Museums

Milan offers the visitor a large variety of art museums, mainly of Italian Renaissance and Baroque.

• Pinacoteca di Brera, Via Brera, [18]. Reach by subway MM2 Lanza - Piccolo Teatro Station, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, streetcar lines 1, 4, 8, 12, 14, 27 or buses 61 and 97. One of Italy's most important art collections.

• Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Piazza Pio XI, 2, 02 80692 1, ([19], Fax: 02 80692 210), [20]. An important art collection and a library.

• Poldi Pezzoli Museum, Manzoni St, [21]. Reach by subway, MM3 Montenapoleone Station, or with many buses and streetcars. One of the world's richest private art collections.

• Bagatti Valsecchi Museum [22] — A late 19th century aristocratic mansion with Italian Renaissance art collections located in via Gesù 5, between via della Spiga and via Montenapoleone; subway MM3 Montenapoleone Station, MM1 San Babila Station, streetcar lines 1 and 2, Montenapoleone stop.

• Societa' per le Belle Arti ed Esposizione Permanente, +39 02 6599803, ([23], Fax: +39 02 6590840), [24]. Changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Walking distance to MM1 and MM2 Cadorna Station.

• The Sforzesco Castle [25] — Reach by subway, MM1 Cairoli - Castello Station and MM2 Lanza - Piccolo Teatro Station, or with many buses and streetcars. Home to the museums of applied arts, ancient art, historical musical instruments, prehistory, Egyptian art and fine arts. Highly Recommended!

• Civico Museo Archeologico — Roman antiques from Milan and the surrounding area.

• Contemporary Arts Pavillion (PAC), Palestro Street near Porta Venezia Gardens, [26]. Reachable by subway, line MM1, Palestro Station, or with many buses and streetcars.

• Museo del Duomo (Museum of the Cathedral), [27]. Subway: MM1 and MM3 Duomo Station.

• Museo d'Arte Paolo Pini, [28] — Contemporary art.

Other Museums: 

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, S.Vittore Street, [29]. Reachable by bus or subway, line MM2 Sant'Ambrogio Station.

• Natural Science Museum, at 55, Corso Venezia, inside Porta Venezia Gardens. Subway: Line MM1, Porta Venezia or Palestro Stations. Has reduced and free entry (depends on person) after 4:30PM most days or 2:30PM Fridays.

• The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) [30] — Located opposite the South side of Duomo, always hosts many exhibitions, usually very interesting. Subway: MM1 and MM3 Duomo Station.

• Triennale di Milano, Alemagna St, [31]. Museum of Design and Architecture, always has 4-6 exhibits on the subject of design, photography or modern art, at least 1-2 of which are always free entry. Reach by bus 61 or subway, line MM2 Cadorna-Triennale Station, or by walking through Parco Sempione from Castello Sforzesco.

• Museo Teatrale alla Scala, [32] — A museum dedicated to the world's most famous opera house. Subway: MM1 and MM3 Duomo Station.

Churches

Duomo

Milan has the oldest churches in Italy (yes-- older than the ones in Rome because Milan was the capital of the Northern part of the late Roman Empire). Some of the most beautiful churches one can see in Milan are:

• The Duomo, in Duomo Square. Milan's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church (started in 1386) in white marble, with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior and a famous façade. Don't miss the chance to climb up onto the roof and enjoy the spectacular views of the city between the Gothic spires. Reachable by subway, lines MM1 or MM3, Duomo Station, or with many buses and streetcars. Roof open daily 9 AM - 5:30 PM. 
• Saint Mary of the Graces ('Santa Maria delle Grazie') — Houses the famous Last Supper ('Cenacolo Vinciano') by Leonardo da Vinci. It is best to reserve tickets a few months before the visit. Canceled reservations are sold from 8:15AM every morning (if there are any). Tickets can be be reserved by phone (02.8942.1146) or online [33]. Reachable by streetcars 20-24-29-30 or by subway, lines MM1 and MM2 Cadorna Station.

• Saint Ambrose, in Piazza San Ambrogio. A beautiful and huge Byzantic/Romanic church which was almost destroyed by allied bombing in World War 2, although some of its Byzantic mosaics are well preserved. Reachable by subway: MM2 Sant'Ambrogio. 
• Saint Maurice — A must-see! A stunning fully frescoed Renaissance church. Most of the paintings are the work of Bernardino Luini. 
•  
• 

Historic Monuments

• The Castello Sforzesco — Where the Sforza-Visconti ruling families of Milan resided. Later it was the Austrian governor's residence, when Lombardy was part of the Hapsburg empire. It houses several museums. Reachable by subway: MM1 Cairoli - castello Station.

 

La Scala

• La Scala Theatre, Via Filodrammatici 2, [34], +39 02 88 79 1. One of the most renowned opera house in the world. It first opened in 1778 and re-opened in 2004 after extensive renovation. Reachable by subway: MM1 and MM3 Duomo Station. 
• Cimitero Monumentale — Milan's old cemetery in Neoclassical style. It is filled with lavish sculptures and monuments. Well worth a visit! 
• Old Hospital — A Renaissance complex which now serves the university. 
• La Rotonda della Besana — An 18th Century Neoclassical complex. It is now an exhibition space. 
• Chiaravalle Abbey, a beautifully-preserved medieval abbey still run by monks today, 7 kms South of Milan (get off at MM3 subway line Rogoredo Station and take a local bus for 3 stops).

