Need to know
Romantic and elegant, Milan is a city full of buzzing ideas and design. Set in the heart of northern Italy, it is one of the fashion capitals of the world with an active arts culture and a fascinating past. Whether you’re stopping by for a few days or want to find out what makes Milan so unique during an extended stay, you’re sure to find more than enough to see, do and discover across the city.
Home to art galleries with collections to rival those of Florence and Rome, iconic opera houses, such as the Teatro alla Scala, and theatres aplenty, Milan is one of the Italy’s true arts hubs. Sit back and watch on as talented actors take to the stage, enjoy a taste of the city’s live music scene or feast your eyes on the works of world renowned artists.
Famed for its style and world-renowned fashion designers, Milan is a shopping lover’s paradise. Spanning from the latest in designer wear from labels such as Prada, Armani and Versace, through to a great selection of international fashion chains, there’s clothing, shoes and accessories on sale in the Italian city to match almost every taste and budget.
Dating back hundreds of years, it's easy to see why Milan plays host to such a long and fascinating history. Home to everything from medieval era churches through to remnants of the Second World War, Milan’s streets are well worth exploring for a sense of the city’s age and development over time. Head to the church of the Santa Maria delle Grazie to catch a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting and explore the city’s rich history. Milan’s museums also offer a window to the city’s past, it's fashion pedigree and the people and events that have influenced its current incarnation.
Getting around
Milan is a beautiful city filled with stunning architecture, making getting around on foot a spectacular experience. The city is easy to walk around and the centre is densely populated with museums, shops, restaurants and other attractions. You can also hire a bike cheaply and easily through bike sharing programme BikeMi. It’s recommended that travellers use the public transport in Milan. Trams are a great, convenient way to get around the city, as is the Metro. The Metro subway service has three lines that serve all of the main points of interest and some outer suburbs. Buses also run through the city and are a good mode of transport if you need to travel further afield.
The best time to visit Milan
Milan has a humid subtropical climate that brings hot, balmy summers and cold, fog-filled winters. The summer months from July to September are the warmest months, with temperatures hovering around 25 to 30 degrees, however, most small business owners, shopkeepers and hoteliers take time off in August, meaning holidaymakers are likely to miss out on many of the city’s authentic local gems at this time. Visit in the spring months of April and May to take advantage of the rising temperatures, blooming flowers and Milan Fashion Week excitement. The autumn shoulder months of September and October are also a great time to visit.
Milan-Malpensa Airport
Milan-Malpensa Airport can be found around 55 kilometres northwest of central Milan. Formerly known as City of Busto Arsizio Airport, Milan-Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport serving Milan and Northern Italy. Flights travel to Milan-Malpensa Airport from a number of destinations, including London, Singapore, Amsterdam and Moscow. There are no direct flights available from Australia.
