Milan (Milano in Italian) is located in Lombardy and it is one of the biggest cities in Italy. Renowned as one of the leading fashion and design centres in the world the city plays an important role in Italian economics.

Milan is known as a commercial city by most of the people. Yet, a little walk in the city is enough to discover the charming blend of tradition and history hidden under that commercial cover. Home to the splendid Gothic cathedral Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous masterpiece “Last Supper”, the renowned opera house La Scala along with many other significant museums and art galleries Milan is also a capital of culture.

Thanks to its cosmopolitan structure, this multi-faced city offers the best quality of leisure and entertainment facilities to its visitors. With numerous restaurants, bars, clubs and live music venues Milan is able satisfy the travellers of modern times of every age and interest.

Whether for business or leisure once you are in Milan you will definitely enjoy the harmonious life and welcoming atmosphere of this beautiful Italian which will make your visit a long lasting memory.

Highlights in Milan

Duomo (Milan Cathedral)
Located at the heart of the city Duomo is a spectacular example of late Gothic architecture. With a history dates back to 1386, the Cathedral is entirely covered with pinkish-white marble. The Cathedral’s majestic interior is eye-catching with big stained glass windows and series of statues. Climbing up to the Cathedral maybe a hard job but the fascinating view of the city and the Alps are well worth the effort. (Entrance fee: EUR 6.00) 

Santa Maria delle Grazie
Listed on UNESCO world heritage list, Santa Maria delle Grazie church is an important site housing the world-famous masterpiece “The Last Supper” (il Cenacolo in Italian) by Leonardo da Vinci. Visited by thousands of people each year, Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most significant places to see while in Milan.  (Entrance fee: EUR 6.50)

Arco della Pace (The Arch of Peace)
Arco della Pace is a marble arch locates north-west Milan. Originally built to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, this neoclassical arch with its bronze statue “Chariot of Peace” is one of the landmarks in Milan.

La Scala
Opera lovers should definitely visit La Scala which is one of the oldest opera houses in the county. Still in use, La Scala houses various opera singers and conductors. Housing a theatre and a theatre museum La Scala one of the most is visited sites in Milan. (Entrance fee: EUR 5.00)

Plazzo Marino
Located across La Scala, Plazzo Marino is a magnificent example the residential architecture of 16th century. Seat of the city Municipality today, Plazzo Marino is one of the must-see places while in Milan.

Castello Sforzesco
Built in 14th century as a means of city defence, Castello Sforzesco is one of the most popular attractions in the city with its tower, courtyards and fountain. (Entrance to the castle is free. Entrance fee for museums: EUR 3.00)

Pinacoteca di Brera
Pinacoteca di Brera is among the major art collections in the world with its extensive collection including works from Bellini, Tintoretto, Raphael and Piero della Francesca. (Entrance fee: EUR 5.00)

Civica Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery)
Modern Art gallery with its spectacular collection on 19th- and 20th-century art is one of the significant museums in Milan. (Entrance: Free)

Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
Nestled in a beautiful house in Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi, the museum holds a distinctive collection on art and crafts from Renaissance and 19th century.

Eating out in Milan

Saffron rice, casseula, tripe and panettone… These are just some of the traditional dishes from the Milanese cuisine. With its old culinary tradition Milan has an important place in Italian gastronomy. With a great number of restaurants serving delicious flavours from local and international cuisines, Milan is a foodie heaven appealing every taste, every budget. 

Grand’Italia
Located on Corso Garibaldi 9, in Brera district, Grand’Italia is a lovely place serving variety of salads and delicious pizza together with a fine selection of beer at affordable prices.

BBQ
BBQ serves good value barbequed meat for really low prices, ideal for lovers of meat. (Address: Via Sottocorno, 5)

Spontini
Do you like pizza? If your answer is “Yes” then Spontini with its wide pizza menu is the right place to go for you. (Address: Corso Buenos Aires, 60)

Marenostrum
Marenostrum is a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy a fine selection of sea food from Tuna and fish soup to oysters. (Address: Via Peschiera 1)

Giardino di Giada
Located right behind Duomo, Giardino di Giada is a Chinese restaurant offering good food at affordable prices. (Address: Via Palazzo Reale 5)

Sadler
With its extensive menu including delicious meat, fish dishes together with a good selection of desserts and wine Sadler is the right place to go for a decent dining experience.