Other sights 

• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele — The mother of all shopping malls: upscale shops in a splendid 19th century palace of a mall. Now has a McDonald's. For real Milanese cheap food, go to Luini for a Panzerotti on nearby Via San Radegonda.

• Biblioteca Ambrosiana — Historical library with treasures such as Leonardo Atlantic Codex.
• Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense — A library established in 1770 by the Austrian governor. It has since acquired other historical collections and the archives of RAI (Italy's state television). It's very active in organising workshops and debates on new media and new technologies.
• Via della Spiga and its neighborhood is the center of high-class shopping, where almost every luxury brand can be found.

• Porta Ticinese and the surrounding area is a very old-fashioned quarter nearly untouched by WWII bombings. At night Milanese people like to have a walk near Colonne di San Lorenzo (S.Lawrence's columns).
• Piazza Della Scala — The location of the Statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and La Scala theatre. Great photograph opportunity, and right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Ticket office is underground in the Duomo Metropolitana stop.
• I Navigli — The location where many night spots are open until late. I Navigli (or The Canals) consist of Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. On the last sunday of every month there is an antiques market along the Naviglio Grande.
• San Siro Stadium — The famous stadium of Milan. Terminal point of streetcar 16.
• Leonardo's Horse — A bronze sculpture realised according to an original project of Leonardo da Vinci. It is located on the courtyard of the race-track of San Siro, just behind the Stadium. The race-track is open on race days but the horse is visible also from outside.  
• 

Milan is a great city to walk around and see the sights and people.

• Football — Watch the AC Milan [38] or FC Internazionale [39], at the famous Meazza Stadium, also known as San Siro. Tickets for most matches are available in advance or on the day. Watch out for the scalpers at the stadium as they sell the tickets much expensive than the official ticket offices. As many as 60 matches per year are played in San Siro from late August until late May. MM1 Lotto Station or streetcar 16.

• Exhibition Fairs — A lot of exhibitions are held during the year, ranging from wines to computers, industrial equipment and chocolate. The old exhibitions area is in central Milan (MM1 Amendola Fiera or MM1 Lotto - Fiera 2 Stations), the new one is in Rho (North West Milan, MM1 Rho Fiera Station, A4 highway Pero exit). For more information, visit the Fiera Milano website [40].

• If you want to see Milan from above you can go on Duomo roof (by stairs or lift), between spires and statues. It's a great experience. Another choice is the Branca Tower (Camoens street, near Triennale, inside Sempione Park), built in 1933 by architect Giò Ponti. The tower is 108 m high.  
• 

Learn

Milan has 8 universities and the largest number of students in Italy.

• Università degli Studi di Milano [41], commonly known as La Statale — Established in 1924 in a 14th-century building named Ca' Granda with a marvellous internal courtyard. The University is on Festa del Perdono Street, very close to the Duomo. Reach by bus or subway, line MM1 MM3 Duomo Station. It also has other facilities around the city, the most important in Celoria Street. 
• Politecnico di Milano [42] — A Technical University established in 1863 and it's now one of Europe's most outstanding centres for engineering, architecture and industrial design. The main building is on Leonardo da Vinci Square, reach by bus, streetcar or subway, line MM2 Piola Station or Lambrate Station. The other main (and newest) facilities are around Bovisa FNM Station. 
• Università Bocconi [43] — Established in 1902 as a private college, is one of the leading universities in Italy for economics and is renowed internationally. The central buildings are in Roentigen and Sarfatti Street and other facilities are in the surrounding area. Reachable by bus 79 and streetcars 9, 29 and 30.

• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore [44], commonly known as Cattolica — Established in 1921 in the XV century Saint Ambrose Monastery, it has two very beautiful cloisters designed by Bramante. Università Cattolica is on Gemelli Street, right behind Saint Ambrose Basilica. Reachable by bus or subway, line MM2 Sant'Ambrogio Station.
• Università di Milano - Bicocca [45] — A new university born as a spin-off from Università Statale. Situated between Milan and the once-industrial small town of Sesto S.Giovanni, in a recently restructured area of former old tire factory grounds. Reachable by bus, streetcar of railway, FS Greco-Pirelli Station. 
•  
• LIUC [46] — Established in 1991 north-west of Milan, in the small town of Castellanza, half way between Milan and Malpensa Airport, is a young yet very active university. Reachable by commuter train, FNM Castellanza Station. 
• IULM [47] — A communication-oriented university, established in 1968. Reachable by bus or subway, line MM2 Romolo station. 
• Università Vita Salute - San Raffaele [48] — Established in 1996 around San Raffaele Hospital, one of Italy's top research centres in biotechnology and medicine. Reachable by subway, MM2 Cascina Gobba station, then light railway service to San Raffaele.

Almost every Milan university has several facilities around the city and some of them also have secondary centres in other areas of Lombardy and Italy, so if you need something specific you'd better ask before getting there. Every university has its own students' residences, which are much smaller than they should be, so they can satisfy only a small portion of demand for them. If you're not able to get a room in a residence, every university has an ISU, a Studying Right Institute, that can help you find a room or an apartment for rent. Note that renting a room or an apartment can be very expensive, starting at €400-500 /month for a room. MeglioMilano [49] is an association that is now experimenting a project to help non-Milanese students find a home and retired old people find somebody to help them in everyday life. The project is called Prendi in casa uno studente (Bring a student home), you can ask for information by email (mailto:meglio.segreteria@meglio.milano.it) or by phone on (+39) 02 76020589.  

