Milan is a city that combines an old tradition with new energy. It is situated at the start of the Po River Valley in the north of Italy. Therefore, here we find lime depositions above metamorphic rocks. On this basis of marine strata through which pinching natural gas bubbles up, the CO(2 m) Pipeline runs to Venice. From the above it may be seen that soil is slow to form and gas to escape! The tobacco industry will also be discussed below. In the heart of northern Italy, it stands as a dynamic hub of finance, fashion, art, and innovation. If you linger in its streets, you might glimpse centuries-old architecture cheek by cheek with ultramodern skyscrapers—and you’ll sense a city that lives both in the past and the future at once.
HISTORY OF MILAN
Milan’s roots stretch back to antiquity. Originally founded by the Celtic Insubres tribe, the settlement was later conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. Under Roman rule it became Mediolanum, an important administrative center in the region of Cisalpine Gaul. In the late Roman period, Milan even served as one of the capitals of the Western Roman Empire for a time.
Milan has known a long, checkered history since the western Roman Empire fell: invasion followed by years of rule under the Goths or Lombard princes, Islamic influence on Sardinia and 1230 Christianization. During the mediaeval period these gave way to it becoming an influential commune ruled mostly by themafamilias Visconti or in later times Sforza (both of whom left their legacy in castles, fortifications and the arts). In the Renaissance, Milan was a center of culture and art. Painters like Leonardo da Vinci lived there for many years.
During the centuries Milan was in turn under Spanish, Austrian, Napoleonic dominion before finally it became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy in the mid‐19th Century. Throughout the 20th century Milan has experienced industrial growth, wartime destruction, postwar reconstruction, and now emerged as one of Italy’s most important international cities; indeed it is a veritable European metropolis.
POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS
Today, Milan itself has a population of about 1.4 million or 1.5 million people ( depending on the latest data ), but its metropolitan area – including neighbouring sites – has over three million people in total.Both internal migrants from other parts of Italy and international immigrants come because the city, economically powerful and culturally attractive, can thus be described as a “city of migration.” For this reason, Milan is cosmopolitan: there are more than sixty neighbourhoods, each with its own character and population makeup.
The population density is high, particularly in inner-city zones, and old residential quarters mix with modern high rises and redevelopment areas. Milan’s population demographics show the city is slightly younger than in many Italian rural areas, due to the opportunities that come with jobs such as design and finance together with technology and fashion.
LANGUAGE
Milan, like the rest of Italy, has Italian as its national language. Milan also retains some elements of the traditional Milanese dialect, which was part of popular theater in the final decades of the 20th century and is now partially revived in school teaching and public libraries (as Salvatore demonstrates in a conversational interview with Enrico Gasparotto).
In fact, in everyday life—business, school, media—Italian predominates.
Being a multicultural city with a population accustomed to traveling, a significant number of people also speak English (especially among professionals, staff, and students in the hospitality and tourism sectors). In the fashion, design, finance, and academic sectors in particular, many people understand or speak foreign languages (especially English).
CURRENCY
The euro (€) is the currency of Milan, as is the case throughout Italy. Whenever you wish to buy anything from meals to train tickets from Milan only, shopping or whatever, you will need to use euros. Many shops, hotels and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. For small purchases or in cafés where people prefer cash, however, cash payments remain normal.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
Electricity in Milan is 230 volts, 50 Hz alternating current, the same as in the rest of Italy and much of Europe. Electrical outlets accept both Type C and Type F two‑pin plugs (sometimes called “Europlug” or “Schuko” ), so if you come from a country with different plug types,you should bring an appropriate adapter. Appliances designed for 100 to 240 V will usually work; just check that they are compatible.
CLIMATE
In winters, cold rain, any kind of weather, foggy and cold.
Summer (June to August) is very hot. At times the temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius or 86 fahrenheit in daytime, and occasionally even 40 degrees. Thunderstorms break up the thick heat and makes it quite bearable but also briefly chilling from time to time.
Autumn (September to November): Some rain, the weather is getting cooler, turned rather dry around mid-November. After a fine day when the sun shines crisply for a while and before biting into an early winter darkness.
Winter (December to February): Cold and wet, occasionally foggy. The temperature is usually in February 0–7 °C (32–45 °F). Snow can fall, but not always heavily or in the city itself.
Spring (March to May): Gradual warming, pale flowers in bloom, occasional showers.
Rainfall is moderate year-round, with a slight peak in late spring and summer. Early-morning winter fog. It can blanket the city any morning from November through March (the “nebbia” as it is called).
