Milan Accommodation & Cheap Lodging

Milan is all about design and high fashion. The range of shops and trendy bars is almost overwhelming. But Milan also has the Duomo cathedral, da Vinci's "Last Supper" and the simple neighbourhood restaurants where no long lunch is complete without ossobuco and risotto alla milanese.

Milan was founded by Celtic tribes around 600 B.C. When the Romans conquered the city, it was renamed "Mediolanum" – the land in the middle. Thanks to Milan's strategic location, in the middle of the fertile Po River valley, it quickly became an important centre for trade in the Roman Empire. Later it also became its western capital. In 313, Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan, declaring Christianity equal to other religions in the Empire. Today Milan is the second largest city in Italy. Almost everything revolves around the fashion industry. Most famous designers and fashion houses seem to be located in the city. The area around Via Montenapoleone and Via Della Spiga is the heart of the fashion industry, and home to many flagship stores. Centro Storico is where many of the city's famous sights are located, including the Duomo and the La Scala Opera. Navagli, by the canals, is another exciting neighbourhood famous for its nightlife and the artsy Brera enclave.

The best way to understand how Milan is laid out is to take a ride on one of the trains. Route 1 runs from the main train station, via Piazza Cairoli to Castello Sforzesco and is probably the best choice. But many other routes also offer good views of the city.

Il Duomo The Cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Building began in 1386 and was not completed until 500 years later. It is a late Gothic masterpiece, made more interesting by the fact that this style is not seen elsewhere in Italy.

Cenacolo Vinciano This is the home of one of the world's most famous artworks, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. It's rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look. A good way to avoid the long queues is to book a time in advance.

Pinacoteca di Brera Milan doesn't have as many art treasures as Venice and Florence, but it's not far behind. The city's foremost art museum exhibits works by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Bramante and Caravaggio, amongst others.

San Siro The city's two top Series A football teams, Internazionale and AC Milan, draw dedicated crowds to their shared home ground. San Siro also hosts fan events, and it is home to Italy's only football museum.

Milan Restaurants
Milan has a large selection of restaurants, from strict sushi eateries to top-class establishments, where the corporate credit card reigns supreme. As is often the case in Italy, the best dining experience is usually at less extravagant restaurants and trattorias serving local and national specialities.

Milan Bars & Nightlife The Brera and Navigli neighbourhoods have most bars and a bustling nightlife. For a more trendy option, try the area around Corso Como. Do it the Milanese way and mingle at a selection of bars between 19.00 and 21.00. Filling snacks can sometimes be had free with your drinks!

Milan Cafes In Italy Gelato is eaten just as passionately as pasta. It is not only Italy's delicious answer to ice cream - it is a way of life. Italian ice cream is often said to be the best in the world.

Milan is the capital of fashion shopping, and there is plenty to choose from. Even those less interested in fashion, or who can't afford the prices, will find exploring Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga and the surrounding streets rewarding. This is where all the fashion houses have their impressive flagship stores. Armani's department store on Via Manzoni 31 is a good example, as is Gucci's store on Via Monte Napoleone - it covers a whole city block. Dolce & Gabbana's impressive new menswear store on Corso Venezia is housed in the former palace of a Sicilian nobleman. Other good shops include:

La Rinascente Milan's equivalent to London's Harrods department store. Eight floors of exclusive fashion, accessories, perfumes and toys.

G Lorenzi A snobbish shop for men who want only the finest in grooming, smoking paraphernalia and knives.

Dmagazine Outlet store with shops selling last season's fashions at a fraction of the original cost.

Zani & Zani Milan is not just about fashion, but also design. Zani & Zani stock specially designed sieves, pots and pans, garlic presses and knives. Most of them in shining steel and aluminium.

Cotti Well-stocked wine shop in the artsy Brera neighbourhood with an original 1930s interior.

Rossi & Grassi After visiting Cotti, head down to Rossi & Grassi. Specializing in cold cuts, this is the place to buy prosciutto San Daniele and mortadella with pistachios.