 

Buy

Milan is a fashion shoppers' paradise. The main shopping area is the so-called Fashion Quadrangle (quadrilatero della moda), a set of blocks roughly between Duomo Square (Piazza Duomo), Cavour Square (Piazza Cavour) and San Babila Square (Piazza San Babila). Here in Montenapoleone Street, Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Manzoni Street, all major high end fashion labels have their main shops. Located near MM1 San Babila or MM3 Montenapoleone subway stations. For people wanting to spend a bit less, while still buying beautiful things, other areas are better. One of these is Vercelli Avenue (MM1 Pagano, MM1 Conciliazione subway stations), another one is Buenos Aires Avenue (MM1 Porta Venezia, MM1 Lima, MM1/MM2 Loreto subway stations), reputed as being the longest shopping street of Europe. For hipsters there's the elongated Porta Ticinese area, especially on Saturday, when the flee market Fiera di Senigallia takes place near the Darsena (2008: currently that area is closed and Fiera di Senigallia has been moved to a place near Porta Genova MM2 subway and train station).

For men's shoes, a great place to start would be Via Belfiore, near Vercelli Avenue. If outlet shopping is your thing, the shopping outlet in Serravalle Scrivia (a town roughly an hours drive from Milan is a good bet. Tour company-operated buses, including one that leaves from near the Castle, will take you there and back (roughly €20 for the round-trip as of early 2008).  

Eat

Please, eat Italian food. It's great. Try one of the risotto dishes, for example, and remember that Italians generally don't like any foreigner who always asks for spaghetti or pizza, so please, read the menu and remember that almost every restaurant has a typical dish. However if you're on a long tour of Italy and want a break, in Milan you can also find good Chinese, French, Mexican, etc. food. Chinese restaurants are mainly located around Paolo Sarpi Street, the heart of Milan's Chinatown. Avoid the restaurants around the Duomo (cathedral) and the central area, they tend to be tourists-only, very low quality at high prices. The city also features an excellent cafe called Brek with several locations throughout Milan, including near the Duomo. The food is very good, the prices are fair, and it's a good place to stop for a quick bite. For an artistic dining experience, try Lacerba on via dei Orti, 4, which serves dishes inspired by the early 20th century art movement, Futurism.

• Peck, Via Victor Hugo 4, +39 02 861040. Foodies in the Duomo area should not miss this place. It is the Dean and Deluca of Milan, a gorgeous food shop that stocks the finest of just about everything. The prices are high, but since everything is counter service, you can graze a wide variety of delicacies for your money. Speaking of counter service, there is a special way to buy things at Peck. First, you order from the counter. They give you a little receipt. Once you have collected all your receipts, you pay at one of two registers. Then, you return to each of the counters you visited, where the staff has wrapped your treat exquisitely.  
• 

Aperitivo

In the last several years Milan has established a local version of the Aperitivo or Happy Hour. Roughly from 7PM to 9PM, many bars offer drinks and cocktails at a fixed price (€5-8 each), accompanied by free all-you-can-eat buffets with snacks, pasta, rice, and many other appetizers. A great place to go is the Straf Hotel [53] near the Duomo. A whole lot of these places can be found in the area near the Colonne di san Lorenzo and Corso di porta Ticinese, or close by in the Navigli area (subway: MM2 Porta Genova Station). It is not difficult to get a dinner's worth out of a Happy Hour.  

 Restaurants

At the Osteria del Gnocco Fritto the €4.50 cover charge includes baskets of fried, square, hollow, hand-size pastries (similar to sopapillas) accompanied by meats, cheeses, or jams (€8 to €11). Osteria del Gnocco Fritto has two locations: at Via Pestalozzi, 16, 02 8912.2631 and off the Grand Canal at Via Pasquale Paoli, 2, 02 5810.0216. The Osteria dei Formaggi on the Grand Canal (Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 54, 02 8940 9415) serves all manner of excellent cheese dishes in an intimate dining room heavily decorated with cows.  

Breakfast

Pizza

Milan is not Naples, the birthplace of pizza, but you can find good pizzerias everywhere. The best areas for pizza are near Marghera street, at the end of Vercelli Avenue, and on the Navigli, on Brera, on Paolo Sarpi. Expect to pay €8-15 for a pizza and a beer. If you are in the Northeast area, there are many little pizzerias on viale Fulvio Testi (the northern extension of viale Zara) in the Greco area, of which an excellent choice is Pizzeria De Pino. Ask for John Luca, and don't miss the lasagne. Here you may also get homemade Mirto (as you can at many other places). The prices are very reasonable in these establishments; expect to pay about €4-5 for pizza and €3-4 for beer. These places are where the locals eat, they are very friendly and helpful but few speak anything but Italian. Take the phrase book with you. In Milan, pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork, but of course eating with one's hands is possible and welcome. Most people do both. Watch out for frozen Pizza in Milan (it usualy states it on the menu). Always check the Pizza has a wood burning oven and is using it! Pizza Fashion near the Centrale train station is good and they also do takeaway desert! 

Snacks

In summer enjoy gelato, excellent Italian ice cream. The quality mark "gelato artigianale" indicates gelaterias that produce their own ice creams, without industrial processing. Bakeries are open every day, you can enjoy great and inexpensive bread-related food, such as pizza and focaccia. You can find a bakery almost everywhere in Milan, even in the Duomo area, and is a good alternative to bars for a fast lunch. 

