Milan is one of Italy’s main cities, but isn’t necessarily a city that visitors flock to when traveling the land. Milan is Italy’s financial center and likewise one of the great fashion capitals of the world. Those things sum to extraordinary high-end shopping and posh nightlife, but they don’t do much good for the hikers. Milan unquestionably has some entertaining sights and tons of history, but except you are really a fashion person there might be better picks for those doing a short tour of Italy.

What To Do in Milan Italy

Alike so many other European cities, the main attractive force here is the old cathedral. The Duomo, as it’s called, is a huge Gothic church that was constructed beginning in the late 14th Century. You can get to the roof for astounding views of not only the city, but of the spires on top of the construction as well. Referring to shopping, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuale is just looking at Duomo Square and this historic indoor shopping mall is an attractive feature unto itself.

The well known painting The Last Supper was painted into a wall in a convent here, but it’s not in the shape it used to be in. Da Vinci’s masterpiece dates from 1495 and is amusing to see face to face, but you must get bookings way in advance to get in. In addition to fashion, Milan is best-known for its famous football (socer) teams. AC Milan and Inter play at a stadium known as San Siro and tickets are from time to time accessible on game day or at least by scalpers out front.

Getting in Milan Italy

Milan is well located on the train lines so it’s a favorite stop for Eurail Pass holders or anyone else moving through northern Italy. If coming up from further away than next doorway you’ll want to book a flight into Malpensa airport (code: MXP). This is the biggest of three airports and the most popular for longer flights. Also check Linate Airport (code: LIN) and Orio al Serio Airport (code: BGY) as each accommodates some local and low-cost carrier traffic.

Where To Stay in Milan Italy

The heart of Milan is reasonably compact and the public transportation is solid. Since this is a commercial city on occasion things will be booked up at unplanned times so plan ahead. There are a few hostels in Milan and the usual assortment of hotels in Milan as well. Finding a cheap bed might be more difficult than getting one at one of the hotels in Rome, but if you start your planning in advance enough you should have no problems. Prices tend to be very high for the business-oriented sites, but throughout slow times of year these same rooms can be very inexpensive.