Milan
Sophistication reaches new levels in Milan. The financial and commercial centre of Italy, Milan attracts fashion icons and opera lovers, as well as the young, the beautiful and the bold. Shopping, eating and clubbing are serious business here, so it’s no surprise that the city boasts one of the world’s most beautiful shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Equally vying for admiration are the Milanese icons of the La Scala Theatre and the Gothic Duomo, one of the world’s largest churches.
Milan’s frenetic pace surges ahead in its drive towards progress, forsaking the lengthy siestas enjoyed in other parts of the country. The city’s urban tentacles stretch for miles, although the significant historical attractions are contained between the two landmark sites, the Duomo and the Sforzesco Castle. These reside within the inner loop of the city’s concentric design, which is split into four squares: Piazza Duomo, Piazza Cairoli, Piazza Cordusio and Piazza San Babila.
The modern civic centre lies to the northwest around Mussolini’s colossal train station, which was built in 1931. The cityscape around here is dominated by skyscrapers from which the sleek Pirelli Tower emerges. Lastly, the Fiera district stretching around Porta Genova station is the hub for trade and fashion fairs.
Climate for Milan
The climate of Milan is Mediterranean, but like any large urban metropolis, buildings and human activity affect the local micro-climate. In the case of Milan this makes the weather rather more extreme. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 86F (30C) during August. The mountains behind the city protect Milan somewhat from the severity of winter, but the weather is very chilly with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Winter also brings rain showers and heavy fog. Spring (March to May) and early summer (June) are the best time to visit Milan weather-wise, although autumn (September to November) is also pleasant. In late summer, particularly August, it gets uncomfortably hot and many locals depart for their summer break, leaving some restaurants and hotels closed. Winter is a bit cold for most tourists but Milan’s attractions are world-class during any season.
Health Notes when travelling to Italy
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy’s health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with UK citizens using their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC replaced the EHIC for UK citizens and allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although it should be possible to get most medication in Italy, travel authorities always suggest taking any prescribed medication in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor.
Safety Notes when travelling to Italy
Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites. It’s advisable to be careful when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Travellers should be particularly careful around Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.
Customs in Italy
In Italy, it’s an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.
Duty Free in Italy
Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Nor do they have to pay duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are also permitted (reduced to €175 for children under 15).
Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits and 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 400 cigarellos. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Doing Business in Italy
Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and stylish, and handshakes are the norm, with first impressions counting a lot in Italy. Business cards are used. Visiting business people should also expect plenty of gesticulating, interruptions or people talking over each other. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.
Communication in Italy
The international access code for Italy is +39. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; as international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Italy
Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants, unless a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill. Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Italy. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passports valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy.
Milan has perhaps the most talked-about nightlife in Italy, partly because it’s got a young and trendy crowd but also because of its high-profile events calendar. The fashionable nightlife in Milan radiates primarily from the Brera Gallery and Navigli areas. Centri Sociali is home to an alternative, less expensive entertainment scene. The city offers visitors a vast selection of vibrant bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as live music performances.
The nightlife kicks off early in Milan, by Italian standards, with Happy Hour starting at about 6pm. The evening drinking session, called the apertivito, is an important social opportunity in Milan, a chance to meet and greet and fashionably mingle. Dance venues usually only get going at about 11pm, with nightclubs closing at about 4am.
Although there are a handful of perennial favourites, clubs are likely to change names and owners fairly frequently in Milan. But it’s never difficult to find nighttime fun in this glamorous city. Those who want more cultured entertainment will be spoilt by the opera and theatre scene of Milan.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
