Study in Milan, Italy

Milan, or Milano as the Italians call it, is one of Italy’s largest cities and the capital of its fashion culture. It is also a city of great financial and political importance, as the center of the country’s banking industry. With countless chic boutiques, shopping districts, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife, it is considered to be the symbol of modern Italy. It also has a long history as a center of culture and art, a tradition that is kept alive today by the many galleries and museums that dot various neighborhoods throughout the city.

Located in the far north of Italy, Milan is right up against the foothills of the Italian Alps and just 20 miles or so from the border with Switzerland. This makes the city an excellent destination for hiking and mountain-climbing, although these adventurous pursuits seem a long way from the fashion and glamour that Milan is famous for. Its proximity to the Alps also affects the climate of the city. Unlike many parts of the country, which have warm sun and sea breezes year-round, Milan has more distinct seasons, more rainfall, and colder winters. During late fall, fog rolls in and blankets the city, which can be very beautiful but surprising if you are expecting Milan to have weather more like Sicily or Rome.

Given its status as one of Italy’s most modernized cities, it is no surprise that Milan has a very efficient system of public transportation. The city’s size (considerably greater than other Italian cities such as Florence, but still much smaller than, say, Chicago, New York, or London) makes walking a little bit more difficult than it is in some other places, but within the city center it is easy enough to get from one place to another on foot. The best way to get around when walking is not an option is to use the underground trains or the trams, both of which run on a very reliable schedule and can get you anywhere within the city relatively quickly and inexpensively. There are also buses and taxis, but they tend to be more expensive and the traffic in Milan makes them less reliable than the trains and trams.

For centuries, Milan has been the taproot of European and global fashion trends, so if you are looking for the absolute latest in shopping and chic dining, then look no further. People from all over the world flock to Milan to go shopping in the quadrilatero della moda, or Fashion Quadrangle, a set of blocks near the center of town that is stuffed to the brim with outlets, designer stores, and shopping malls. If you’re on a budget, there’s no need to worry – Milan also has more than a few inexpensive shops where you can find unique and fashionable clothes.

Milan also has excellent dining possibilities, although the restaurants around the Duomo and the main tourist areas tend to be less than authentic (and a bit overpriced) due to the large numbers of foreign visitors who congregate there. To find real, hearty northern Italian food, it’s smart to poke around in Milan’s back alleys and find a small, inexpensive restaurant where locals seem to congregate. These are the places where the true flavors of Milan are to be found.