Milan
Milan is Italy’s most industrious city, an economic powerhouse and a hub for fashion, business and design – the latter thanks to April’s Salone del Mobile fair. Milan might not be as pretty as Rome or Florence – and, thankfully, it doesn’t have their hordes of tourists as a result – but it favours perseverance from visitors, who will soon discover the narrow streets of Brera, the rationalist masterpieces dotted around town and the Liberty spectacles in the Porta Venezia neighbourhood. Milan is a place that rewards the eager eye. It’s a metropolis that punches above its weight, with a mishmash of influences and architectural styles, from skyscrapers to palazzi d’epoca.
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Home to world-class brands and institutions, Via Monte Napoleone is among the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. An Italian city that mixes old-school elegance with modern touches, it happens to be both very Italian and international. From alfresco drinks (Milan knows how to let its hair down) to world class museums, the Lombard capital’s relatively modest size and excellent transport links make it a dream to navigate.
This guide was updated on 5 February 2026
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