Drink

Some of the best places for the Happy Hour and late night drinking are:

• Exploit Café, near the San Lorenzo Columns, in Porta Ticinese Avenue.
• Bar Bianco, 3336323027, inside the Sempione Park.
• Roialto, in Piero della Francesca St, near Sempione Avenue.
• Honky Tonks, Via Fratelli Induno, 10 Fiera (near Sempione Avenue), ☎ 00 39 023452562. Mon-Sat 6PM-2AM. Not exactly a country cowboy bar as the name might imply, a more accurate description would include the smoky lounge feel and the jazz music being played. The drinks are well made and they also serve Tex-Mex style food. 
• Bar Magenta, in Via Carducci.
• Dom Cafè, in Corso Como.
• Il Saloon, in Niccolini St, Chinatown area.
• Frescobar, in Bramante St, Chinatown area.
• Birrificio Lambrate, in Adelchi St, near Lambrate Station. Features with its own branded beers.
• Cicco Simonetta— A bohemian pub hosting comics, musicians, and €3 beer on Mondays.
• Brasserie Bruxelles in Viale Abruzzi 33, near Buenos Aires Ave. New pub with best Belgian beers.

Sitting down for coffee or for a drink in Duomo Square or in the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery can be nice, but it can also be very hard on the wallet. 

Milan by night

Milan has a great variety of places where you can have fun. A great starting point is Como Avenue (Corso Como), near Garibaldi Station, full of bars and glamorous clubs. In the summertime, this street is packed with a lot of young and attractive people. Another place where you can go is Navigli quarter, near Porta Ticinese Avenue and XXIV Maggio Square, where you can find a lot of small pubs, open air cafes and restaurants by the water canals (navigli) that were used throughout history as communication means to connect Milan with other cities. In many pubs and bars you can find a free booklet named Zero2 which is a guide to Milan Nightlife: if you don't know what to do or where to go, do grab one! Other popular night spots with bars and people are viale Monte Nero (on Wednesday it's packed with people in the piazza in front of a bar called "Momo"), Piazzale Susa (and Citta' Studi area). Nights are overwhelmingly crowded at the Colonne di San Lorenzo (not far from Navigli quarter), and in the cozy Latin-quarter of Brera. Another good spot is the pedestrian part of Corso Sempione near the "Peace Arch" (Arco della Pace). There are bars and clubs open all week long but usually few people go out at night on Mondays or Tuesdays, the vast majority prefer to have fun on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, Wednesday night appears to be one of the coolest to go out in stylish VIP-frequented clubs. 

Gay and Lesbian Travellers

Although Milan has a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants and venues for gay and lesbian travellers, tourists might often be mislead by discovering that many places included in the long lists provided by gay and lesbian magazines are empty or shut. The reason is that clubs follow fashion and may be packed on a single night of the week and empty every other day. So be very attentive to hearsay and ask locals before venturing in places. Also note that venues are not concentrated in one area of town, but rather spread throughout the city. In 2008:

• Wednesday and Thursday nights gays crowd at Elephant (Via Lecco, subway: MM1 Porta Venezia Station)
• Thursdays aperitivo at hotel Straf near Duomo is well worth a look
• Friday nights at Divina disco (Via Molino delle Armi, in the center but reachable by taxi)
• Saturday nights at Amnesia (viale Forlanini near Linate airport, reachable by taxi or #73 bus) or BinarioUno disco (via Plezzo, subway: MM2 Lambrate) or Black Hole (former lesbian club)
• Sunday nights hundreds flock to the largest and classiest spot in town, Borgo del Tempo Perso (via Fabio Massimo, subway: MM3 Porto di Mare) (open May-Sept only).

 

Camping

• Città di Milano, located in Quinto Romano, Via Gaetano Airaghi 61, 02 48200134, (Fax 02 48202999). It is located way on the outskirts of the city. If you arrive by car take the tangenziale Ovest and exit at San Siro/ Fiera. If by public transport, take the subway (the M1 line to De Angeli) and then a bus (bus no 72). However keep an eye out for signs pointing to the campsite. Don't be afraid to ask locals on the bus where it is. Be aware that it's next to a rather smelly farm.

However, the campsite itself has a bar, a restaurant and very good shower facilities. This is definitely an option for students or people who would rather spend money in Milan, instead of accommodation. 

Budget

• Arco Hotel, P.zza S. Maria del Suffragio 3, 20129, +39 02 70126264, (Fax: +39 02 70126264). 1 star hotel in the center of Milan.

• Hotel De Albertis, Via De Albertis, 7, 20100, +39 02 7383409, (Fax: +39 02 7383409). 1 star hotel located in the Cinque Giornate area. Run by a very pleasant family.

• Hotel Delle Nazioni, Via Cappellini, 18, 20124, +39 0266981221, (Fax: +39 026701804). 3 star hotel located just few meters from the main railway station.

• Hotel Cinque Giornate, Piazza Cinque Giornate 6, ☎ +39 02 5463433 (info@hotelcinquegiornate.it, fax: +39 02 5513611)

• Hotel Delizia, Via Archimede, 86/88, 20124, +39 02 740544, (Fax: +39 02 733638). A recently restored 2 star hotel with comfortable access to the tangenziale and the splendid Piazza del Duomo.

