Milan Holidays

Where is Milan?
Milan is a cosmopolitan city in Northern Italy. This refined metropolis is the capital of the dazzling Lombardy region, and the drive from Milan’s international airport to Piazza del Duomo takes less than an hour. Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, behind Rome, and is a gateway to the picturesque Italian Lakes.

Read more

The cathedral and its piazza
The mesmerising Duomo is a majestic cathedral of Baroque and neo-Gothic design, with an impressive 3500 statues and 135 spires. Gaze up at the medieval gargoyles jutting out above the piazza grounds, then step inside to scale the stairs or take the lift to the roof for staggering city views. To escape the crowds, visit early morning (the cathedral is open from 9am), or head there at sunset to snap some stunning photos. The cathedral is the centrepiece of Piazza del Duomo, but this energetic square is also a great spot to watch street artists, browse high-end boutiques, and get your caffeine fix in coffee bars.

Read more

Iconic artwork
The art scene in Milan dates back centuries, and its treasured art collection features some of the most recognised masterpieces on the planet. Leonardo da Vinci lived here for 17 years and his famed Renaissance works can be seen all over the city. One of his most celebrated paintings, The Last Supper, is housed in the UNESCO-listed Santa Maria delle Grazie church. To see it for yourself, we recommend booking your tickets at least a month or two in advance as they tend to sell out fast. You could visit Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà sculpture at the 14th-Century Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), where you’ll also find the Museum of Ancient Art, or discover contemporary 21st-Century artists at the cutting-edge Fondazione Prada.

Read more

World-famous shopping
This sophisticated Italian city is one of the finest places to shop in the world. There’s a store for every style, vibe and attitude in Milan. For designer names, the 150-year-old La Rinascente department store is a favourite. Browse 10 floors of high-end luxury brands and don’t miss the top floor food hall for lunch (the views are some of the best in the city). You can scout out second-hand gems in timeless vintage emporiums, or find individual offbeat styles in eccentric side-street boutiques. But it’s not all about fashion. Milan is also a shopping hotspot for one-of-a-kind furniture, rare books and art.

Read more

Getting around
Milan is very walkable, so we’d definitely recommend exploring places like the piazza and Duomo cathedral on foot to get a real feel for the city and its monuments. To reach urban neighbourhoods and local suburbs like quirky Navigli, hop on the Metro from the city centre and you’ll be there in around 25 minutes – or take a leisurely 35-minute stroll and soak up the sights as you go. You can also travel the city by tram, bus, on the underground Passante railway, or hail a taxi for ease.

Read more