Visit Milan On Foot.

Taking a stroll around Milan is an excellent way of getting to know some fascinating corners.

It also the only way to get acquainted with its flavor and lifestyle.

It is true what is said about the Milanese always being in a hurry, and it is undeniable that Milan is a very active city, its citizens however, have learned when to stop and enjoy a walk in the city center pedestrian areas while having an aperitif and a chat with friends.

The city center pedestrian areas:

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is a pedestrian area with cinemas, booksstores, fashion stores and bars with open-air tables.

Piazza Duomo – Milan’s main square with the cathedral.

Via Mercanti – Pedestrian area with its attractive “piazzetta”, the administrative and political center of Medieval Milan.

Piazza San Babila – Start of the pedestrian area, a square surrounded by post-war architecture with many fashionable shops.

Via Dante – Created in the late 19th century to provide a link between the Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco.

Via Della Spiga – Pedestrian street where the great stylists have their showrooms.

Brera – One of the most attractive streets with fine private houses, art galleries, unique shops, most popular for its bars, clubs, restaurants, and night-life.

A recommended itinerary:

Start from Piazza San Babila, easily reachable with the “metropolitana” underground line 1, station San Babila. Walk in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a fashionable street with lots of high end shops, mainly fashion.

At the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele you’ll arrive in the back of the Duomo.

A visit to the roof of the Duomo is a must. Take the elevator in the back of the Duomo, if you don’t want to gasp on an interminable staircase! At the rooftop you are in a magic world of marble and several thousand statues.

Go to the front of the roof and look down at the Duomo square (Piazza Duomo).

Look also up to “the Madonnina” the golden statue on top of the highest guglia (spire), it’s the most loved symbol of Milan. During world war II it was covered so that it would not shine in the night attracting the attention of the allied bombers.

When you finish your rooftop visit,
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don’t miss a tour of the “Rinascente”, a fabulous multi level store under the porticos on your right across the Duomo.

While there stop in the cafe for a break. You’ll find it on the last floor of the store, the cafeteria has a glass wall facing the top of the Duomo.

The view is unique and the Cappuccino is worth a visit too.

Continuing North, you reach the main square in front of “il Duomo”. You should visit the cathedral, if you have not yet done so.

On the right you then enter the “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II”, the first mall realized in the 19th century, and still a masterwork of artistic shopping.

Go to the middle of the Galleria and on the left don’t miss the bull mosaic on the ground. There is a tradition in Milan of spinning on the heel of one foot on the bull’s testicles for good luck–go ahead and try it!

Returning back to piazza Duomo, visit the Piazzetta Reale, on the opposite side of the square: the “Palazzo Reale” is the place where most art and historical exhibitions are held in Milan.

Continue then towards the right corner of the square, and enter “via Mercanti”, stopping to look at the Mercanti square on the left: it is a surprising corner of medieval Milan preserved intact to the current days.

At the end of via Mercanti you continue through piazza Cordusio towards via Dante, recently converted into a pedestrian area. Via Dante will take you to the “Castello Sforzesco”, definitely worth a visit too.

By: Enrico Massetti

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Enrico is an Italian living in Washington, DC. He is a freelance writer and internet marketing expert, specializing in SEO for individuals and small companies, and the owner of the TangoItalia.com web site, a site on Travel, food, wine, and… tango in Italy.

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Short City Breaks

As the credit crunch continues to bite, sunning yourself on a beach with a cocktail in hand can sometimes seem like a pipe dream. According to the latest research from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) twice as many Britons are planning to spend their holidays in the UK this year compared with 2008.The survey of 3,000 British adults showed that 60 per cent of those interviewed were unwilling to give up holidays and are set to explore the British Isles. But where are the best, most exciting and unusual places to go on your doorstep. Check out our top ten guide below for the UK’s hotspots:

10. Liverpool

The European Capital of Culture boasts some amazing sights when you venture off the tourist track. Keep a special eye out for the towering features of the Three Graces on Liverpool’s waterfront, the two impressive cathedrals situated on each end of Hope Street and the Radio City tower.

9. Cambridge

The intellectual hotspot of Cambridge is a delight to visit in any season: you can relax in its many pubs, restaurants and cafés or explore the independent shops around the historic market place. There’s a brand new shopping area too, with all the high street favourites that you would expect.

8. Bath

As a world renowned World Heritage Site, Bath boasts some of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Europe such as the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. But that’s not all – the city also has world class museums, theatres, festivals, parks, restaurants and any number of quality shops. Bath is not only a beautiful spot to relax and reflect, it is also a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside of North East Somerset and the Cotswolds.

7. Cardiff

As the Capital of Wales, Cardiff is a city with both heritage and ambition. The city has a distinctive character, a good quality of life and a growing national and international reputation. It presently plays host to numerous large and high profile events, including Britain’s largest free summer festival and is home to many national institutions, including the National Museum of Wales and the much-admired Millennium Stadium.

6. Brighton

Brighton is viewed as one of the most vibrant, colourful and creative cities in Europe. Compact, energetic, fun, lively, historic and free-spirited, it’s a city like no other. Nestling between the South Downs and the sea on the south coast, Brighton offers everything from Regency heritage to beachfront cool.

5. Edinburgh

As host of the world renowned summer festival, Edinburgh is steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene. With Scotland’s most famous castle dominating the city skyline, Edinburgh blends traditional and contemporary style perfectly. A labyrinth of mysterious winding streets, elegant terraces and an abundance of shops and restaurants makes Edinburgh an ideal getaway for a relaxing and lively break.

4. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is situated about five miles off the south coast of the English mainland and resembles a diamond in shape. There is over 60 miles of coastline, which ranges from award winning beaches to spectacular chalk cliffs. A wide range of activities are available on the Isle of Wight, covering just about anything. The area is renowned for its extreme sports, with a huge variety on offer, including surfing, water skiing, land yachting, diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, paragliding and kite surfing.

3. Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is now the UK’s largest nationally protected wetland and an important area for wildlife. A holiday in the Norfolk Broads is like a whole new world. And it’s easy. No complicated locks to manoeuvre, just 125 miles of navigable waterways with plenty of places for you to moor up and hop out to explore pretty villages and market towns, or to stop at a welcoming pub to set you up for the rest of the day.

2. London

The infamous cosmopolitan city that is London. A place rich in culture, history and heritage whilst always maintaining its status as an icon of style, charisma and excitement. London is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions and landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and The London Eye. By day, this city offers everything from world class museums to the best in shopping on Oxford Street and the glamorous Kensington. By night, London really comes alive with its wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs and theatre shows at the Westend. Indeed London is a city to suit every individual.

1. Lake District

The Lake District National Park is famous for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural heritage. The lakes and tarns give the Lake District a quality of scenery and recreational resource found nowhere else in England. You can walk, cycle and splash about in the beautiful Lake District to your heart’s content. With more than 3,500 kilometres of rights of way and twelve of the largest lakes in England, there’s something for everyone. If stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and an air of adventure is something that appeals to you, then Center Parcs’ Whinfell Forest, which is located on the edge of the Lakes, is the ideal short break that brings all of the elements of the great outdoors into one superb forest retreat.

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