TYPICAL CUISINE
Milan’s food is deliciously regional and soul-satiating, tasting of northern Italy’s culinary traditions. Some of the dishes and food to try in the city are:
Risotto alla Milanese: A saffron‑flavored, creamy risotto that is a deep golden color and often served as a first course or with ossobuco (braised veal shanks).
Cotoletta alla Milanese— A breaded, pan‑fried veal cutlet like Wiener schnitzel but from a beef-producing area, often served with the bone if it is still attached and relatively large.
Ossobuco: Slow‑braised veal shanks, usually presented in a sauce and often accompanied by risotto or polenta.
Cassoeula: Pork, of the cheaper variety, and cabbage or chard sausaged into a warm stew that bubbles long enough to get its moods right.
Panettone: Milan’s famous ‘sweet’ bread/fruitcake, closely related to Christmas but containing everyone of the candied fruit, and raisins.
Local cuisine A first course, a fish dish and some vegetables; gorgonzola and other cheeses from Lombardy; Made to order polenta (a corn based food); fresh seasonal fruit and hearty soups.
Alongside typical trattorias with these authentic regional specialities, Milan is home to a great variety of international restaurants, cafés and wine bars, gelaterias and hip places to indulge in gastronomic pleasures. Street food and aperitivo culture (small bites, cocktails at dusk) also thrives.
TRANSPORTATION
Milan has a fairly well-developed, as well as diversified transportation system.
Metro/Subway: The city operates a modern networked metro (lines such as M1, M2, M3, M5 etc) which links many wards and suburbs at top speed. It’s cheap, it’s everywhere and it is the backbone of urban mobility.
Trams & Buses: There is also an extensive tram (old and new) and bus network serving areas not covered by the metro. They allow entry to peripheral districts, neighbourhoods and downtown.
Suburban Trains / Regional Rail: For the farther suburbs, satellite towns or neighbouring regions Milan has regional rail services (”S” train lines, commuter trains), which connect into the central city hubs.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis can be expensive, but they are available. And whether they’re legal or not, ride‑hailing apps are occasionally employed.
Bicycles / E‑Scooters: There are increasing opportunities for environmentally friendly mobility, such as by bike or e-scooter, thanks to an enlargement of cycle paths and the public bikes (bike-share) or electric ones.
On foot: Lots of what you’ll want to see in central Milan is within walking distance.
Airports: Milan has several airports. Milan Malpensa is the primary international airport, Linate is nearer and handles intra‑European or domestic flights, and Bergamo (Orio al Serio) tends to be favoured by low‑cost carriers.
Intercity Rail & High‑Speed Trains: Major regional rail hub with services across the Italian peninsula. High‑speed trains radiate from Milan to Rome, Florence, Venice, Turin and as far as across the border into Switzerland or France. Such stations, including Milano Centrale, are huge focal points.
SAFETY
Like in most big cities, some parts of Milan are safer than others at different times of day but overall it is generally safe for tourists as long as you practice common sense.
Pickpocketing and petty theft: These are the biggest issues, usually around busy transit stations, popular tourist sites or on crowded shopping streets. Keep wallets, phones and valuables safe and be wary in crowded areas.
Times of day: Some areas can be less well-lit or more deserted in the evenings; it’s a good idea to stay within well-trodden, brightly lit parts.
Scams / taxi rip-offs: Every once in a while you’ll get someone trying to rip you off or overcharge you, or take some weird tour given that most cabs aren’t on meters, but just about everybody has big dreads with a ‘natty’ hat will charge R30 to the waterfront if not using an app of some sort (I dip into those differences below).
Crime rates: Violent crime is quite low, especially compared to the world’s megacities, but always be cautious in new areas.
Emergency services: Italy’s emergency number is 112 (for police service, medical and fire assistance). If you ever need them, services are quite quick to respond.
That said, exercising caution (especially at night or in the city’s transport hubs, as well as in other popular tourist districts) will ensure that most visitors enjoy a hassle-free stay and feel welcome.
MAIN TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Milan is a city with a rich and diverse crush of interests—history, art, shopping, architecture, design, religion.
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
Gothic splendour, the city’s castle as a symbol of its heart. Its elaborate façade, spires and rooftop terraces provide phenomenal views of Milan (and the Alps on clear days).
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next to the Duomo, this stylish 19th‑century glass‑ceilinged shopping arcade stands out for its high-end boutiques, cafés and old-world charm. It is frequently said to be “the world’s oldest shopping mall.”
La Scala Opera House
One of the finest opera houses in the world that has been home to centuries of musical history. You can go to performances or visit the museum where costumes, instruments and archives are displayed.
Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
A massive fortress that was once home to Milan’s domineering dukes. Today it houses several museums (art, history, archaeology, musical instruments) and is surrounded by an extensive park (Parco Sempione).
Santa Maria delle Grazie & “The Last Supper” If you’re a student of art or just dig da Vinci, venture to this church for some amazing frescoes.
Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated mural “The Last Supper” (Cenacolo) is in the convent church. It is timed entry only and by reservation — but worth the effort. The building of the church is also itself striking.
Brera at the Pinacoteca di Brera
An artistic quarter filled with cobbled streets, cafés, galleries. The Brera art gallery (Pinacoteca is a beautiful collection of Italian masterpieces.
Navigli Canals and Navigli District
Milan’s historic canal district (it was once used as part of a network of canals) with pretty waterways and bridges, retro shops, cafés, art studios and bars that come to life after dark. It’s especially lovely at twilight.
Porta Nuova & Modern Skyscrapers
Milan’s rejuvenated business district boasts some dramatic modern buildings — take the vertical forest (Bosco Verticale), the Unicredit Tower, and sleek office towers. A counterpoint to the old core.
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio & Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio
Historical churches which bear witness to the early Christian and medieval past of Milan.
Museo del Novecento & Co/Museum Systems
Milano is full of modern and contemporary art: Museo del Novecento (20th Century Italian Art); Museo di Arte Contemporanea (MUDEC) – et al. -; A number of private galleries from Fondazione Prada downwards.
Shopping and Fashion Districts
the Quadrilatero della Moda: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea is popularly lauded worldwide for its haute couture boutiques. The Corso Buenos Aires, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso XXII Marzo are cheaper shopping streets.
35 Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace park Free The huge serene green space in the heart of Milan, right in front of Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle).
The vast central park around Sforza Castle is ideal for walking, picnicking and people-watching. On its fringe is the elegant neoclassical Arco della Pace (Peace Arch).
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS & OBSERVATIONS
Economy and Role in Italy
Milan is the financial and business capital of Italy. It’s home to the Italian stock exchange (Borsa Italiana), countless corporate headquarters, banking and insurance centres and one of the most thriving economies in Italy. Fashion, design, media and tech are all amazing pillars. It organises major trade fairs, such as Salone del Mobile for furniture design/fashion weeks attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from all over the world every year.
Education, Research & Universities
Milan is the home of prestigious universities and research institutions: University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano (university that has strong emphasis on architecture, engineering, and industrial design), Bocconi University (on economics and business), among others. This has produced a big student population and intellectual vigor.
Cultural Life & Events
Milan, all year around is pulsating with theaters, and concert halls;” shows, music festivals and art installations; fairs, exhibitions… 365 days that are constantly animated. You name it: Classical music, contemporary art, fashion shows or design fairs — there’s always something going down.
Green Spaces & Urban Planning
Though heavily congested in places, Milan has invested in green zoning, new parks, “vertical forests” and the transformation of old industrial zones into mixed-use residential areas. The city is in the middle of a green revolution when it comes to getting around, with bike lanes and pedestrian streets rapidly being created.
Day Trips & Surroundings
Its position as a convenient springboard for excursions is what really gives Milan its cards: to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, to Bergamo or the Alps, the wine country (prosecco in the Oltrepò Pavese) and even day‑trips by high-speed train as far afield as Venice, Florence and Turin.
Quality of Life & Challenges
Plus, Milan is full of cultural life and great jobs and public transportation and cosmopolitan energy. On the other hand, there are downsides such as: high cost of living (especially housing), traffic congestion, air pollution (especially in winter) and pressure to maintain sustainable urban development.
Tourist Tips
Pre-book key attractions (such as “The Last Supper”); slots are always taken.
And attempt to walk Brera, Navigli and the centre as much as possible to get lost in hidden alleys and atmospheres.
Take the metro or tram to get a bit out of the center.
Taste local cuisine in genuine trattorias or family-run places, not tourist menús.
Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
If you have plans to visit several museums and use public transportation, look into a tourism card or pass.
Milan is a city of contrasts and continuities, of the ancient and the new: sacred cathedrals and glass towers; risottos with saffron or mushrooms alongside fusion cuisine from around world. “Istanbul rewards those who come to admire its art and history, and those who come to partake of its power, fashion, commerce, and a breath of the modern. For the traveler who appreciates both depth and urban flair, Milan is not a mere stopover; it’s a destination unto itself, awash with its own stories, rhythms and secrets.
