The capital of Italy’s Lombardi region is a center for designers, photographers, businesspeople, models and artists. Milan’s sophisticated reputation as a center of glamour attracts travelers who also appreciate its historic city center. Its cathedral, made of marble and adorned with columns, archways and pinnacles, is the world’s third largest church. Annual events such as December’s Festival of Sant’Ambrogio and La Scala’s opening of the opera season attract crowds, as does the costumed Carnival Ambrosiano and March’s Fair of Flowers.

In 400 B.C., the Gauls defeated the Etruscans and settled in the area that would become Milan. Romans conquered the city in 222 B.C., making the region part of the Roman Empire. In 313 A.D., the Edict of Tolerance towards Christianity was enacted, paving the way for the construction of many churches. This was the era of the Visconti family, wealthy patrons of many city projects and public works. When the Sforza family took power, it invested in the development of the arts and sciences, including patronizing Leonardo da Vinci.

The highlights of a trip to Milan include visiting the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Sforzesco Castle, the Scala Opera House, the Monumental Cemetery, a viewing of “The Last Supper” and da Vinci’s Navigli, a network of artificial canals, either on foot or by boat. The jewel of Milan’s public gardens and parks is Parco Sempione, which houses the Arch of Piece, an aquarium, an art theater, a library, playgrounds and a bridge over little ponds. Be sure to explore Milan’s neighborhoods to spy old-fashioned courtyards, alley streets and small chapels.

Milan is famous for its shopping, especially for designer brands. Local markets are another attraction, and afford opportunities to chat up vendors. Fiera di Sinigaglia is a Saturday flea market on the wharf. Pricey styles by Italian designers get deep discounts at Viale Fauché. In spring and summer, the Mercato dei Fiori e delle Piante is filled with flowers and plants. Collectors hound the stalls of Via Armorari for coins, stamps, toys and postcards. The open-air bazaar Mercato di via Lorenzini offers clothes, food, housewares, antiquities, art and curiosities every Sunday. Be prepared for crowds and bring cash, especially small bills.

In general, Milan is a safe city, but use precautions. Pickpockets are active here, particularly in the city center, at Central Station, in crowded markets, and on trains and buses. Pedestrian entitlement does not exist in Milan. Watch out for aggressive drivers and learn to look and listen for oncoming trams before stepping into the crosswalk. In high season, the lines for buying tickets in the train stations can be very long. Check around to see if there is an automatic ticketing machine.

Read Next 5 Articles
About Venice, Italy
travel tips for Ireland
Napa Valley Wine Tours
Best Napa Wine Tastings
Best California Wine Tours