Milan is known in the world as the capital of fashion and design – it captivates us with its multiculturalism, ideas, inspiring landscapes and sublime culture. Milan is not as common a tourist destination as other Italian cities like Rome, Venice or Florence, but everyone who comes to Milan comes with the intention of enjoying the endless artistic inspiration that this city provides.
Apart from fashion, Milan is also known for its famous football club and many football players who have found themselves among the best in the world. Therefore, Milan is the perfect choice for couples – in a noble way it satisfies your needs to get to know the heroes and the history of fashion and football, all with immense enjoyment of Italian cuisine and the beautiful nature that surrounds Milan.
The natural beauties of Milan and its surroundings
Milan is covered with the beauties of the Alps that rise above it, while the city itself is filled with gardens and parks. The Ciclabile del Naviglio della Martesana is a bike path that follows the entire length of the main canal in Milan, revealing a sensational plan of the city that rests on water – no river flows through Milan, but the canal network was designed through all settlements in Leonardo da Vinci’s time.
The network of canals in Milan connects the lakes Como and Maggiore, then the rivers Ticini, Ada and Po, and their main role is the fast transport of raw materials during the industrial revolution in the city. The most beautiful picnics in Milan are made in the beautiful 110-hectare Bosco in citta Park, which contains paths and a lake and beautiful flora. A slightly smaller park, of 54 hectares, Franco Verga Park also contains a recreational park, sports center, playgrounds, fountains, and canals flow through the park itself.
What Not To Miss In Milan
Although we have not read about the exciting history and colorful culture of Milan in history textbooks, Milan has many hidden pearls of architecture and culture that it can share with you. The consequences of the Second World War and the damage that the city suffered are responsible for today’s modern architecture of Milan. It took a long time for Milan not only to recover, but to shine in the full splendor of its new design.
Milan’s Cathedral
Although the architecture does not resonate as classic Italian and authentic, there are still sights in Milan that should not be missed. Milan’s Duomo is one of those sights, often known from postcards from Milan, and as such is a symbol of this city. At the place where this building rises today, there used to be the Basilica of Saint Tekla and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which were originally built in the fourth century. These basilicas formed an unusual complex of cathedrals, and in their place rises the Duomo at the end of the nineteenth century. Over the years, this cathedral has been upgraded and supplemented, and even today it represents an unusual mixture of artistic styles.
Sforza Palace
The magnificent Sforza Castle also dates back to the nineteenth century, when its construction was started by the wealthy Visconti family. However, the palace still bears the name of Sforza, because this dynasty continued the administration of the palace as Filippo Maria Visconti had no heir. Various styles from different historical ages can be seen on the castle, as well as the authentic stamp of Leonardo da Vinci, whose hands have left their mark here as well. Sforza served as a military base, so its parts were demolished and restored several times. Today it houses several interesting museums.
La Scala
Did you know that the Milan Opera House is one of the most notable in the world? The famous La Scala was built on the site where Milan’s theater had previously burned down in a fire in the late eighteenth century. The opera was built under the rule of Maria Theresa, who ruled this city with the Habsburg monarchy at the time. As for the exterior, the opera house is not particularly interesting. Its architectural charm lies in its interior and perfect acoustics. The operas in La Scala are often expensive for tourists, but the building itself can be seen as part of a tour of the museum that is part of this house.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This building is in the top 3 unavoidable destinations worth paying attention to in Milan, because it represents a kind of temple of fashion culture, and it was built in a neoclassical manner in the nineteenth century. If you like to enjoy wonderful sights and scents, visit the shops of famous brands in this huge hall and relax with a coffee or wine.
The Capital Of Fashion
As the inhabitants of Milan like to talk, the city is named after the word milliner, which goes in favor of the fact that this city in Lombardy is one of the world’s fashion and commercial centers. Real connoisseurs of fashion walk through this city, while Milan has been inspiring world brands such as Versace, Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton and Prada for decades.
A Delicatessen City
Fans of Italian and international cuisine in Milan can find a real paradise of various restaurants. The combination of minimalist Italian cuisine with the attractive appearance of the restaurant goes perfectly with the best Italian wine. Here you will definitely taste fantastic pizza and pasta, Italian cheeses like gorgonzola, as well as excellently prepared beef, but also risotto.
Restaurants in Milan offer excellent traditional cuisine, but also international specialties. Prices really vary depending on how exclusive the restaurant is and in which part of the city it is located. You can taste local cuisine at affordable prices in restaurants that are popular with international tourists, such as L’Immagine Ristorante Bistrot, which prepares Italian cuisine specific to this region, as well as Mediterranean cuisine. It will enchant you with its pleasant and warm ambiance, and friendly staff.
Another interesting restaurant in Milan is Osteria Conchetta, which is famous for its red wine and steak, then national dishes such as cotoletta, as well as a diverse selection of Italian cheeses. It is located in a district surrounded by canals and is proven to provide an outstanding experience. Known for Diego, the top chef, the Trippa restaurant will win you over with its affordable prices. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to try the bone marrow that Diego prepares like no one else in the world.
Exciting Fun Time in Milan
Milan is a real example of an urban Italian city, so parties are never enough here. Just as every aspect of Milan exudes perfect style, so does their entertainment – of refined taste, with carefully selected music, and excellent cocktails.
The districts of Milan that are the most popular choice for going out are Brera and Navigli. On the number one place for good fun and crazy parties is the club La Chiesetta, which is actually open in the interior of the former old church, and recognizable by its authentic and unique interior, as well as good beer.
If you are in the mood to spend the night with great cocktails, we recommend the Monkey Cocktail Bar, whose staff is really in the best mood to shake a cocktail just for you. In this pleasant ambiance you can find really reasonable prices for drinks, and it is located near the main train station. The nightlife in Milan would not be complete without the Moscow Mule Bar, where Ricardo works, a creative bartender who will make your night magical. Cocktails in this bar are only 5 €, which is why visitors often joke that happy hour here lasts all night.
If you manage to visit everything planned in Milan, you can complete your stay in this part of Italy by going to the famous Italian lakes, Como, Maggiore or Garda, since Milan is connected to these cities by train, and in a relatively short time from the center of Milan. You can reach the shores of one of these beautiful lakes, which we definitely recommend.