• Hotel Loreto, Via Bambaia, 4, 20131, +39 02 2613050, (Fax: +39 02 26145724). A two star hotel, a short distance from Corso Buenos Aires, in a central location that is also extremely quiet. 

• Piero Rotta Youth Hostel, Via Salmoiraghi 1, +39-02-39267095, ( Fax: +39-02-33000191). Follow the signs from QT8 stop on the red line to Molino Dorino. Very relaxed curfew compared to most in Italy. Look out for the night walkers you pass on the way to the hostel. €19-23.

• il Postello, Via Angelo della Pergola 5, Isola, This small hostel contains 5 rooms with 4 to 8 beds each, a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a fridge, and a small laundry room. Good internet access, and have an anti-fascista focus. €10/night.

• Ostello Olinda, Via Ippocrate 45, 0264445219. Hostel converted from an old psychiatric ward, though other buildings on the grounds are still used for psychiatric treatment. Reception desk is only open from noon to 8PM, and the staff only speaks enough English to keep the place functioning. Entry after dark requires checking in with the gate guard. No curfew, but remember that the guard-gate is closed from 1:30AM to 6AM. It is located out in the suburbs near the Affori Train Station. Easily reached from the city center by commuter trains, or bus 70. The yellow-line of the subway is currently being extended and will eventually reach this location. Price begins at €18/night, includes free wifi.

• Hotel Serena Milan, Via Boscovich, 59 (Angolo Corso Buenos Aires), 20124, +39 0229 404483, (Fax: +0039 0229 404958), [70]. The Hotel Serena Milan is situated in the centre of the city of Milan close to the Central Station and close to famous attractions and historical places.

• Hotel Porta Romana Milan, Via Lazzaro Papi, 18, 20135, +39 02 55185890, (Fax: +39 02 55180189). Hotel di Porta Romana is a 3 Star accommodation nicely located in the city centre, ideal for business clients or holidaymakers who love to shop.

• Hotel Valley, Via Soperga, 19, 20100, +39 02 66987252, (Fax: +39 02 66987252), . Close to downtown, a short distance from the central train station.

• Hotel Arno / Hotel Eva, Via Lazzaretto, 17, 20124, +39 02 6705509,  About a 10-minute walk from the central station an near a metro stop. Free internet access for guests. Rooms are spacious and clean. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

• London Hotel Milan, Via Rovello 3, 20121, +39 02 72020166, (Fax: +39 02 8057037).  
• 

Mid-range

All these have ensuite facilities, shower, bath, WC, TV in room, 24 hour lobby.

• Adam Hotel Milan, Via Palmanova, 153, 20132, +39 0229 404483, (Fax: +0039 0229 404958),. This beautiful 4 star hotel is well placed for reaching the historical centre of Milan.

• Hotel Milan, Via Tonale,14. We offer you the best vacation rentals at the best locations in Milan, (info@webreserver.com),

• Admiral Hotel, Via Domodossola, 16, 20131, +39 02 3492151, (Fax: +39 02 33106660). Four star hotel located just in front of Fiera Milano City exhibition centre.

• Ambasciatori Hotel Milan, Galleria del Corso 3, 20122, 0039 02 76020241, , Fax: 0039 02 782700). Four-star hotel located in the historical city center close to the Duomo, Cathedral area of Milan and the main shopping area.

• Antares Hotel Accademia, Viale Certosa 68, 20155, +390239211122, Fax: +390233103878). Four-star hotel located close to Milan's international fair and exhibition centre Fiera di Milano, as well as Via Vincenzo Monti shopping area and San Siro Stadium.

• Antares Hotel Concorde, Viale Monza, 132, 20127, 0039 0226112020, (Fax: 0039 0226147879). Four-star hotel close to the Corso Buenos Aires shopping area. Piazza Duomo is only a few stops away on the underground.

• Antares Hotel Rubens, Via Rubens, 21, 20148, 0039 0240302, ( Fax: 0039 0248193114), Four-star Hotel Milan is near Milans Exhibition Centres, San Siro football stadium, Corso Vercelli shopping area and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

• Antica Locanda Leonardo, Corso Magenta 78, 20123, +39 02 48014197, (Fax: +39 02 48019012). Antica Locanda Leonardo is located near the Teatro la Scala and is comfortable to reach Milan Trade fair district in Rho.  

• Astoria Hotel Milano, Viale Murillo, 9, 20149, 0039 02 40090095, (Fax: 0039 02 40074642),Three-star hotel very close to the Fair of Milan and Fieramilanocity.

• Brunelleschi Hotel Milan, Via Baracchini, 12, 20123, +39 02 88431, (Fax: +39 02 804924), The Hotel Brunelleschi Milan is a reputable 4 Star in the centre of Milan close to the Duomo and La Scala Theatre. Prices range from €100 upwards.

• Cardano Hotel Milan Malpensa, Via al Campo, 10, 21010 Cardano al Campo (VA), +39 0331 261011, ( Fax: +39 0331 730829). A charming 4 star hotel specifically designed to accommodate business and early-flight travelers, offering a comfortable overnight stay near Milan's Malpensa airport.

• Country Hotel Borromeo, Via Bruno Buozzi 04, 20068, Peschiera Borromeo, +39 02 553771, (Fax: +39 02 55300708), Four-star hotel located five minutes from Linate Airport with 75 non smoking rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, and mini-bar.  
• 

• Four Points Sheraton Milan, Via Cardano, 1, 20124, +39 02 66746131/4, (, Fax: +39 02 66746165), Milan city centre hotel with 205 rooms. Hotel also has 8 meeting rooms, restaurant, bar and exercise room.

