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There is no doubt that Milano is one of the definitive symbols of Italy and Italian culture. Milano is a capital in many ways, both nationally and ideologically. It is considered the economic capital of the Italian Republic, it is the undisputed capital of northern Italy, and it is certainly one of the world’s most respected capitals in the field of design. The design exhibitions in the city attract the best artists and minds in the field. The historical sites in which it is steeped attract tourists of all ages and types. And finally, its ideal location in the north of Italy, and near the Swiss border, attracts many travelers who are plowing the length and breadth of Europe. In the end, Milano is one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists from all over the world, and Israel is no exception to this rule.
The city, whose foundation dates back to the sixth century BC, is bound to treasure so many faces that it will be difficult for you to cover it in a short visit. Even those who have lived in it for many years do not exhaust it. While you won’t be able to fully understand Italian culture just by visiting Milano, it can certainly give you an idea.
Milano is not much different from most tourist destinations in Europe, if not all, in that its peak tourist season comes in the summer. Although it is a very large city, it will also feel busy to you with the many thousands of tourists who visit it during these months. Plus, given that it has a number of must-see sites (for example, the famous Duomo), you might find yourself standing in huge queues in the harsh summer heat. In addition, considering that this is the time when the number of tourists reaches its peak, it is also the time when both the prices of accommodation and the prices of attractions reach their annual peak. In order to succeed in finding accommodation at a reasonable price, it is recommended to book it well in advance.
If you have the opportunity, it is probably better to come to Milano in the spring or autumn months. Milano is a northern city, so the winter there can be harsh, but in the transition months the weather brightens and also the relative lack of tourists allows for a more relaxed trip. In addition, considering that the number of tourists decreases and the city is calmer, the prices of hotels and guesthouses also decrease accordingly.
Keep in mind that considering the size and popularity of Milano, you have nothing to fear that when you arrive there will be nothing to do. Almost every month, Milano hosts at least one international festival or exhibition, and often more than that. The human diversity is wide, and the year-round tourist sites offer plenty of activities whenever you arrive. However, it is important to understand that due to the multitude of events it is also difficult to point to a time when it is particularly cheap to book a vacation in Milano, so that you can mainly point to trends.
Considering the size of Milano, the choice of accommodation has a great influence on the nature of your trip. Each neighborhood has its own character, the attractions that are there and its distance from the main points of interest. In addition, your location in the city will determine whether you will have a more touristic, more local or combined experience. The variety of lodging places and their price range also varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood and quarter to quarter.
The first district on the list is of course the city center, known by its name as the ancient center (Centro Storico). Here you will find many of the city’s must-see sites, including the Duomo, the famous Opera House and the central piazza. It is also home to many of Milano’s best known restaurants, boutiques and fashion stores. Staying in the ancient center will allow you to be within walking distance of all of these, without relying excessively on public transportation. However, keep in mind that this is the most popular area of the city, which makes it busy (especially in peak seasons) and expensive, compared to other areas.
If you want to save money (because Milano itself is not particularly cheap), it is recommended to stay away from the center and go to the quieter neighborhoods. In particular, the recommended neighborhood for those looking to travel cheaply is the “Student City”, which is the central district for a large part of the city’s student population. In addition, many of the places of entertainment in this neighborhood are suitable for a young population, according to those who settle it permanently.
And finally, for those who come to Milano for a family outing, the recommended area to stay is probably the Fiera or San Siro neighborhoods. They are located northwest of the city center, and are characterized by many restaurants, shops and parks. In addition, many of the guest houses are adapted to families, both in terms of activities and character and in terms of budgets.
Of course, there are many other neighborhoods where you can stay, depending on the nature of your trip. Neighborhoods closer to the exit from the city, neighborhoods adapted to nightlife and more. Regardless of what you chose, which place to stay and in which area, remember that Milano, as mentioned, is a touristic, busy and highly sought-after city. Be sure to book a place to stay in advance and reserve it for yourself at the required time.