Milan naturally attracts visitors, but also many expatriates. Italy's economic capital has many qualities, a culture and a history that never cease to amaze and arouse curiosity. Here is a summary of what you need to know about this city.
First steps in Milan
Milan creates an instant boom with its dynamism, opportunities and stimuli. So expect to be shocked when you discover that Italian tradition and globalization combine to make the Lombardy capital an unparalleled destination for expats.
The city, which has the largest metropolitan area in Italy, is also described as its epicenter for art, design, entertainment, fashion and finance. Milan offers many professional or research opportunities in all fields while displaying striking beauty and breathtaking architecture. In short, Milan has everything to offer while remaining true to itself.
Milan for fashion and design lovers
The main center of the city begins at the Duomo metro station, home to Milan's Duomo, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. This vibrant area has many historic shops and attractions, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Fashion Quadrilateral (including the famous Montenapoleone Street), which underline the glamorous fashion side of the city. The carefully designed shops attract millions of fashion and design enthusiasts every day. In addition, every year, Milan hosts events not to be missed, such as the Design Week (Salone Internazionale del Mobile) and Fashion Week, which testify to the city's position as a chic and avant-garde leader.
Milan for walking enthusiasts
Milan is the ideal city for outdoor activities and day trips. There are many parks, the largest being the Parco Sempione and the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, as well as newer gardens, such as the Biblioteca degli Alberi di Milano (BAM), ideal for running or picnics. The canals, known as Navigli, are also ideal for jogging or cycling for many kilometers, even allowing you to leave the city to explore the countryside. The Navigli, which owe their construction to the great Leonardo da Vinci, are an integral part of Milan's history. By taking the Naviglio Martesana cycle paths, you can, for example, reach the Adda River, which flows into Lake Como. Another idea for a ride: take the Naviglio Pavese to reach the city of Pavia and the Naviglio Grande (the Great Naviglio) to reach the Parco Ticino national park.
Milan for epicureans
Milan does not cheat when it comes to nightlife with its thousands of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In addition, the city offers daily shows and concerts, often including live performances in some bars. During your stay in Milan, you can try the famous Milanese "aperitivo", which is the highlight of the bars from 6.30 pm to 7 pm every day. The concept is simple: you order your drink, which usually arrives with delicious food, such as meals on the go, olives, cold cuts, toast, focaccia, etc. These aperitivos draw crowds, especially in the Navigli district in the west of Milan, although in reality, the whole city is in full swing for the aperitivo. Some establishments transform these gatherings into real aperitivo dinners: this is called "apericena".
Those looking for a good restaurant will not be disappointed. From the simple trattoria to the starred restaurant, Milan offers an infinite variety of quality cuisine. For more traditional tastes, count on the trattorie, some of which offer Milanese and Lombardy specialities such as cotoletta alla milanese, risotto allo zafferano, or ossobuco.
For lovers of the great outdoors
Milan is located at the foot of the Alps and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, for example, hiking, excursions, and skiing in a unique context with plenty of choices, whether it is Piedmont with the Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy with the Valtellina, or the Dolomites, which are accessible by train at affordable prices. Don't hesitate to take a day trip to the lakes, for example, to Como and Lecco, or to Iseo and the Franciacorta region, famous for its wines!
Milan is also quite close to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Liguria region. A great opportunity to go to the beach on summer days and discover beautiful villages by the sea. For those who don't have the chance to go far from Milan, visit Idroscalo, one of the biggest parks in Milan and nicknamed "the sea of Milan", which brings together nature, beach and outdoor activities.
The climate in Milan
Located in the northwest of Italy, Milan has a humid climate, characterized by cold, rainy winters and autumns and very hot, sunny summers.
The hot summers bring aggressive mosquitoes (especially near the canals) and sun: air conditioning is a must and almost all flats have it!
Getting together with friends in Milan
Italians love to meet outside to chat over a drink. Colonne di San Lorenzo and Darsena, near the Navigli district, are famous for casual gatherings of young people. Other areas of Milan have bars for all types of people: Isola, Porta Venezia, Porta Romana, Porta Garibaldi or Brera, the chic bohemian area of the Academy of Fine Arts. There are no specific restrictions, and these areas in Milan are safe.
Milan is a city that combines tradition and modernity. As a result, it can cater to everyone, whether they are fashion bloggers, expats looking for work, adventurers, gourmets, culture buffs, or simply curious visitors wanting to learn about life in Italy.
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