Milan Essentials

Milan Essentials

Currency Euro Flight Time UK 1 Hour 40 mins aprox Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language Italian Voltage 220 V (European two-pin plugs) 


Milan Tourist Attractions

Located within the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (or San Siro) is The San Siro Museum, dedicated to both Internazionale and AC Milan football clubs and is open every day from 10am to 5pm, with guided stadium tours available. Tours depart hourly (allow for variations on matchdays). Most other museums close on Mondays, and churches and other public buildings close for lunch between midday and 3pm.

Opening Hours

Most shops, churches, museums and businesses open at 8 or 9am, shut for riposo around 12:30 to 3.30pm, and close around 6 to 8pm. Today, the riposo is beginning to disappear in favour of orario continuato (working straight through). In true European style, it’s common to arrive at a club at midnight – and not a second before. At weekends, some remain open till dawn.

Food and Drink

It is said that the further north you go, the better the café. Milan offers historic cafés of great grandeur and elegance, and when you ask for a coffee – you’ll get fresh espresso. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, many designer labels have opened their own restaurant and bar here. It is also the “capital of the aperitif”. The pre-dinner drink is served with anything, from a few olives and bread, to pizza and pasta dishes, and in Milan, the aperitif is becoming an attraction in itself. Milan’s delicacy is risotto, and there are many varieties, but Il Risotto Alla Milanese is the famous saffron risotto, the first course primo, often served with rocket and fresh tomatoes.

Tipping and Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated, but is not expected, and American-style tips are considered extravagant. A 10% tip in restaurants is sufficient. Porters should be tipped €2 per bag.

Italian Phrases For Tourists

Hello (informal) Ciao Good bye ciao (informal)/salve (semi-formal)/ arrivederci (formal) Good day Buon giorno Excuse me mi scusi (formal) scusa (informal) Good evening Buon sera You're welcome Prego Good night Buona nottea Thank you Grazie Yes Sì Train Station la stazione No No Airport l'aeroporto Please Per favore Currency exchange l'ufficio del cambio Thank you Grazie The bill, please Il conto per favore

Milan Useful Numbers

Pay phones accept pre-paid phone cards that can be purchased at tobacconists (tabacchi) and newsstands. Dialling Italy from abroad, start with 00 + 39 + your number, including the zero.



• Ambulance: 118 • Police: 113 • Carabinieri: 112 • Fire Department: 115 • Pharmacies Hotline 800 801185

Disabled Access

A website devoted to providing disabled people with information on the facilities is available, outlining the level of accessibility of many of Milan’s attractions.

Milan Embassies

• Embassy of Italy in London, phone +44 (0)20 73122200 • British Consulate-General, Via San Paolo, 20121 Milan • Milan Lost Property: 02 88453900 • Central Station Lost Property Office: 02 63712667


Weather

Milan experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and damp chilly winters. April to September sees the best time to travel, when the city enjoys between 6 - 9 hours of sunshine, and highs of 15C - 25C, whilst summers in Milan can reach 29C and the days can be very humid. Rain is likely, especially during the wettest months of June, October and November. Winters are cold and foggy, with temperatures around 5C.