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Italy : Milan - April 2008

Country Code: Dial for Italy

April marks the start of spring in Milan. The city’s stylish citizens emerge from their winter slumber, eschew the Metro and navigate Milan on foot. Shops, cafés and parks are bustling and vibrant and there’s a seemingly endless array of activities on offer. Suzi Dixon gets out and about

Getting around

The nearest airport is Malpensa, 48km from the city centre.

Bus: A shuttle-bus runs from the airport to Centrale station. The 50-minute journey costs €4,50, with buses leaving every 20 minutes between 4.30am and 12.15am.
Train: The Malpensa Express runs from the airport to central Milan, taking around 40 minutes and costing €11.
Taxi: A taxi into central Milan takes about an hour and costs €75.
Tourist information: The main office is at 19a Piazza Duomo ( , milanoinfo.eu).

IL CENTRO

A shopper’s paradise, and the site of the imposing Duomo (cathedral), Il Centro is dominated by beautiful squares and winding streets with gorgeous gothic architecture.

Sleep soundly – The Hilton Milan is ideally located by the main station (Centrale). It also scores points for its friendly staff and well equipped gym.

Culture vultures – Teatro alla Scala (2 Via Filodrammatici) – or just La Scala, as it is commonly referred to – is one of the world’s oldest and most famous opera houses. Don’t miss Verdi’s Macbeth this month, conducted by Kazushi Ono. If a spring shower takes you by surprise, dive into the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (16 Via Palestro), which currently houses works by Carrà, De Chirico, Modigliani, Morandi and more.

Must eat – Play spot-the-model at Nobu (31 Via Manzoni), and enjoy Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, cocktails and beautiful surroundings, all within walking distance of the cathedral.

Must drink – Bar Bindi (9 Piazzale Cadorna) serves exquisite Italian wines, good olives and gorgeous desserts – order a box of profiteroles, cream puffs and pastries to take away.

Shop til you drop – Corso Buenos Aires, which is one of the major shopping streets of Europe, connects Porta Venezia with Piazzale Loreto. There are the usual European chains here, such as Accessorize and H&M, as well as many independent clothing stores and beautiful gift shops. From here, it’s a short walk to the elegant Via Manzoni. Don’t miss Armani (31 Via Manzoni), a multi-concept store where you can admire the Emporio Armani showrooms, buy flowers and purchase beautiful handmade chocolates.

REPUBBLICA

The area around the Piazza della Repubblica, to the north of the centre, is quieter and slightly more refined than the centre. It’s the perfect place to get away from the bustling crowds and gaze upon some of Milan’s most beautiful buildings.

Sleep soundly – If money’s no object, you should splash out at the five-star Hotel Principe di Savoia, a gorgeous neoclassical building that has played host to Milan’s most glamorous residents and visitors since the 1920s. Once you’ve admired the architecture, you can unwind in Club 10, the hotel’s sumptuous spa. Come here for massages, facials, and even image consultancy.

Must drink – Casablanca café (14 Corso Como) has a huge wine list.

Dance the night away – Favoured by the city’s beautiful people (read models, sportsmen and such like), Hollywood (15 Corso Como) has an eclectic music policy. You’ll hear everything from pop to Cuban dance here.

Shop til you drop – 10 Corso Como (10 Corso Como) houses a bazaar-style collection of open-air souks – ideal for a lazy Sunday morning’s browsing. When you’re all out of euros, pop to 10 Corso Como Café for a fresh fruit smoothie.

PORTA ROMANA

Visitors who venture south, beyond the Duomo on Linea 3 of the Metro, will find a cosmopolitan district full of shops, bars and chic apartments.

Sleep soundly – Hotel Dei Fiori is basic but comfortable, and an ideal base for those on a budget.

Must eat – La Voliera (17 Via Crema) serves up delicate dishes in an intimate setting – try the risotto flavoured with saffron and wild mushrooms.

Must drink – For an evening’s aperitivo in a peaceful atmosphere, try Palo Alto Café (106 Corso di Porta Romana).

Shop til you drop – Those in need of a bigger suitcase to take their shopping home in should head to I Santi (2 Via B Corio), which stocks a huge range of leather goods.

Compiled by Suzi Dixon