Travel to Milan

Travel to Milan

Best known as the fashion capital of Europe, Milan is also Italy's financial centre and offers premium shopping opportunities for genuine or window shoppers alike. The city prides itself on style, a range of delicious cuisine and its vibrant atmosphere.

Transportation to Milan

As it lies at a crossroads for air, road and rail, Milan is a convenient place to get to. Most international visitors arrive at Malpensa International Airport, a popular stopover en route to the Middle East and Asia. The airport is 50kms northwest of the city. Most domestic and some European flights arrive at Linate Airport, just seven kilometres from Milan. The transportation network from both airports is frequent and reliable.

Many of Italy's main motorways converge at Milan's busy ring road, known as the Tangenziale Est and Tangenziale Ovest. The busy A4 runs east and west. Trains are a comfortable option, arriving from Switzerland and France. Buses arrive directly from many European cities, via a lovely drive through the Alps. Nearby Genoa also makesarrival by boat afeasible option.

What to see

Milans activity is focused on the hub of Piazza del Duomo shadowed by the magnificent 14th century cathedral. The Duomo has one of the world's largest domes and also carries an amazing gilded copper statue of the Madonna. The Museo del Duomo should not be missed. Milan is also quite famous for Leonardo da Vinci's painting, The Last Supper, which has been restored and is on display to limited numbers in the refectory of the Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Also worth seeing is the impressive Castello Sforzesco, home to several museums and featuring some stunning sculpture.

Day trips

Although Milan is nestled in an industrial area, there is plenty to see outside of the city. On the banks of the Ticino River, just under an hour from Milan, is the charming town of Paviawhich isfull of students. Christopher Columbus was once a student at the university here.

Dotted with amazing blue lakes, the tranquil Lombardi plains rise into the Alps. Here, the gorgeous shores of Lago Maggiore are quite inviting. It is possible to laze your days away sailing to the serene Borromean Islands. Isola Bella can be bustling at times, but is home to a sumptuous castle. Alternatively, Isola Madre has its own royal residence; while Isola Pescatore has a quiet atmosphere. Farther afield are Bologna, a city of culture, and the busy port of Genoa. Also within driving distance are the cities of Turin and Brescia.

Activities and leisure

Parco Sempione, one of Milans loveliest green areas, is a great place to kick up your heels after a long day of sightseeing. Additionally, the city has a phenomenal opera and music scene, the centrepiece being Teatro alla Scala. Shoppers will be in heaven as Milan's shopping boulevards, malls and markets are everywhere.

Safety issues

Be alert for pickpockets when visiting Milan, especially at night around the busy bar areas. Tourists are always more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment. Driving is also a potential hazard and travellers should remain vigilant. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.