Milan located in the North of Italy, is a well known and respected city in terms of commerce and a leading icon in the fashion industry within Europe. Milan has existed in some form or another since the Roman Empire, but don’t let this confuse Milan as an outdated, it has a rich vibrant atmosphere. Within the city there is a proud history surrounding their architecture and artistic accomplishments. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is an example of this historical pride; however Milan has a vast number of other historical sites, shops, spas, a football club, a flea market, a variety of clubs and bars. This city is well served by airports with multiple links across Europe and worldwide, having 3 airports. These airports are Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport and Oriol al Serio, the Malpensa International Airport being the main international airport. For those visitors wanting to hire cars Malpensa has a variety of companies offering their services from the airport site, so this allows easy pick up. The companies offering car hire from Malpensa include: Car Rentals, Sixt, Nova Car Hire and Auto Europe.
Milan Airport information
There are three airports available in Milan. Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), the largest, is located north west of the city and handles about 17.5 million passengers yearly. Linate Airport (LIN) is based east of the city and deals with approximately 9 million passengers per year. The third is Oria al Serio International Airport (BGY), which is located in Bergamo and handles about 5 million passengers a year.
In all these airports ATMs and Bureau de change can be found, and Wireless Internet is available at a charge. MXP provides the largest selection of lounges, including the Club SEA Verdi VIP Business Lounge. Restaurants, cafes and bars can be found in all three airports, as well as Duty Free shops. Disabled facilities, including elevators and toilets, are available in all airports. Two hotels are located on the site of MXP: First Hotel Malpensa Airport is located between the terminals and the Hotel Villa Malpensa is positioned opposite Terminal 1. For cheap car hire in Milan, all of these airports provide fantastic facilities.
Places to visit around Milan
To get a feel for the city of Milan, wander through its beautiful center. Here, you can lose yourself in the multitude of unique quarters and be witness to the blend of architectural designs from a whole range of influences. Little remains of Milan’s original Roman structures, but the remaining architecture is a delight to behold. Sant’Ambrogio dates back to the 9th century and is one of the city’s finest churches. Milan also boasts the world’s fourth largest cathedral, the Duomo. This amazing piece of Gothic architecture dates back to the 14th century. It’s host to a plethora of marble statues and the iconic golden Madonna which graces the top of the spire. Another must see is Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you’ll find Leonardo di Vinci’s famous ‘The Last Supper’.
La Scala is a must-see for those who enjoy opera and has achieved world acclaim. Alternatively, Piccolo Teatro is another fantastic venue for theater lovers. The city is also well known for its influence in the world of fashion. Headquarters to Italian brands such as Gucci, Armani and Versace, and the birthplace to Mario Prada, no trip to Milan would be complete without at least a peek into a few of the high-class boutiques which line the Quadrilatero della Moda. If you’re really into fashion, it would be worth attending the Milan Fashion Week held twice every year.
Museums are a fantastic way to learn more about the city’s history and Milan is home to a large number of them. The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important galleries in Milan, where visitors can marvel at Piero della Francesca’s ‘Brera Madonna’. The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is full of stunning examples of Italian Renaissance artwork and Milan’s castle, Castello Sforzesco, is home to a beautiful selection of art and exhibits.
To get a real feel for the city it’s definitely worth opting for car hire in Milan. The outskirts of the city are filled with villas, castles and beautiful lakes waiting to be discovered. While you’re in Milan it’s worth taking advantage of its treasures, and exploring this stunning region.
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