Alternative Plans to the Milan Expo

Milan is not just any city. The Italian capital of fashion is a glowing city with a well-defined personality, and now also host to one of the most international events, the 2015 EXPO. But Milan is a lot more than that, and here is proof. Are you ready to delve into the mysteries of this Italian city?

Beyond the Duomo

The Milan Cathedral is the city’s most emblematic monument, and not just because it was seen around the world when a small Duomo replica hit Silvio Berlusconi’s face in 2009. This impressive cathedral reigns sovereign at the very heart of the city, and from the panoramic terrace of its rooftop, one gets the feeling the world is at his feet. Don’t miss out on it!

If after the mandatory visit to Milan Cathedral you start feeling hungry, we have just the thing: panzerotti Luini. A few steps away from the heart of Milan you’ll be able to taste this excellent Italian recipe consisting of flour dough stuffed with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and even ham and spinach. Panzerotti Luini are delicious and absolutely affordable!

The epicenter of the fashion industry, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone…, is also conveniently located right around Milan Cathedral. But if you can’t afford the prices, worry not. At Kilo Fascion you’ll find designer brands from previous seasons sold by weight! This peculiar outlet, located right by San Babila prices items by weight, independently of the brand name, and so bargains abound. All things said, be ready to make your way through piles of clothes in your search for treasure.

If you don’t want to miss out on your chance to shop at the Italian capital of fashion, but would rather avoid the hordes of tourists at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, your best bet is to head to Corso Buenos Aires. This 1600 meters long avenue starts at Porta Venezia and ends at Piazzale Loreto. With more than 350 stores concentrated along its sidewalks, you will find fashion for all wallets, as well as souvenirs of the city and charming cafeterias where you can give your credit cards a rest.

And if you are wild about history, you can stroll down to Piazzale Loreto and reminisce about one of the darkest episodes in the city’s history. This is where the lifeless body of Mussolini was hung after his execution before an angry crowd; the harsh images of that event are some of the most representative documents of WWII.

If the sun makes an appearance during your stay in Milan, Parco Sempione awaits you. A picnic, an evening stroll, or a sunbath among Milanese citizens of all ages; there can be no better plan.

Discovering Navigli

If there is a highly developed hipster side to you, you may want to let yourself loose among the Navigli canals. This bohemian Milan neighborhood has abundant art galleries, antiques shops, vintage boutiques, and noisy bars where one can have a drink at dusk or an aperitif, one of Milan’s most ingrained habits. This tradition consists in paying a small additional surcharge with your drink to gain unlimited access to the buffet. Warning: before choosing one bar over another, have a look at the buffet because often, cheaper bars will offer little more than French fries.

And lastly, don’t rule out partying in Milan. This Italian city offers a wide selection of venues where to experience the Milanese nightlife; ranging from the most exclusive clubs, to the most underground bars. Clubs like Old Fashion, Hollywood or Cavalli Club is where you’ll find the cream of the crop of Milanese nights, always dressed to the nines. And yet, at Alcatraz or Black Hole, two rock venues, you won’t have to give your outfit a second thought. Choose your scene and get dancing!

 

If our plans of alternative things to do in Milan have awakened in you the yearning to visit this city, have a look at our apartments.