Bars and nightlife

Milan is a cosmopolitan city which is full of energy day and night. With numerous bars, nightclubs, wine houses and live music venues, the nights in Milan are irresistibly attractive. Check this guide out and find the most suitable place to enjoy the nights in Milan. Have fun!

Shocking Club
Located at Bastioni Porta Nuova 15, Shocking is a trendy club packed with many fashion models and students in the town. Mostly playing R&B and Hip-Hop music the place is popular among tourists as well as young locals of Milan.

Hollywood
Hollywood, Corso Como 15, is another popular club of Milan nights which hosts several dance and live music events throughout the year. 

Plastic
Opened in 1980, Plastic is a famous night club where you can enjoy hit music played by famous DJs in town. Adress: Viale Umbria, 120.

La Cantina di Manuela
A visit to Milan is not complete without trying delicious Italian wines. La Cantina di Manuela, Via Poerio 3, is a lovely bar where you can enjoy best quality Italian wine in a laid-back atmosphere.

Birrificio Lambrate
Located at Via Adelchi 5, in Lambrate district Birrificio Lambrate is the first brewery of the city for those who like to enjoy home-made beer accompanied by relaxing tunes.

Bar Basso
Bar Basso, Via Plinio 29, serves delicious cocktails in a cheerful atmosphere and is worth a visit while in Milan.

Blue Note
Blue Note is a popular Jazz club hosting several local and international performers. Reservation is recommended. (Via Borsieri, 37)

Exploring Milan

Milan has three airports, namely Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport and Orio al Serio Airport.

Linate Airport is the closest airport to Milan city centre (7 kilometres) allowing fast and easy access to the city centre. There are frequent buses and shuttle services available at the airport. Bus number 73 runs between the airport and the Stazione Centrale (Milan Central Station) in every 10 minutes from 6:00 am until midnight. The ride takes about 10 minutes and the ticket costs EUR 1.00. Tickets can be purchased from the tobacco shop or from the newspaper stands at the airport. Taxi from the airport to the city centre costs around EUR 10.00.

Malpensa Airport is located 40 km from central Milan and it is the busiest airport of the city. The airport is linked to Milan via rail and bus network. Malpenze Express runs between the airport Terminal 1 and Milan Cadorna Station. The ride takes around 40 minutes and costs EUR 11.00. Milan Cadorna station is directly linked to the underground system.

Coach services (Malpensa Shuttle) are also available at the airport. The ride takes 50 minutes and costs EUR 7.00. For further information you can follow the link: www.airpullman.com

Orio al Serio Airport is 45 kilometres away from Milan and the airport is not frequently used by the travellers to Milan. If you are arriving to Orio al Serio Airport you can take the shuttle bus to Milan railway station (Air Terminal). The buses run in about 30 minutes between 4.30 am and 01.00 am. A single ride costs EUR 8.00.

Milan has a big railway station “Stazione Centrale”. Nestled in a spectacular historical building the train station is well serviced by several international and local trains as well as two underground stations connecting the station to the other parts of the city.

Milan has an excellent transportation system within the city. There are several bus, tram, metro, radiobus and railway lines connecting the centre to the other parts of the city in a fast and effective way. For further information about the timetables, tickets and fares please see the website: www.atm-mi.it

Major events in Milan

Milanovendemoda (Milan Fashion Weeks)
Held two times every year (February-March and September-October) Milanovendemoda is a leading event in the world of fashion.

Carnevale Ambrosiano (Ambrosian Carnival)
Annually celebrated in February-March, Ambrosian Carnival is one of the biggest events in Milan filling the city with a festive air.

Oggi Aperto (Open Today)
Every year in the third weekend of March Oggi Aperto gives tourists as well as locals the chance to visit the historical monuments and buildings that are normally closed to the visitors throughout the year.

