Milan accommodation from NZ$198

Things to Do in Milan

Milan’s major claim to fame is Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper”, which is located in the dining room of the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Only 25 visitors are allowed per day, and tickets sell out well in advance, but our Best of Milan & Last Supper Tour package can get your foot in the door. If you’ve missed your window, not to worry—there’s plenty more to see from your Milan accommodation.

The Duomo (aka Milan Cathedral), which took six centuries to complete, will only need a moment to take your breath away. The Madonnina spire stretches nearly 110m into the sky, while the intricate Gothic design and vivid stained glass provide details that go on for days.

If what you really crave is some action, go from a temple of God to a temple of football with accommodation near San Siro Stadium, where you can see champions of all types. It’s home to not one, but two Serie A football teams (AC Milan and Inter Milan), and has also played host to legendary boxing matches and world-famous musicians. Catch a concert with 50,000 other music mavens or cheer on hookers and fullbacks at a rugby match. You’re sure to have a ball at this Milan landmark.

Getting To & Around Milan

Flights to Milan will land at the international Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP). The Malpensa Express train can take you to either Milano Centrale (north of downtown) or Milano Cadorna (near the city centre). It’s much cheaper than a cab, although once you’re in the city, taxis can be a good option to get to hotels in Milan.

Once you drop your bags, you’ll soon discover that one of the best ways to get around is on your own two feet. However, if you can’t walk another step, the city’s excellent public transport can take you to all the best tourist spots (plus, you should take a ride in the classic yellow streetcars just for fun!).

Upcoming Events

Two words: Fashion Week. From 21 to 27 September, designers and models rule the runways during the city’s most popular fashion week (there’s one in February, too). Your old pals Gucci, Prada and Versace will definitely be there, plus tons of up-and-coming labels. Good news—you don’t have to be a millionaire to be invited to the show. Public pageants take place with some of Milan’s most stunning landmarks as their backdrop: Milan hotels around the Piazza Duomo, Sforzesco Castle and Arco della Pace will put you close to the greatest photo ops you’ve ever seen.

If you’re looking for a festival extravaganza, you can hit the Milano Film Festival from 10 to 20 September, then go straight into Fashion Week. You’ll be so cultured by the time you get home, your friends will wonder where you learned words like “prêt-à-porter” and “roman à clef”.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! We’re not yelling at you. That’s actually the name of Milan’s best Christmas fair, and if you can’t make it in September, December is a good bet. The name translates to “Oh so nice” (twice), and /Milan.d180012.Destination-Travel-Guides during this time are sure to be just that. Get your holiday shopping done, but more importantly, stuff yourself silly with some of the best food in Milan: chocolate and bacon-topped pancakes (whaaat?), beef Milano, roasted chestnuts and of course, plenty of mulled wine.

Get Outside!

OK, you’ve seen the famous architecture and the most important artworks—or have you? Head on over to Castello Sforzesco for a surprise: Michelangelo’s last, unfinished sculpture, the Rondanini Pieta. Yes, it’s indoors, but you can always get some fresh air once you’re done. The castle is located in Parco Sempione, and you could spend a whole day exploring this iconic green space.

Stroll over to the Arena Civica, which has hosted football and rugby games since 1807! Today it’s the home field of 18-time Italian Champions Amatori Rugby Milano. Maybe some of that victory will rub off on you! Next up is Arco della Pace, built in the early 18th century to honour Napoleon. Yes, that dude has a lot of arches in his honour! But this is one of the best.

Complete your circle at the top of the Torre Branca. It may just look like a radio tower, but take the elevator to the observation deck and you’re at one of the highest points in the city. This is one day in Milan you won’t soon forget!

Must-See Spots

Speaking of awesome vantage points, there is one that’s better than the Torre Branca, if only because it’s basically a museum as well. The Duomo is topped with 135 spires and 3600 statues carved from picture-perfect pink Candoglia marble, and you can climb on its roof!

There are 150 steps to the top, and also an elevator if you need a lift. The sweeping views of the city are great, but the real treasure is right in front of you. Get a close-up view of the famous Madonnina, blinging in the sunshine like Kanye at the Grammys.

For the opposite of Kanye, catch a show at Teatro alla Scala. The title of “World’s Most Famous Opera House” may be subjective, but this theatre is definitely in the running. The yards and yards of red velvet and golden balconies aren’t even the most impressive part. You’ve gotta be a VIP to get Italian opera tickets, but concerts and non-Italian shows will still give you the Scala esperienza (experience).

Pour yourself a glass of sforzato and relax. With Wotif’s selection of places to stay in Milan, you’re sure to find your perfect villa. Then bust out your (imitation) Louis Vuitton luggage set and get ready to go cosmopolitan.