion events.

A flourishing cultural centre, Milan offers visitors a feast of art galleries, museums, historical venues and architecture to explore. Perhaps one of Milan’s most famous works, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper housed in the church of Santa Maria, is just one of many popular attractions among a number of significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in the city.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Shopping heaven
  • Arts and culture
  • Indulgent cuisine

Getting Around

Milan’s public transport system consists of an extensive network of bus, tram, trolley-bus and underground transit systems. There are a number of ticket options ranging from single to weekly RIcaricaMI rechargeable passes that can be topped up at various locations found throughout the city. 

Shopping

Everything about the shopping experience in Milan oozes chic, from its most expensive, high end fashion collection north of the Duomo to its elegant art boutiques and designer label outlet stores on Via Montenapoleone.  

But Milan’s exclusive designs aren’t limited simply to fashion. The city is also home to innovative home décor, furniture, kitchenware, electronics and luxury goods, as well as one of the biggest shopping outlet malls in Europe located in the Piedmont region, just outside Milan.

Dining in Milan

Eating out in Milan is an experience of true Italian cuisine. Though richly infused by bordering regions and ever innovative designs, Milan’s palate is traditional at its core, bringing established customs to the table with a widely available choice to suit every taste and budget.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Cotoletta alla Milanese – breaded calf ribs fried in butter
  • Risotto alla Milanese – a creamy arborio rice infused with saffron, grated cheese and chicken or beef stock.
  • Panettone – a sweet bread filled with dried, candied fruit

Osprey Holidays top tips

The rooftop of Il Duomo is the best place for a magnificent view of the city. If you’re feeling energetic, trek up the impossibly small staircases that maze through the old vestibules and towers of this superb Gothic structure. Or of course you can always take the elevator...

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Milan designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Milan hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 1,295,723
Languages Italian
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Join the locals on the pre-dinner 'aperitivo' trail and sample some delicious bar snacks too.

Distance from airports
Milano Malpensa 56 km
Railway stations
Milano Centrale

Things to do in Milan

  • The Duomo: The impressive Gothic cathedral with its towering marble spires never fails to inspire.
  • Quadrilatero d’Oro: Top designer shops including Armani, Chanel and Missoni are on and around this smart square.
  • Castello Sforzesco: This immense, historic, red brick castle was home to the mighty Sforza dynasty and now houses several museums.
  • Pinacoteca di Biera: One of the best galleries in Milan, housing eight centuries of Italian art.
  • Fiera di Senigallia: Regarded as the city’s best flea market - an antidote to the designer shops!

Tours and Excursions

Renaissance Walking Tour with 'The Last Supper'

This walking tour with an art historian guide takes in sights, including the Sforza Castle, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore and Santa Maria delle Grazie. Skip the line entrance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, is also included. Having suffered centuries of damage, the mural has undergone painstaking renovations to return it to its full glory.

Duomo Rooftop Tour

Bypass the queues and take the elevator up the steepest part of the cathedral then walk the 50 steps up to the rooftop where you will be rewarded with glorious views of Milan. On a clear day, you can even see the Italian Alps. Admire the statues, spires and buttresses of this Gothic masterpiece up close and learn about the history of this much-loved symbol of the city. 

Food Walking Tour of Brera

Explore Milan’s most atmospheric neighbourhood while learning about the history of the city and its cuisine, and enjoying some Milanese delicacies as you go. Samples vary throughout the year, but typically include traditional dishes such as melanzane alla parmigiani, Parma hams, cheeses, gelato and cannoli, washed down with an artisan beer and the ever-popular aperitivo!

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.