Festa del Naviglio (Naviglio Festival)
Held in the first Sunday in June every year, Festa del Naviglio includes several celebrations, music, dance and sporting events.

Milano d’Estate (Every year June to August)
A typical “beginning of summer” celebration, Milano d’Estate festival celebrates the coming summer season with several music and dance events as well as with several exhibitions and other cultural activities.

Festa Latino-Americano (Every year July and August)
Organized by Forum di Assago, Festa Latino-Americano is an annual celebration of Latin American music and culture.
 
Milan City Marathon (Every year in November)Milan city Marathon is an annual event hosting a great number of professional participants from all over the world.

There are so many things to do and see in Rotterdam. A city where history meets contemporary, tradition meets modern Rotterdam is one of the attractive cities in the Netherlands hosting over four million visitors from all over the world each year.

Euromast
On of the tallest structures in the Netherlands, Euromast is a “must” see structure in Rotterdam. Go and have a good breakfast, lunch or a refreshing afternoon tea at the restaurant, or just take the elevator to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view over Rotterdam. Euromast has many things to offer to everyone and it definitely is a place to add to your to do & see list while in Rotterdam. (Entrance fee: € 8.30).

 Erasmusburg

Erasmusburg (Erasmus Bridge) with its 139 meters tall pylon is the tallest bridge in the Netherlands. The bridge, which connects the southern and the northern parts of the city, is one of the major attractions in Rotterdam with its unique structure and it is well worth a visit.

Diergaarde Blijdorp

Visited by over 1.5 million people each year, Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo) is one of the major sites to be visited while in Rotterdam. “Oceanium”, a huge aquarium located at the zoo, guarantees an amazing experience into the enchanting sea world. Diergaarde Blijdorp invites the visitors to an unforgettable experience to the grown-up as well as the children.  (Entrance fee: € 17.50)

 Kubuswoningen

Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses) are among the most interesting sites in Rotterdam. These houses are designed to have a public area with children’s playground, small shops and a school etc. on the ground floor and a private living area on up-stairs. There is a fully furnished museum house within the complex (number 70) where the visitors get the chance to have a “cubic” experience. (Entrance fee: € 2.50)

Arboretum Trompenburg

Arboretum Trompenburg is the ideal place to spend time with the whole family. With its rich botanic garden and well organized walking paths this place will take you on a tour into the heart of nature. (Entrance fee: € 3.50)

Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
The main art museum in Rotterdam, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, has an impressive arts collection ranging from medieval European art to modern art offering a great experience to the lovers of art and history. (Entrance fee:  € 9)

 Kunsthal Rotterdam

Kunsthal Rotterdam is an exhibition center which houses exhibitions in various subjects such as traditional art, new art, design, photography. (Entrance fee: € 8.50)

Maritime Museum Rotterdam

Maritime Museum Rotterdam has a rich collection dating back to 1852 and is the ideal base to visit for those who are interested in sailing and history of sailing. (Entrance fee: € 5.00)

Dining and where to eat

Dutch, French, Chinese, Moroccan, Turkish…. Rotterdam has a wide selection of local and international flavors which would appeal every taste, every budget and is inviting its visitors to a memorable culinary experience… Bon a petit!

In den Rustwat

Converted from a 16th century tavern, In den Rustwat is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy their meal in an elegant atmosphere. In summer time, when the sun is shining the terrace offers a gorgeous atmospehre to enjoy your apperative. Minimum three course menu price ranges between € 30.00 – € 40.00.

La Stanza

This stylish restaurant offers tantalizing examples from Italian cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. With its wide selection of food, a three course meal at La Stanza costs a minimum of € 32.00.

Brasserie de Schone Lei

Located in the northern side of the Kralingse Plas, Brasserie de Schone Lei is a brilliant place for a nice culinary experience.  Price for a 3 course a la carte menu is € 25.00.

Eendracht

With its wooden decoration and cosy atmosphere, Eendracht invites you to spent a memorable time accompanied by its special selections from international cuisine.