• Grand Hotel Puccini, C.so Buenos Aires, 33, 20124, +39 0229521344, (, Fax: +39 022047825), . The Grand Hotel Puccini is a 4-star city centre hotel is located on Corso Buenos Aires. It has good transport links that allows good access to the Central Railway Station, airports and trade fair area.

• Grand Hotel Verdi, Via Melchiorre Gioia, 6, 20124 Milan, Tel: +39 02 62371, Fax: +39 02 6237050 . Central and easy to find. There are lots of other NH hotels in Milan, if needs be.

• Hotel Accursio, Viale Certosa, 88, 20156, +39 02 33001270, (Fax: +39 02 39217466). A small hotel, with only 28 rooms, but the location is convenient and the small breakfast service is nice.

• Hotel Amadeus, Via Vitruvio, 48, 02 6692141, (Fax: 02 66713291). Very convenient for being really close to the Centrale station. The average rates are €80 but weekend rates for a single room can drop to as low as €42.

• Hotel Ariston, Largo Carrobbio 2, +39 02 7200055, (Fax: +39 02 72000914), In Milan, at 5 minutes from the Duomo and from Navigli, Hotel Ariston is a great welcoming place. Designed with bio-architectural principles in mind. Average rates: singles €160, doubles €230.

• Hotel Bernina, Via Napo Torriani 27, 20124, +39 02 66988022, (Fax: +39 02 6702964), Hotel Bernina is situated in the most comfortable and strategic zone of Milan, both for those interested in visiting the city, as for those who are in Milan on business. A stroll from the Central Station, this welcoming hotel in Milan is well connected to all the most interesting sites in the city. Single room from €55, Double from €75.

• Hotel Bonola, Via Torrazza 15, +39 02 381 017 46, (Fax: +39 02 381 017 86), Hotel Bonola is close to the freeway exits (the Tangenziale Ovest exit "Viale Certosa" is 1 km away), "Rho-Pero", the new trade show center and Mazdapalace the historical trade show center. Singles from €40, Double from €60.

• Hotel Canova, Via Napo Torriani 15, 0266988181, (Fax: 0266713433), Singles €51 doubles €68 cheapest booked via an intermediary, more expensive direct. Parking €20 per night, or use cheaper local garage. Excellent location near Stazione Centrale and low price.

• Hotel Ca' Grande, Via Porpora, 87, +39 02 26145295, (Fax: +39 02 26144001). Hotel catering to travellers for business, study or tourism.

• Hotel Casa Mia , Viale Vittorio Veneto, 30 (corner P.zza Repubblica), +39.02.6575249, (Fax: +39 02 6552228), Just 15 minutes walk to the Duomo and 10 minutes to Via Montenapoleone, small and attentive. Average prices: single rooms €65, doubles €90, triples €120.

• Hotel Cristallo, Via Scarlatti, 22, 20124, 00390229517555, ( Fax: 00390229526129), Three star hotel situated 200 metres from Milan's main railway station in a location very suited to tourists.

• Hotel Des Etrangers, Via Sirte 9, 20146, +39 02 48955325, (Fax: +39 02 48955359). Close to the Milan Fair and the main University of Milan, the Hotel des Etrangers offers services and comfort for business and travel requirements.

• Hotel Domenichino, Via Domenichino, 41, 20149, +39 02 48009692, (Fax: +39 02 48003953). Just a short distance from the Trade Fair District, this hotel in Milan is in an ideal position for anyone on business or those on holiday in the city.

• Hotel Fenice, Corso Buenos Aires, 2, +39 02 29525541, (Fax: +39 02 29523942), The Hotel Fenice is located in a perfect location: just a short distance from Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and the fashion stronghold with its famous boutiques. Singles from €65, Double from 100€ night.

• Hotel Florence, Piazza Aspromonte, 22, 20100, +39 02 2361125, (Fax: +39 02 26680911). The Hotel Florence is in a very convenient and strategic position: in a central area of Milan, easily reached from the Centrale station, with excellent public transport services (subway, street cars and buses) and full of attractions. Single rooms from €45, Doubles from €75.

• Hotel Galles, Piazza Lima, 2, +39 02 204841, (Fax: +39 02 2048422), The Hotel Galles is the ideal solution for a business or pleasure trip in the heart of Milan. Singles from €75, Queen size bed from €92, parking €21 per night.

• Hotel Ibis Milano Centro, Via Finocchiaro Aprile 2, 20124, 00390263151, (, Fax: 0039026598026), Low cost three star hotel well located in city centre of Milan.

• Hotel Ideale Via dei Mille, 60, 20129, +39 02 701 065 66, (Fax: +39 02 701 066 66) The Center of Milan, Università Statale, Centrale Train Station and Linate Airport can be reached in just ten minutes.

• Hotel La Residenza, Via Scialoia 3, +39 02 6461646, (Fax: +39 02 6464268). Single rooms €55, doubles €88, triples €100, quadruples €120.

• Hotel Manzoni, Via S. Spirito 20, 20121, +39 02 76005700, (Fax: +39 02 784212), Situated in the center of Milan, near Via Montenapoleone and the Duomo, Hotel Manzoni is perfect for the traveller who appreciates personality and style made in Italy.

• Hotel Metrò, Corso Vercelli 61, 20144, +39 02 4987897, ( Fax: +39 02 48010295), Close to Milan city center, recently renovated, an elegant 3 star accommodation with garden.

