Holiday in Milan

What makes Milan special as a destination?

Milan is Italy's secret capital — an economic powerhouse, fashion mecca, and cultural metropolis all in one. The Gothic cathedral, which took 600 years to build, is the city's landmark with its 3,400 statues and walkable rooftop terrace. Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is hidden in Santa Maria delle Grazie — one of the most famous paintings in the world (book tickets weeks in advance!). The Quadrilatero della Moda around Via Montenapoleone brings together the biggest names in the fashion world: Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Armani have their flagship stores here. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Europe's oldest shopping arcade with its cast-iron glass dome, connects the cathedral with La Scala — one of the most legendary opera houses in the world. But Milan has much more than luxury and business: The Navigli district with its canals (once designed by Leonardo da Vinci) is the liveliest nightlife area in the evenings with bars, restaurants, and vintage markets. Brera is the artists' district with the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most important art museums. The modern side is showcased in the Porta Nuova district with the Bosco Verticale — two residential towers whose facades are covered by 900 trees and 20,000 plants. Milan's cuisine is hearty-elegant: Risotto alla Milanese with saffron, Ossobuco, and the famous Cotoletta.