Milan City Guide

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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One of the greatest Italian cities, the fashion and design capital of Milan is an inspired choice for any continental break away. There is so much available for you to sample, in everything from art and fashion to cuisine. It is the perfect place to simply sit back at a coffee shop somewhere in town, watching all the passers-by whilst relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Indeed the coffee bars are integral to the local culture and way of life for the Milanese. Start your day with an espresso to kick off, or sample something from the typically varied menu on offer for you.

Try the marocchino, a mini cappuccino served in a glass, or the cafe corretto, which is an espresso served with a shot of grappa. A popular local spot is the Cafe Royal situated on Via Agnello 2, frequented by people on their way to work, always an energetic, buzzing place to go.

After you''ve kick-started your day, look for some cultural inspiration, at the Civica Galleria d''Arte Moderna, found on Via Palestro 16. The building and its surrounding gardens are worth the trip alone ? a Neo-classical villa that was built in 1790 and housed ...
... Napoleon the third. Inside you''ll find works by famous artists, like Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Morandi, Picasso, and Rosso. Admission is free, so you save your money for a shopping spree at one of Milan''s many flash boutiques.

Head to the Civica Galleria d''Arte Moderna on Via Palestro 16, if only to indulge in the beauty of the building and its gardens, dating back all the way to the eighteenth century and once home to Napoleon III. Works from all manner of great figures like Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Morandi, Picasso, and Rosso adorn every wall. Furthermore it''s completely free to get in and enjoy the experience.

As one of the continent''s foremost fashion destinations, the Milanese boutiques are truly hot and draw style icons and followers alike from all over. If you visit Via Saint Andrea you''ll find Missoni, Trussardi, and even Dolce and Gabbana ? icons just as famous, if not more so, than any artist across this fashion-conscious city. Their new men''s boutique you''ll find in a stunning centuries-old palazzo too.

The city''s cuisine is quite simply to die for, and you can not leave without trying what they have on offer. Take a break from the shopping and the cultural spots by visiting the Gran Hotel Pub on Via Ascanio Sforza 75, and you''ll get the chance to enjoy good food in traditional Milanese surroundings.

Sitting in a splendid courtyard in the city with canals nearby you''ll find the trattoria, serving Italian dishes such as gnocchi and cotoletta alla Milanese, or fried cutlet. The informal atmosphere you''ll find there makes it a wonderfully cosy place to go and end a great day with a glass of wine in peace and comfort.

A cultural and fashion destination of choice, Milan is quite simply a fine city to which you can head for a continental break. Bonny Kominek is a travel writer with a love of European travel. They recommend Octopus Travel for Milan hotels.