Presentation of a Tourism Destination - Discover The World of Fashion în The Capital of Glamor and Style, Milan

Why choosing Milan as a tourism destination- Because Milan is one of the most important and stylish cities in Italy and is full of history. There are countless impressive buildings in Milan that have tremendous character, in many different styles ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces to ultra-modern towers and office blocks. Besides the main tourist attractions in Milan, not to be missed are the many splendid and unforgettable lakes nearby Milan, offering superb facilities for visitors, with shops, restaurants and cafés lining the lake fronts.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MILAN

Population: 1.3 million (including surrounding metropolitan area 4 million)

Country: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Language: Italian

Time: GMT +1 (Summer Time +2)

Major industries: manufacture of textiles and garments, chemical, cars, mechanical tools, heavy machinery, iron and steel, tourism; shipbuilding

- The city

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, has a population of 1.3 million people. It is the biggest industrial city of Italy with many different industrial sectors. It is a magnetic point for designers, artists, photographers and models. Milan has an ancient city centre with high and interesting buildings and palazzos, which is why so many people from all over the world want to see the city of glamour.

- Climate

Italy's climate is predominantly Mediterranean: Alpine in the far north; hot and dry in the south. Winter in Milan is relatively mild but foggy, with temperatures ranging from zero to 8 degrees Celsius. Summer can be very humid with brief thunderstorms; temperatures range from 14 to 29 degrees. From March through April temperatures range from 6 to 18 degrees. From October through November they range from 6 to 17 degrees.

TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE CITY

Milan is the Italian city with the best national and international connections, thanks to its airport, railway and road network, the most efficient in Italy.

- By car: Milan has the biggest Italian highway system. Milan's ring road is the end point of highway A4 coming from Turin, of the A4 from Venice and Verona; of A1 connecting Milan and Bologna, Florence and Rome; the A7 coming from Genoa and Liguria; and the A8/A9 that go to Switzerland and to Lakes Como and Maggiore. The ring road is divided in Tangenziale Est and Tangenziale Ovest.

- By train: Milan has the major railway system in Northern Italy, at the center of important national and international lines. The main station is Milano Centrale, which is found very near to the center of the city. From here trains leave for all parts of Italy and so do international connections to France, Switzerland, and Germany. The station of Milano Cadorna serves the Malpensa Express for the airport and the FNM regional direct trains to the north of Milan. For times please consult the Trenitalia site or call the green number 89 20 21.

- By plane: Milan has two airports: Malpensa (MXP) is the main airport and also has intercontinental flights, while the Linate (LIN) airport serves domestic flights and some European links. The Malpensa airport is connected to Milan by the Malpensa Express train and by the coach bus Malpensa Shuttle. From Linate there is a bus service that goes to Central Station. Linate and Malpensa are moreover connected to each other by a shuttle service provided by Air Pullman. At 45 km from Milan you will find Orio al Serio (BGY) international airport. It is Italy's first low-cost airport with many flights for Italian and European destinations. From the airport there are 30 daily coach service runs to Milan Central Station provided by "Autostradale" and "Locatelli Air Pullman".

ACCOMMODATION AND HOTELS IN MILAN

Milan is an expensive place to stay, with most Milan hotels geared for business travellers with expense accounts. However, hotels are usually efficient and comfortable. Budget options do exist, mostly located around the Stazione Centrale area (not a great neighbourhood, but acceptable and convenient for travellers). The cheaper hotels are always in demand, and the smarter hotels often full with visitors to conferences and trade fairs, so you should definitely try to book in advance.

Mid-range and budget hotels

Hotel Ariosto ***

A very comfortable three-star hotel, close to tram stops and Concilazione Metro. The hotel has a pleasant courtyard, and a good restaurant (closed Sundays). Nice single rooms and in a safe area; a good choice for the solo traveller.

Hotel Garda ***

Hotel Garda is a good-value, reliable three-star hotel, located very close to Stazione Centrale and so very useful for the traveller. We can recommend this hotel from personal experience.

Hotel Trieste **

Hotel Trieste is a cheap two-star Milan hotel which makes a good base for those with an eye to their budget.

Hotel The Best **

Another economical two-star hotel, The Best is praised by past guests as nice and clean. Rooms are on the small side, but staff are helpful.

Hotel Casa Mia **

Recommended by most of the guidebooks, Casa Mia is a small (book well ahead) and friendly establishment. Close to the Giardini Pubblici park, the hotel is quiet and well-equipped. Near the Metro, and comfortable.