Milan City Breaks

Milan at a glance

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and is widely known as the representation of new Italy. With its striking architecture, great local cuisine, impressive art collections and probably the best designer shops and boutiques in the world, Milan is a city break destination that ticks all the boxes.

It wasn’t until the mid-1800’s that Milan became part of greater Italy. Before that time it was ruled by the French and Austrian empires and was even at one time the capital of the western Roman Empire. Set up as a centre for commerce and finance early on, the city’s prosperous roots continue to make it an affluent city, home to Fortune 500 companies and famed as an international fashion centre dedicated to top fashion events.

A flourishing cultural centre, Milan offers visitors a feast of art galleries, museums, historical venues and architecture to explore. Perhaps one of Milan’s most famous works, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper housed in the church of Santa Maria, is just one of many popular attractions among a number of significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in the city.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

• Shopping heaven
• Arts and culture
• Indulgent cuisine

Getting Around

Milan’s public transport system consists of an extensive network of bus, tram, trolley-bus and underground transit systems. There are a number of ticket options ranging from single to weekly RIcaricaMI rechargeable passes that can be topped up at various locations found throughout the city. 

Shopping

Everything about the shopping experience in Milan oozes chic, from its most expensive, high end fashion collection north of the Duomo to its elegant art boutiques and designer label outlet stores on Via Montenapoleone.  

But Milan’s exclusive designs aren’t limited simply to fashion. The city is also home to innovative home décor, furniture, kitchenware, electronics and luxury goods, as well as one of the biggest shopping outlet malls in Europe located in the Piedmont region, just outside Milan.

Dining in Milan

Eating out in Milan is an experience of true Italian cuisine. Though richly infused by bordering regions and ever innovative designs, Milan’s palate is traditional at its core, bringing established customs to the table with a widely available choice to suit every taste and budget.

Must-try local dishes:

• Cotoletta alla Milanese – breaded calf ribs fried in butter
• Risotto alla Milanese – a creamy arborio rice infused with saffron, grated cheese and chicken or beef stock.
• Panettone – a sweet bread filled with dried, candied fruit

Osprey Holidays top tips

The rooftop of Il Duomo is the best place for a magnificent view of the city. If you’re feeling energetic, trek up the impossibly small staircases that maze through the old vestibules and towers of this superb Gothic structure. Or of course you can always take the elevator...

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Milan designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

• All travel and transfers on days of your choice
• Accommodation from our handpicked range of Milan hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.