MILAN

In Italy, all roads no longer lead to Rome, but to Milan. Many young people from the Italian provinces have the same problem with Milan as the French have with Paris: who wants to make something of themselves won't be able to do it without going there. More than half of the country's 200 biggest companies reside in the metropolitan region with its 7.5 million inhabitants. Among those companies are the most important media houses, advertising agencies, designers and the stock market. In Rome, on the other hand, it seems that the government and the Vatican are the only employers left. The noisy, fast-paced and career-oriented life in Milan can come as a reality shock to many people who just started working. Visitors get the better deal: they can stroll along the world-famous fashion street Via Montenapoleone and window-shop cheerfully without actually considering to buy one of the 1,500€ sweaters. Afterwards they can admire the gothic cathedral, walk past the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II beneath the pompous dome and end their day in the Opear House La Scala. In the meantime, the Milanese and those who moved into the city have to work hard to be able to afford rent and Dolce&Gabbana. Tourists in Milan are lucky, though.

Public transportation from the airport into the city
Milan has two airports: Malpensa and Linate. Malpensa is an international junction, and Linate, which is closer to the city, is primarily used for domestic flights. The Malpensa Express goes at half-hour intervals to the Milanese station Cadorna (castle district). The Malpensa Shuttkebus goes at half-hour intervals between the airport and the Milanese main station Stazione Centrale. Buses to Milan (Stazione Centrale) go at regular intervals from Linate Airport.

Taxi from the airport into the city
Taxi prices are fixed for the airport transfer. The following prices have been arranged for the transfer, no matter how long the ride takes: Milan city center (hotel) - Malpensa € 70.00, Malpensa - Milan Fair Rho € 55.00, Linate - Milan Fair Rho € 40.00, Malpensa - Linate € 85.00. You will have to pay these fixed prices even when the taximeter shows a lower price on weekends or during reduced traffic. In general, the prices are rather an advantage for customers.

Milan Cathedral
The huge five-nave white-marble building is 157 m long and 109 m wide, which makes it one of the biggest Christian churches worldwide. The foundation of the Cathedral "Santa Maria Nascente" dates back to the year 1386. Light falls through beautiful colored glass windows into the interior; there are almost 4,000 statues in the cathedral and on its walls. The corssing tower is decorated with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. It is commonly known as Madonnina ("little madonna"), even though it is 4.16 m high and weighs several tons.
Piazza Duomo, opening hours 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., subway: M 1, M 3 Duomo, www.duomomilano.com

La Scala
The world-famous opera house was entirely renovated from 2002 to 2004. The stage mechanics as well as the choir and orchestra halls were knocked down. The Swiss architect Mario Botta designed newer modern buildings instead. After almost 3 years of remodeling, there was a Scala re-opening ceremony on December 7, 2004.
Via Filodrammatici 2, tel. 887 91, entrance fee € 12.00, www.teatroallascala.org

Be cautious on the black market
It might be best to avoid the black market. First of all, it is illegal, secondly it is expensive. Especially before soccer games between AC Milan and Inter Milan, there are so-called "bagherini" everywhere, but the tickets they sell are usually way too expensive or even fake. The Italian police has taken serious action against brand theft in the past. Not only vendors, but also buyers of for example fake designer sun glasses can be prosecuted and might be punished with high monetary fines.

Cheap and easy shopping
On Saturdays in the afternoon, the whole population of the Lombardy seems to flock to Milan. A shopping trip might easily become a nightmare this way: you will get nowhere, and you'll have to wait forever for your turn at the check-outs. If at all possible, you should do your shopping on a week-day!
Most Italians only dare to enter certain boutiques when the prices are cut. Summer sale starts on the first Saturday in July, winter sale on January 7th. August is the most unfavorable month for a shopping tour, because many shops - especially in the suburbs - are closed.

Zucca
This is an oasis of peace and tranquility right in the middle of the busy life at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Before dinner you can relax and sit back in the red armchairs while enjoying a glass of Campari. Davide Campari served the famous aperitif here for the very first time in 1867. You can also casually observe people hurrying past in the Galleria through the large windows.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II/Piazza Duomo, closed on Mondays, subway: M1

Super Pizza
There are only 10 tables available in this establishment, but the menu includes 41 different pizzas.
Viale Sabotino 4, tel. 58 32 04 10, subway: M 3 Porta Romana

Solci's
Solci’s is an enoteca (wine store) and a small restaurant at the same time. We recommend turkey goulash with vegetables and polenta, the latter of which is a typical Po region dish. Also, you might want to book a table in advance.
Via Ennio 25, tel. 55 19 57 25, closed on Monday mornings and Sundays, tramways 29, 30, www.enotecasolci.com

Gambara
This hotel is located in a tranquil area. It is also easily accessible from the expressway and well-connected to the city center via public transportation. It is an ideal starting point to visit the trade fairs or to go to Guiseppe Meazza/San Siro soccer stadium. The hotel is a family business and was renovated in 2004. The rooms are big and comfy.
Via Fra' Galgario 4, tel. 29 40 42 68, double room from € 35.00, www.gambara.hotelmilanitaly.net/index.php?lang=de

Rallye
This two star hotel is situated 200 m away from the main station. It only takes ten minutes to reach the city center with its Piazza Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Da Vinci's Last Supper and the Scala. The hotel has 16 rooms, some of them with a bathroom, and a friendly lounge with a bar and satellite TV. The nice small garden is perfect for relaxing while enjoying an aperitif.
Via Benedetto Marcello 59, tel. 29 40 45 68, double room from € 45.00, www.hotelrallye.it/index_en.asp

Café Marino Alla Scala
Seeing and being seen: perfectly styled people enjoy their aperitifs in an elegant atmosphere.
Piazza della Scala 5, tel. 80 68 82 95, www.marinoallascala.it

Hollywood
This has been the most popular club in Milan for about 15 years. One drink is for free if you pay the entrance fee, further drinks all cost € 10, no matter if cocktail or coke. You might meet a celebrity at the bar: models, soccer stars and Formula 1 teams go here to celebrate after competitions. Men are only admitted if they comply with the "dress to impress" rule. The bouncers are less strict with ladies. Starting from a certain point of the night, men without a lady in their company are not admitted at all.
Corso Como 15, tel. 655 53 18, entrance fee between € 15.00 and € 18.00, € 20.00 after Formula 1 races

Shopping streets:

Via Montenapoleone
Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada Uomo, Mila Schön, Versace Donna, Fratelli Rossetti, Fausto Santini, Tanino Crisci, Gucci, Etro, Gianni Versace, Lario and Les Copains.

Markets
The colourful markets on weekdays are very popular among tourists and locals. Bargain hunters will find a wide range of inexpensive goods. The market plan shows when, which market opens its gates.
Mon – Fri 9 am – 1 pm, Sat 9 am – 5 pm at the noted squares

Fashion
Shoes, bags, dresses, hats – you simply have to bring at least one amazing piece of clothing from the metropolis of high-fashion.

Mmmmh!
Wine, pasta, pesto, olive oil, balsamico, grappa – delicious souvenirs you will find at the many delicatessen shops and at the markets.