Italy’s business capital, the home of its stock exchange, a city centred on high-end fashion and commerce; Milan has always had its visitors – though not traditionally those seeking a cultural short break. However, since the international spotlight was shone on the city during Expo 2015, hoteliers have noticed a shift in their clientele. They are no longer travelling only between Monday and Friday and carrying briefcases, but coming for the weekend too, camera in hand – and with good reason.
At its heart Milan is a quintessentially Italian city, complete with grand Renaissance architecture and a great deal to see. Any tour of the city should start with perhaps its most iconic building; the famous La Scala opera house – speak to the Kirker Concierge to get hold of highly sought-after tickets. Outside the opera house stands the monument to Leonardo Da Vinci, whose masterpiece The Last Supper can be seen in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a short taxi ride from the centre – timed entrance tickets to see the masterpiece must be purchased in advance, so again please speak to the Kirker Concierge to avoid missing out.
From Da Vinci’s monument, wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II, a historic glass-domed arcade, to find yourself in the Piazza del Duomo. To your left looms the imposing Gothic façade of the Cathedral – the third-largest church in the world. Fast-track tickets are now essential to avoid long queues at the entrance – and are well worth it to experience the gilded cavern within.
It is only a 10-minute walk from the Duomo into Brera, Milan’s most prestigious postcode. Here you will find innumerable smart boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and indeed some of our favourite hotels in the city. Try the Manzoni for a relaxing 4* option on a quiet side street, or the striking Palazzo Parigi for something on the grander end of the scale. Brera is of course home to the excellent Pinacoteca di Brera gallery – all Kirker clients benefit from complimentary timed entrance tickets to this wonderful collection of Italian art, to avoid disappointment on the day.
Milan might have previously been overlooked by discerning travellers, but that is slowly changing. Speak to an expert to book your trip and discover what Milan has to offer.
