Milan City Guide

Adjust font size:

Check out our suggestions for the Italian fashion capital and send us your own recommendations and ideas below.

SEE: Italy's capital of fashion may not be one of the country's visual or artistic gems, but it can still hold its own. Climb to the top of the Duomo -- one of medieval Europe's greatest churches -- for the best view over the old city and take in some high culture at the recently-renovated La Scala, the world's most famous opera house. Art lovers should also pay homage to one of the world's great paintings, Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Nonetheless, it's hard to avoid the impression that the real spirit of historic Milan is best-captured by the 19th century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's first and most lavishly decorated shopping malls, built in 1867 and still one of the city's classiest shopping experiences. Here it's the lifestyle that counts, but even if you don't pack the requisite gold cards there's plenty to entertain the eye. Designer-central is the area known as Quadrilatero della moda -- Milan's square mile of fashion bordered by Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Sant'Andrea and Via Manzoni. For top designer gear at knockdown prices head for Salvagente (via Fratelli Bronzetti), which specializes in surplus and end of line produce from all the big names. Meanwhile the would-be next Dolce & Gabbanas congregate in the area south of the Duomo, around Corso di Porta Ticinese.

BE SEEN: You've splashed out at Prada, now you need somewhere to wear it. Be wary though, Milan in general is not a city of the garish or eccentric -- conservative high fashion is the go if you want to show off. Downtown bars of the moment include former tram station ATM, Ricci and Light while Brera, an area packed with bars and restaurants, is always lively at night. Alternatively for retro sci-fi chic check out SHU -- regarded by many as one of the best bars in the city. If it's nightclubs you're after, head for Plastic or (one for the beautiful boys, this) Magazzini Generali. Alternatively, if you fancy mixing it with the coolest movers and shakers of the fashion industry then don your shades and try to blag your way into Hollywood, the scene of some of Milan's most legendary and exclusive parties. Mind you, the price of drinks is likely to put you off, even the doormen don't stop you. For a more avant-garde feel, head to the Naviglio (canal) district, home to indie boutiques, cafes and flea markets during the day, and a chilled out bar scene by night.

EAT: Second only to looking good on the Milanese list of life's priorities is eating. Add to that the fact that Milan has been a magnet for migrants from all over Italy, and you have the breadth of Italian regional cooking at your fingertips. The best eateries are the old school "della Nonna" (granny's) restaurants, of which the venerable queen is Trattoria Masuelli San Marco (Via Umbria). Another family run favorite -- beloved of bankers, fashionistas and all else in between -- is Da Giacomo (Via Sottocorno). Other regional favorites include the Sicilian-themed Al Merluzzo Felice (via Papi), especially good for seafood, while Osteria Giulio Pane e Ojo (via L Muratori) specializes in Roman fare. Increasingly fashion labels are branching out with their own restaurants and bars. The Armani-Nobu (Via Pisoni) collaboration pretty much sets the standard though some consider the food to be overrated. For high-end cuisine, instead try Boccondivino (Via Giosue Carducci), which showcases the best in Italian cooking and offers a list of some 900 wines, or Cracco-Peck, which offers double Michelin Star-winning takes on classic Italian cuisine. For upmarket pizza, Baci & Abbracci (Via Edmondo de Amicis) is the place to go, or check out the more down-to-earth places along Marghera Street, which is also good for gelati.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• 'UFO strike' prompts E.T. claims
• Lebanon PM condemns rocket firing
• Microsoft unveils Windows 7 at CES
• U.S. Navy forms anti-pirate force
• Ronaldo unhurt in Ferrari accident

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan

• Recruiting suicide bombers (2:50)
• London was lucky (2:36)
• Cars in London rigged as bombs (3:48)
• Second explosives-packed car foun (2:32)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)