• Mercure Milan Corso Genova , Via Conca Del Naviglio 20, 02 643 50 03. Singles €60, doubles €70, parking €20 per night.

• Hotel Manin Milan, Via Manin, 7, 20121, 0039 02 6596511, (Fax: 0039 02 6552160). 4 star city centre hotel situated in a quiet side street. The hotels is a short distance away from the Duomo Cathedral, Scala Opera House and main railway station.

• Hotel Mercure Milano Centro – Piazza Oberdan, 12 – Cap: 20129 Milano - Italy  Telephone +39 02 29403907 • Fax +39 02 29526171. Four star hotel hosted in a 16th century building located in the centre of Milan, close the Duomo and Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Thirty large bedrooms with air conditioning and meeting rooms.

• Hotel Miami Milan, Via Nuova Rivoltana, 98, 20080, Limito di Pioltello, +390270300333, ( Fax: +390270300444). 4 star hotel located within 2km of Linate Airport and 5 km from the city center.

• Hotel Mozart, Piazza Gerusalemme 6, 20154, +39 02 33104215, (Fax: +39 02 33103231). Just a few steps from Corso Sempione, and very close to the Fiera.

• Hotel Mistral, Via Vincenzo Toffetti 4, 20100, +39 02 57300197, (Fax: +39 02 57303060), A 3 star hotel very close to the Rogoredo FS stop of the Metro yellow line 3 which can provide quick and direct access to the Duomo and Central Station.

• Hotel Palazzo delle Stelline, Corso Magenta, 61, ☎ +39 02/48 18 431 (info@hotelpalazzostelline.it, fax: +39 02/48 51 90 97)

• Hotel Piacenza, Via Piacenza, 4, +39 0254 55 041, (Fax: +39 0254 65 269) A short stroll from Porta Romana and the famous and prestigious Bocconi University, the hotel is also near typical restaurants and lively wine bars where you can spend a pleasant evening.

• Hotel Regal, Via Verdi 10, 20080, Villaggio Ravello, +39029440493, ( Fax: +39029440515). 4 star motel located on the Grand Canal 10 km from Milan.

• Hotel Ritter, Corso Garibaldi 68, 20121. A good 3-star hotel situated near the Moscova metro station and at a walking distance from Duomo.

• Hotel Rona Milan, Viale Monza, 15, 20040, Caponago, +390295742241, ( Fax: +390295741103), Four star motel situated 10 km from Milan. The motel is in the Industrial Commuter Belt of Agrate.

• Hotel Soperga, Via Soperga, 20127, +39 02 6690541, (Fax +39.02.66980352), Between the Main Station and Corso Buenos Aires. This is a welcoming and elegant place to stay a while, for recreation or the demands of work.

• Hotel Star, Via dei Bossi, 5, ☎ +39 02 801501 (info@hotelstar.it, fax: +39 02 861787)

• Hotel Venini, Via Venini 72, ☎ +39 02.26145294 (info@hvenini.it, fax: +39 02.26148614)

• Hotel Windsor, Via Galileo Galilei, 2, 20124, 0039026346, (Fax: 0039026590663),  4 star hotel in Milan with 109 rooms. It is located near the Piazza Repubblica and is close to a Metro stop allowing easy access to Milan's attractions.

• Hotel XXII Marzo , P.zza S. Maria del Suffragio 3, Angolo Bonvesin de la Riva 1, 20129, +39 02 70107064, In the centre of Milan, in the area of the Duomo and near the University and Courts.

• THOTEL Milano : it is located in a strategic position, especially for business travellers, just off Milan’s Tangenziale Ovest and the major motorways, near the Rho-Pero trade fair complex and just a few kilometres from Milan’s airports.

• Lido Hotel, R. Galli n.8, 20148, 0039 02 33000420, ( Fax: 0039 02 39211429),This Modern three star hotel is the closest hotel to the new pavilions of the Fiera Milano. Located across from the IOL Stadium.

• Madison Hotel, Via Gasparotto, 8, 20124, +39 0267074150, ( Fax: +39 0267075059), 4 star city centre hotel located just 100 meters from the main railway station. The hotel is beside a subway stop.

• Zumbini Rooms, Via Zumbini 6, 20143, +39 02 36556604, (Fax +39 02 36556603)The residence Zumbini Rooms is located in the southern part of Milan.

• Residence Ajraghi, Via Ajraghi 30, 20100, +39 02 33004669, (Fax: +39 02 33005540) Elegant Apartments near Rho-Pero trade fair.

• Residence Loreto, Via Rancati 3, 20127, +39 02 2841041, (Fax: +39 02 2827616)Comfortable studio and apartments, with bath, fully equipped kitchen and high quality services.  
• 

Splurge

• UNA Tocq Boutique Hotel, Via A. De Tocqueville 7/D 20154, +39 02 62 071, (toll free USA: 1 866 376 7831), Offers 109 rooms and 13 apartments right in the heart of Corso Como. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness center with indoor swimming pool, and a garage nearby the hotel.

• Antica Locanda dei Mercanti, Via San Tomaso 6, +39 (0)28054080. With/without private terraces. Large double rooms. In an old palazzo in the heart of the city. Charming boutique hotel.

• Hotel Abacus, Via Monte Grappa, 39, 20099, +39 02 26225858, (Fax: +39 02.26225860), Four-star hotel with a parking area, 5 meeting rooms, restaurant, wellness and fitness center.

