Milan is Italy’s second city, behind the capital Rome, and what it may lack in historical significance it more than makes up for with its sense of style. The design and fashion industry’s a major players, here, and everyone wants to be one of the ‘beautiful people’.
Main Tourist Sights
The Duomo, above, on which work started in 1386, is the third largest cathedral in the world. Its stunning gothic architecture is not to be missed, nor is the chance to ascend to the roof for some spectacular views over Milan (for around €5). At another of Milan’s churches, the Santa Maria delle Grazie you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’. If you want to see this, however, we’re advised that you need to reserve well in advance.
If you don’t get in to see that, you can always pop along to Teatro alla Scala (below), one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Milan has more museums and churches than you can shake a stick at, though, so whatever your interest you’re likely to find something to suit your tastes.
If all this culture-vulture stuff isn’t for you, then how about some shopping? Milan is a fashion-mad city, which would explain why it’s home to the oldest shopping arcade in the world.
The grand Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II is located nearby, and houses shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s well worth a look.
A little bit better than the Trafford Centre, eh?
Getting Around By Public Transport
Milan has a well-organised and reasonably efficient public transport network. The Metro has 3 lines, MM1 (Rossa/Red), MM2 (Verde/Green), and MM3 (Gialla/Yellow). There are a further 3 lines under construction, but these won’t be open until well into the next decade. There is also a network of overground trams, as well as a bus network.
Single tickets cost €1 and are valid for up to 75 minutes. You can buy one and two day tickets (€3/€6 respectively) for use on all public transport.
