A booming tourist destination, Milan invites you to disconnect for a moment of escape among historic monuments, museums and boutiques. Milan is the capital of Lombardy, and it is also the second most populated city in Italie, after Rome, with a population of approximately 1,366,037 inhabitants. A city steeped in rich history, Milan deserves its place in your next circuit through Italie.

History

Milan is located in the north of the country, near the Alps, and boasts a rich past dating back to 600 BC. This city earned its reputation as the fashion capital thanks to various international events held there each year. This city is an essential stop due to its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Once known as Insubria, Milan was long an Insubres state before falling under Roman control. It was first the capital of the Roman Empire of the West for a century, then later became a major center of Christianity, governed by counts and subsequently by the Visconti family. The latter made this city the most important financial hub of the Middle Ages.

Visiting Milan

Milan presents itself today as one of the most visited destinations in the European Union. Indeed, the city boasts numerous attractions including many churches, ancient palaces, magnificent museums, theaters, world-renowned operas, cultural treasures, remarkable buildings, modern architectural works, charming streets and squares—countless wonderful places to explore. Among these important historic and modern sites, the most famous are: Castello Sforzesco, the La Scala theater, Milan's Monumental Cemetery, Villa Simonetta, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Galleria d'Italia at Piazza Scala, the Brera Art Gallery, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, the Pirelli Tower, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Church of San Maurizio, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Duomo, and many others.

Milan is also a thriving economic center and hub for education, art and business. The city has become an important industrial center housing the offices of several multinational companies. At the heart of this lively and elegant metropolis, you will find an abundance of shopping centers, boutiques, bars and restaurants that will enhance your stay.

Beyond its breathtaking architectural heritage, Milan is renowned for its delicious gastronomy. Take time to savor various local culinary specialties, including cotoletta alla milanese, risotto alla milanese, brasato, cassoueula, busecca, and ossobuco. For pastries, delight your palate with tortallis, chiacchiere, colomba, panettone and pane dei morti. You'll also find numerous cafés and bars where you can enjoy excellent beverages. These establishments will certainly refresh you after wandering through the streets and historic sites of Milan.

Climate

The city of Milan experiences a humid subtropical or temperate oceanic climate characterized by hot and humid summers as well as cold and damp winters. The summer season, which extends from June to September, is marked by intense heat reaching up to 36°C. Autumn sets in during October and extends through December. During this period, the city experiences excessive rainfall. The average annual precipitation is 1,013 mm. In spring, the weather is pleasant, especially from mid-April through late May. Additionally, temperatures are very mild, ideal for various outdoor tourist activities. Winter begins around mid-December and lasts until March, with temperatures hovering near freezing.

The city of Milan has three international airports, namely Linate (7 km), Orio al Serio (45 km) and Malpensa (50 km). These are connected to the train stations by free shuttle services. However, these shuttles are small and insufficient. Passengers may wait up to 45 minutes for transfers. Therefore, it is preferable to rent a taxi or take a bus to reach the various points of interest in the city or your hotel.

On the rail front, Milano Centrale connects not only to Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence and Padua, but also to other European cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Paris and London. If you plan to travel by train, be sure to make a reservation at the station at least one day before your departure. This way, prices will be lower and you will have access to special offers.

As for road travel, Milan offers national and international intercity bus services that connect the city to other Italian and European cities. Bus services are provided by three companies: Eurolines, Megabus and iDBus.

Various means of transportation are available in Milan. To get around the city, prioritize the metro, tram, bus or train. If you prioritize comfort, opt for taxi services. Otherwise, renting a car with a driver is also a good alternative.