"Milan" a Milan Travel Page by Flamegirl

I worked in Milan for about 18 months as part of my languages degree. Before going I wasn't really looking forward to it; I'd wanted to go somewhere further south, where I'd never been, and experience a different part of Italy.

Since the job I got was based in Milan I had little choice in the matter, so I decided to enjoy it... and thoroughly succeeded!

I worked in Lambrate, and found a flat in Citta' Studi which I shared with a couple from Puglia.

I soon discovered that Milan has become much more expensive since the introduction of the Euro, but that it also has a lot of nightlife and a charm of its own. I know a lot of Italians who hate Milan, for many of the same reasons I don't like London, but Milan seems to have many of London's advantages whilst being smaller and less overwhelming.

In truth, Milan is a working city and not ideal for tourists. Yet there is plenty to do if you know where to look. I fell under its spell...

There were two areas in particular that I enjoyed wandering around, especially for the famous Italian evening "passeggiata".

Here is the first, the navigli (canals) in the south, bursting with bars and shops catering to the younger/student crowd, and with tables by the water which are always buzzing during summer (mind the mosquitoes!).

The second is Brera, the old arty district which has been taken over by the fashion scene, with its small streets packed with trendier bars and boutiques.

As for the inhabitants of Milan.... as in any big city they can be a little cold, but I met a lot of very nice folk. Some people speak English, especially those connected with the tourism industry, but spoken English is a weak spot on the school curriculum so a phrasebook might come in handy.

This shopping arcade was built in the late 1800s, and the architect who designed it tragically fell from its roof. It's right next to the cathedral and is one of the best-known landmarks of Milan after the Duomo itself.

It has a few designer names (unlike Via Montenapoleone), and the cafés are predictably expensive, but there are some high street shops in there too and, of course, the palle del toro! (see my local customs tip "spinning on the bull's balls!")