milan aerial piazza

Milan Holidays

Hotels

Milan – a city of style and spectacle

Holidays to Milan put you in the heart of this stylish, cultured city with its stunning Gothic cathedrals, world-renowned fashion houses and incredible cuisine. If you’re looking for the height of Italian elegance and creativity, you’ve come to the right place.  

Gaze in awe at the incredible Milan Cathedral, featuring more than 100 towering spires and over 600 years of history. Take in Milan’s array of chic shopping destinations, such as the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele and luxurious Fashion Quadrangle.  

No trip here is complete without visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s famed The Last Supper at the Maria delle Grazie, or the colossal Sforza Castle. Milanese cuisine, meanwhile, showcases the very best of the Mediterranean.  

Book your Milan holiday today with Etihad Holidays and begin your adventure in this amazing destination. 

milan aerial piazza

Things to do in Milan

The perfect location for fashionistas and culture vultures alike, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant and exciting capital of style.

milan cathedral at night

Discover breathtaking basilicas and cathedrals 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular view of the city, climb the 150 steps to the top of Milan Cathedral. From this lofty vantage point you’ll even spot the Italian Alps in the distance. 

Located in the heart of the city, the extraordinary cathedral overlooks the main square, with striking spires and statues delicately engraved from pink Candoglia marble. Other sites that you shouldn’t miss include the 16th-century Chiesa di San Maurizio. 

Where to stay in Milan

In the heart of the city

The Duomo and Galleria area is home to world-class attractions and sightseeing, ideal for anyone seeking a city break in Milan. The centrepiece of the area – and the city – is one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic churches, the Duomo.  

The Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel in the area complete with stylish, modern decor enhanced by subtle eastern touches. Retreat to the rooftop in the evening to unwind.

milan cathedral sunrise
milan brera district sign

Embrace the art  

For a flavour of creative Milan, stay in the bohemian art area of the city – the Brera district. This wonderful spot is close to the city’s fashion centre and is fantastic for strolling through narrow alleys and past hip cafes.  

The idyllic neighbourhood has plenty to do and see thanks to being home to the Palazzo Brera and the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, two of the city’s best attractions. The Brera is the artistic heart of Milan and has housed some of Italy’s most famous painters, philosophers and writers.  

Charming canals

Make the most of a family holiday in Milan with a stay in Navigli – one of the most famous and friendliest districts in the city. The area’s Grand Canal was man-made back in the 12th century, making it the oldest waterway in Milan.   

Navigli is home to quaint boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Wander the streets or relax with an hour-long boat tour along the famous canal. 

milan naviglio grande canal
milan duomo cathedral

All you need to know about Milan

Local currency

The local currency in Milan is the euro (EUR). There are plenty of ATMs (known as Bancomats) across the city and most places will accept debit and credit cards.

Getting around

You’ll find that getting around Milan is relatively easy as you can travel by bus, metro, tram, S train, on foot or by bike. A taxi is a great option if you’re travelling in a group. 
 

Languages spoken

The language spoken in Milan is Italian. As with other Italian regions, Milan has its own exclusive dialect – Milanese. English will also be spoken in many places across the city. 

Events and festivals

Milan is busy all year round, but there are certain times you’ll find it to be especially buzzing. There are a number of religious festivals, while Milan Fashion Week takes over the city twice a year. 

More about Milan

Local cuisine

Home to well over a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants, Milan offers the chance to savour the best of Italian and global cuisine. However, you’re more likely to find traditional Milanese dishes in the city’s traditional trattorias.

As Milan is part of the central Lombardy region, fish doesn’t regularly feature in many dishes here. Instead it’s all about meticulously prepared meat, pasta and risotto. 

Saffron makes the Milanese risotto truly special, while cotoletta, a buttery veal dish, is generally excellent. Head to Spontini for delicious pizza that’s loved by the locals. 

milanese traditional dish
milan football stadium boot

Football

The Italians show huge passion for their national sport – and nowhere more so than in Milan. The city is home to two teams – AC Milan and Internazionale, also known as Inter Milan. 

Both teams play at one of Europe's most famous stadiums – the huge Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, commonly known as the San Siro. Every weekend throughout the Serie A season, you’ll find one of the two clubs playing a home game here. If you can’t make the match, it’s worth booking a stadium tour. 

History and heritage

Milan has been occupied by a number of ancient civilisations through its history, including the Celts, Romans, Goths, Lombards, Spaniards and Austrians. 

A Gaulish population known as the Insubres initially ruled the city of Milan around 400 BC, living on the north side of the River Po. In 196 BC the city fell into the hands of the Romans who renamed it Medilanum, meaning ‘sanctuary’.  

The city was given this name due to its perfect positioning between key commercial routes, as well as its landscape, which cut off the Germanic tribes. 

milan santa maria ceiling

Why we love Milan

“The pace and energy of Milan is magnetic. A visit to the Duomo is unforgettable and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II must be one of the most stunning shopping arcades in the world.” 

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