Pannenkoekenboot

Pannenkoekenboot (Pancake boat) offers an alternative dining experience for those who would like to taste delicious pancakes while sailing along the beautiful Rotterdam skyline. As the Dutch say: Eet smakelijk! (Enjoy your meal). (1 hour cruise: € 14.50)

 Bars and Nightlife

 Baja Beach Club

Located on Karel Doormanstraat, Baja Beach Club is a trendy place among local people as well as tourists.

Barcode

Barcode, with its laidback atmosphere and stylish decoration is a tourist-ridden club in Rotterdam.

Waterfront

Waterfront is one of the most popular night clubs in Rotterdam. The music played at this place ranges from ska, rock-steady and fifties rock and roll to drum and bass and hardcore techno.

Outland

Located on Prins Alexanderlaan, Outland is famous for the dance-nights it houses. The place is the ideal meeting place for the lovers of house, techno, urban, pop, electro, Latin music. 

Dizzy

Dizzy is an ideal place to relax and unwind listening to the soothing tunes of Jazz music while sipping your drink in a cosy atmosphere.

From the airport and around the city

Rotterdam is easy to access by the means of air transportation as it has two major airports located within short distance to the city center, namely Rotterdam Airport and Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.

Rotterdam Airport, offering the fastest and the most convenient way to get to Rotterdam, can easily be reached by car through A13 motorway. City center is also within easy reach by public transportation. There is a scheduled airport shuttle (RET Airport Shuttle number 33) which departs in about every 10 minutes from Rotterdam Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal). A-one-way ride from the station to the airport costs € 2.70. You can make the payment using “strippenkaart” which can be obtained from bookstores such as AKO or from major supermarkets such as Albert Heijn.

Hiring a taxi from the airport, of course, is another alternative way of transportation. A single ride from Rotterdam Airport to Rotterdam Centrum costs about € 23.00.

Being one of the most frequently used airport by the travelers to Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport also offers quick access to the city. A train you will take from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will take you directly to Rotterdam Centraal in around 1 hour, costing € 13.20.

Traveling within Rotterdam is fast and easy thanks to effective transportation network. The city has two main metro lines (Erasmus Line and Caland Line) and a well working tram system with 10 tramlines serving to the many of the major sites in the city. Rotterdam also has a wide bus network with 38 bus lines. For further information about the routes and the schedule you can check the website: www.ret.nl

Typical of the Netherlands, cycling is a popular way of transportation in Rotterdam. Cheap and fast, bicycle transportation is most probably the best way to explore Rotterdam. You can hire a bike for € 6.00 (for 24 hours). In the city you can sign-up of the guided cycling tours organized by Rotterdam ByCycle. If interested in taking one of these guided city tours, please check the organization’s website: www.rotterdambycycle.nl

If you enjoy walking, then for you walking through the city is the ideal way to get familiar with the city. You can join one of the city walk tours organized by Gilde Rotterdam. Guided by residents of Rotterdam, these tours offer a great opportunity get to know the historical and contemporary beauties of Rotterdam. (Participation fee: € 3.50)

Festivals and events

Rotterdam International Film Festival (Every year, end of January)

Rotterdam International Film Festival is an annual film festival takes place in various cinemas in Rotterdam. During the festival the local people as well as visitors get the change to see a great number of international films.

North Sea Jazz Festival (Every year, second weekend of July)

North Sea Jazz Festival is annually held each second weekend of July in Ahoy, Rotterdam.  Being the biggest Jazz event in the world, the festival hosts a great number of performers from all over the world. The festival is visited each year by thousands of people who enjoy Jazz and Jazz-related music like blues, funk, soul, Hip Hop, Latin, R&B.

Zomercarnaval

Celebrated annually, Zommercarnaval (Summer Carnival) is a multi-day event that mimics the carnivals of the Caribbean Islands. A huge street parade makes the core of the festival. During and after the parade live on stage concerts at the Coolsingel and the Churchillplein are performed by local and international bands.