Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Milan has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- It’s a good climb to the top of the Duomo – 166 steps, or there’s a lift – but worth it for the eyeful.
- Arts and culture
- A tour of La Scala (www.teatroallascala.org) is no substitute for a performance, but diverting nonetheless. Santa Marie delle Grazie houses da Vinci’s Last Supper (open until 6.45pm; closed Mondays; ring +39 (0)2 8942 1146 to book). La Pinacoteca di Brera is a fine-art must, with pieces covering periods from pre-Renaissance to Cubism.
- Something for nothing
- At aperitivo time, 6–9pm, many bars lay on free canapés. Il Cimitero Monumentale (Tuesday–Sunday 'til 17h15), where Giuseppe Verdi lies, is an amazing open-air museum in its own right.
- Shopping
- Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea house the showrooms of the major designers, including Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. The Armani empire has its multi-concept store on Via Manzoni. For more affordable purchases (MaxMara, Bruno Magli, Pollini, H&M, Zara), head for Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The area around Porta Ticinese is good for street style (Diesel, Miss Sixty, Fornarina) as well as second-hand shops, handmade clothes and intriguing homewares.
- Daytripper
- Head to Monza for the Italian GP, or, if you prefer soothing (and quieter) days out, hire a car and head for the shores of Italy's great lakes, Como, Garda or Maggiore.
- Children
- Unless your children are into Prada and prosecco, Milan's not the most diverting place to take them. Older kids may find rewards in the galleries and museums, though.
- Activities
- Treat yourself to tickets to a ballet, opera or orchestral performance at one of the word's greatest theatres, La Scala (www.teatroallascala.org). NB you will be expected to look the part: jackets and ties are compulsory for Mr Smith (black tie if it's a premiere). It might sound like a bit of a kerfuffle, but it's worth it.
- And...
- The Fiera di Senigallia market, every Saturday, sells ethnic handicrafts, records and bicycles along the Darsena dockyard. Mercato dell’Antiquariato di Brera, on the third Saturday of the month, has stalls selling books, jewellery, antiques and curios.
Diary
February Carnevale Ambrosiano, with floats and crowds processing to the Piazza del Duomo, ending on the first Saturday in Lent. Fashion week (autumn/winter collections). April International Salone del Mobile, the giant furniture fair, recently renamed Milan Design Week to reflect its broad appeal. May Pittori sul Naviglio: an outdoor art show along Alzia Naviglio Grande canal. July/August Summer concerts, Thursday evenings in Wilson Park. September Fashion week (spring/summer collections). December Opera season starts.
