Style, class and sophistication – three words that sum up Milan perfectly. This Italian power-house is home to spectacular historic sights, museums and galleries, excellent restaurants and out of this world shopping. It’s a city break lover’s dream.
Happily, it’s quite cheap to get there too, which all adds to the fun. As this is a glitzy city break, it deserves a rested start, so I’d recommend booking into an airport hotel prior to flying, especially if you have an early start. I’ve done this on many occasions and am now hooked. If you’re flying out of Manchester, you’ll find a great range of hotels on offer, such as Hilton at Manchester Airport, offering low prices and great facilities, and Radisson Blu Manchester Airport, equally great value. Most hotels offer a shuttle service of some kind to the terminal, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the check-in desk on time.
Milan is known primarily for shopping, and yes, it’s a shopper’s fantasy, but we’ll get onto that later. Milan is busy, bustling and full of beautiful sights. The first should almost definitely be the Duomo cathedral. This is simply stunning and one for the camera, without a doubt.
Getting around Milan is quite easy, but I’d recommend getting out and about on foot, as you never know when you might stumble upon something great. If you’re into art, this is the place for you, with work on display by such greats as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. There’s also the world famous opera house, La Scala.
I suppose we ought to talk about shopping … I love shopping, and for me, Milan has to be the ultimate in designer labels. Here you’ll find treasures such as Prada, Valentino, Versace … the list goes on. If you have the cash to splash, head to Via della Spiga and you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately for me, I’d be restricted to window shopping, so if you’re like me and not so flush with the cash, there are many high street stores to get that retail therapy fix.
Milan is also known for its excellent nightlife, and it’s certainly varied. Whatever you feel like doing when the moon makes an appearance, you’ll find somewhere for you. If you fancy sitting with a glass of wine and people-watching, you’re sorted. Fancy partying the night away in an exclusive club? No problem.
However, before you make your decision, it’s wise to line your stomach, and you’re in one of the best places in the world for top-class cuisine. We all know Italian food is delicious, but in the home-land, it’s something else. There are scores of restaurants all around the city, with something to suit every budget, so dig in to that bowl of delicious pasta, that huge pizza or that delicious risotto, and enjoy food as it’s meant to be enjoyed!
Milan is a city that caters for everyone, with an activity to suit no matter what your preference. It could also be argued that a city break in Milan is anything but relaxing, considering the amount there is to see and do, so I’d recommend the airport hotel idea for anyone with an early flight. This also saves you money if you combine it with airport parking, cutting out the need for expensive airport taxis. Most major airports offer facilities, including the London airports, with Crowne Plaza Heathrow offering some great prices.
Be it shopping, sight-seeing, culture or food – Milan has it all.
