Milan is a working city, sometimes with an industrial feel, but it can be impressively charming; the perfect home for its wealthy and stylish occupants. It makes for an ideal example of where urban grit gets to interact with old-world Italian romance. Throughout the years, tourists from other European countries and the United States may have overlooked the city, favouring more renowned cities like Venice and Rome.
Photo, Eugene Chystiakov.
However, Milan is interesting and fashionable with its many quaint little streets, historic fashion houses, and other hidden gems to make it the perfect tourist destination. Here are some ideas of what to do and what you can see in Milan…
Get a New Wardrobe: Milan has for decades served as the epicentre of Italian design, which is best showcased through the fashion weeks. It’s home to endless globally known houses and serves as a base to new pools of talented and ambitious designers all looking to make a mark in the world. From the 1900s, the city built a reputation for itself as the ultimate trendsetter for interior and fashion design. Since 1961, it has become a hub of fashion-related activities culminating in the introduction of boutiques, studios, and showrooms, all eager to cater to the needs of international shoppers.
Today, this is the city to visit if you want to upgrade your look or even explore other stylistic designs in the world of fashion. Not to mention, the north of Italy is famous for their jewellery and golds. To get a taste of luxury jewellery and watches, head to places like the Rolex Boutique of Pisa Orologeria in Milan and browse their selections of luxe watches and shiny jewellery. You will never see a Milanese man or woman without a watch or fine jewellery.
Try A Bit of Food from All Over Italy: Milan may not be your ideal postcard city during your travels, but it has seen and experienced its fair share of migration since the end of World War II. The influx of migrants from other parts of the country and the world helped build diversity in the city, and with it, assisted in impacting the food enjoyed by its residents and visitors. You can find amazing restaurants with foods from all different regions in Italy, from Sicily, Florentine, to Roman. Although some of its famous dishes can be traced back to its rice-growing roots, there’re still many dishes accessible from other parts of the country. Milan has something to offer to everyone, whether you want to enjoy late-night pizza or an early morning pastry.
Photo, Matteo Raimondi.
Experience Cosmopolitan Italian Living: The modern tourist has a lot to gain from a visit to Milan. The city is cosmopolitan and filled with stunning architecture and heavily diversified cultures. It’s the ideal choice for tourists looking for a weekend break, thanks to its abundance of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping facilities. Though compact, Milan has crucial links to its renowned trams and metro. Every visit to the city is bound to reveal something new.
Visit One of the Many Art Museums: If there is something you shouldn’t miss out on during your Milan visit, it’s a trip to its infamous art galleries. Both old and new art galleries help showcase the city’s rich history, including the important art movements from the fourteenth century. Popular galleries to consider include the Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, and Museo Novecento. For fashion lovers, head to Armani Silos or more famous, Fondazione Prada which showcases not just Italian artists, but some of the most iconic pieces in the world.
Travel has proven difficult in the past year due to the many travel restrictions put in place by different countries to help curb the spread of COVID-19. However, anyone willing to visit Milan today from the US will be pleased to learn that numerous COVID tested flights now exist. These flights allow Americans to visit Milan without the need to go into quarantine, guaranteeing you a safe and fun-filled trip.