• Hotel Capitol, Via Cimarosa, 6, 20144, +39 02 438591, (info@capitolmilano.com, Fax: +39 02 43859700). A 66-room 4-star hotel located near the Exhibition centre, the Financial district, the airport shuttle terminal, and the underground station.

• Hotel Andreola Central, Via Domenico Scarlatti, 24, 20124, +39 02 6709141, (Fax: +39 02 66713198), Four-star hotel located 200 meters from the central train station.

• Hotel Art Hotel Navigli, Via Fumagalli 4, 20100, +39 02 89410530, (Fax: +39 02 58115066).

• Hotel Ascot, Via Lentasio, 3, 20122, +39 02 58303300, (Fax: +39 02 58303203), Conveniently situated in the center of Milan, just a few meters from Corso di Porta Romana and 10 minutes walk from the Duomo and the National University. Single from €83, Double from €124.

• Hotel Baviera, Via Manuzio Aldo, 9, 20124, +39 02 6590551,Classic Milan 4 star hotel with friendly professional service and comfortable surroundings, offering convenient facilities and a central location.

• Hotel Cristoforo Colombo Milano, Corso Buenos Aires, 3, ☎ +39 02.29406214 (info@hotelcristoforocolombo.com, fax: +39 02.29516096),

• Hotel Lloyd, Corso di Porta Romana, 48 20122, +39 02.58303332, (Fax: +39 02 58303365), Offers large meeting rooms and a well-being program. Local business, shopping and culture just 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Single rooms from €85, Double from €116.

• Hotel King, Corso Magenta 19, 20123, 0039 02 874432, (Fax: 0039 89010798),  4 star hotel in the centre of the city, part of the Mokinba group. Good location near the Duomo and top Milanese style service.

• Hotel Vittoria, Via Pietro Calvi, 32, 20129, +39 02 5456520, (Fax: +39 02 55190246), 

• Park Hyatt Milan, Via Tommaso Grossi 1 (+39 02 8821 1234), (milano@hyattintl.com), 5 star hotel very close to Piazza del Duomo and Teatro alla Scala opera house. Host to La Cupola, a prominent restaurant on Milan's elite social scene.

• Gardaland Resort Hotel, Via Palu’ 1, Castelnuovo del Garda 37014, Verona, Italy, ☎ +39-045-6404000 (info@gardalandhotel.it, fax: +39-045-6404444). The Gardaland theme park's hotel located next to the theme park in a themed setting. Visitors can enjoy shows at the hotel. 

• Sheraton Diana Majestic, Milan, Viale Piave, 42, Milan 20129, ☎ (39)(02) 20581 (SheratonDianaMajestic@sheraton.com, fax: (39)(02) 20582058), In the heart of the vibrant city, the Sheraton Diana Majestic, Milan is a source of familiar comfort. Step out of the doors and immerse yourself into the celebrated shopping district, a hub of culture, art, and design. 
• 

Contact

Stay safe

Unless you venture in dangerous suburbs, Milan is a rather safe city. Beware of Senegalese migrant vendors in the streets: most of the merchandise they sell is imitation/fake luxury goods. Even at a fraction of the cost of the original merchandise, the quality is spotty, and the goods are not well maintained in storage. Other scams that they will try is giving you "free friendship bracelets." After you take the bracelet, a colored piece of string, they will hit you up for money and relentlessly pursue you until they get as much as they can. They will be forceful, physically tieing the bracelet to your wrist or laying it on your shoulder as you try and walk away. This is especially true in the tourist areas around the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. Beware of North African people hanging around the square outside Duomo: people will walk up to you and forcefully give you corn on the hands to feed the pigeons on the pretense that they are free. All the pigeons in the surrounding area will then fly to you. He or she will then relentlessly pursue you and ask you for money. Stay away from the area around the Central railway station at night. Be careful crossing the street: drivers don't usually respect pedestrian crossings unless there there is a red light for them to stop.  

 

Get out

• Lake Como. A huge, impressive, beautiful lake in the foothills of the Alps. See the villages of Como, Menaggio, Bellagio & Varenna. Como can be reached by regular trains (50 minutes from Cadorna station) and buses.
• Monza. Medium-size town with a beautiful pedestrian-only centre and a marvellous park, Parco di Monza, the largest enclosed park in Europe. Inside the park there is the Autodromo Nazionale where the Formula 1 GP, Superbike and other minor races take place. Accessible by regular trains (15 minutes from Centrale or Porta Garibaldi stations) and buses.
• Bergamo. Elegant walled hilltop Renaissance university town. Bergamo is serviced by regular trains (from Centrale, Porta Garibaldi and Lambrate stations, about 1 hour trip time) and buses.

• Crespi d'Adda. A planned industrial city between Bergamo and Milan. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Lake Garda. Beautiful lake with a lot of beautiful small cities, the best is Sirmione. Two big theme parks are nearby: Gardaland the best in Italy, and Canevaworld Resort home of Movieland (a movie theme park) and a water park. Accessible by way of regular trains (65-85 minutes from Centrale station) and buses. Very crowded during summer and weekends.
• Excursions without a car: you don't need a car to escape from the business, the traffic, the congestion, the fog in wintertime, and the afa (humid heat in summer), of the city of Milan to a wonderful world of lakes, mountains, castles and good food: just take the train and, sometimes, the boat.