Milan, Italy
The Insider's Guide to Milan
Summary: Discover the charm of Milan with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Milan! If you're planning to move to Milan, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Milan has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Milan.
Milan is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and entertainment. Tourists and locals alike can find plenty of sites of interest to explore. The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This Gothic-style cathedral is the largest in Italy and is a must-see for any visitor. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another popular attraction. This shopping mall is the oldest in Italy and features a stunning glass-domed roof. The Sforza Castle is a 15th-century castle that is now home to several museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Musical Instruments. The Teatro alla Scala is a world-renowned opera house that has been in operation since 1778. The Brera Art Gallery is a great place to view some of the finest works of art in the world.
Milan is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. One of the most popular restaurants in the city is Trattoria Milanese. This traditional Italian eatery serves up classic dishes like risotto and ossobuco. For a more upscale experience, try the Michelin-starred restaurant, Ratanà. This restaurant specializes in modern Italian cuisine and offers an extensive wine list. For a unique dining experience, head to the Navigli district and visit the floating restaurant, La Bitta. This restaurant is located on a boat and serves up delicious seafood dishes. When it comes to nightlife, Milan has plenty to offer. The Mag Cafè is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This bar features live music and DJs, as well as a great selection of cocktails. The Old Fashion Club is a classic cocktail bar that serves up classic drinks like martinis and Manhattans. For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the Blue Note Milano. This jazz club features live music every night and has a great selection of craft beers.
Milan is also home to plenty of recreational activities. The Parco Sempione is a great place to spend a day outdoors. This park features a lake, gardens, and a castle. The Parco delle Cave is another popular spot for outdoor activities. This park is home to a variety of wildlife and is a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride. The Acquario Civico di Milano is a great place to learn about marine life. This aquarium features a variety of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The Parco Avventura is a great place for adventure seekers. This park features a variety of zip lines and rope courses.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Milan: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"The Benvenuto Club, Professional Women's Association, Democrats Abroad, American Business Group and many other organizations as well as activities created for the expat community listed in EasyMilano, a bi-weekly free publication for the English speaking community here," said one expat living in Milan.
"Milan is a bustling city with plenty of places to meet people. One option is to join online or virtual communities such as Meetup and Couchsurfing, or to join a hobby or sports related activities like taking a language class or playing a sport. Additionally, you can also attend local events such as markets, exhibitions or festivals to meet locals, make new contacts or just enjoy the atmosphere. Alternatively, many cafes, bars and restaurants provide a great atmosphere to socialize and meet people. Finally, if you are looking for something more structured, consider attending a conference or seminar," wrote a member in Milan.
"Expats in Milan often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in the city," commented one expat who made the move to Milan.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Italian For A WhileBecome ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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"All of the above, but Milan is generally known for it's work opportunities and faster paced lifestyle compared to the rest of the country," commented an expat living in Milan.
"Living in Milan as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is known for its vibrant culture, fashion, and cuisine, and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many attractions, from its world-class museums and galleries to its bustling nightlife. The city also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to budget-friendly hostels. Milan is also well-connected to the rest of Europe, making it easy to explore other cities and countries. With its diverse culture, excellent food, and vibrant atmosphere, Milan is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said an expat in Milan.
Italian For A WhileConnect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Italian For A WhileBecome ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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