Founded in around 600 BC by the Celtic Insubres before submitting to Roman rule in 222 BC, the city was later subject to imperial French, German, Spanish and Austrian intrusions. Meanwhile, the governing Visconti family transformed Milan into an art and architectural hub. As a result, spectacular relics such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Il Cenacolo (Last Supper) remain inside architectural wonders like the UNESCO World Heritage Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

It was around 1980 that iconic fashion heavyweights including the likes of Versace and Dolce & Gabbana set up shop here, and fashionistas started flocking. The city is now the second-most populous in Italy after Rome, and hosts eight million visitors per year. Its chief draws, for the couture crowd that is, are the glitzy designer flagship-lined Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Maxed out your credit card? Duck into the tranquil environs of the restored Castello Sforzesco, followed by a wander around the immense Duomo Cathedral, which took six centuries to complete.

Food aficionados will have plenty to discover too, from gelateria and pasticceria serving traditional treats, to the Italianate delis offering cured meats and a feast of cheeses. In the world’s Michelin star list, Milan ranks fifth, and you’ll find many of its prime eateries in the sophisticated Brera district. For something more down-to-earth, look for Al Pont de Ferr, a well-loved osteria serving Michelin-starred pasta.

Which side of the road?
In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”
• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger

Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)
• Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
• Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only
• Children aged under 12 and less than 150 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

If you want to learn more about driving in Bristol, see the full Italy Road Rules guide.

Once you’ve cut your teeth on Lombardy’s striking capital, Italy’s mountainous north with its celebrated lakes await. Outdoorsy types can reach the beguiling peaks of the Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche in less than two hours. En route, the glimmering fingers of Lakes Como and Lecco offer unrivalled swimming and hiking.

Lake Garda is a two-hour drive to the east of Milan, and skirts the medieval city of Verona. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, wander through its Romeo and Juliet-famed cobbled streets and happen upon Juliet’s balcony at Casa di Giulietta. Chase a lazy espresso at one of the cafés lining Piazza delle Erbe with a peek at the magnificent Arena di Verona Roman amphitheatre. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to attend its opera festival, organised every summer since 1936.

Lake Como
Take a trip to the scenic Lake Como, about 25 miles to the north, with its scenic views and lush vegetation. The town of Como is also the centre of the silk industry and the best place to shop for the material.

Vigevano
Nearby Vigevano has arguably one of the finest piazzas, the Piazza Ducale, in the town centre, designed by Bramante.

Skiing in Italy
If travelling here in winter, we can supply ski racks and snow chains for your trips to any one of the many ski resorts within easy distance of the city. Livigno offers duty-free shopping as well as facilities for winter sports. Bormio has over 45 miles of slopes for skiers of all levels.

What is Milan famous for?

The cosmopolitan city of Milan is the financial hub of Italy, famous for its creative fashion industry and iconic opera house. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper as well as the stunning Cathedral at Piazza del Duomo, which is the biggest in Italy.

What’s the weather like in Milan?

Milan’s climate is characterised by hot, humid summers and cold winters.

Which Milan airport is closest to the city?

The closest airport to the city centre of Milan is Linate Airport - just 5 miles from Milan. Bergamo Airport is approximately 31 miles from Milan, and Malpensa Airport approximately 33 miles.

Which Milan airport is closest to Lake Como?

Milan Malpensa International Airport is the nearest airport to Lake Como, located approximately 30 miles away.