Italy’s Fashion Capital – Milan
For many, holidays in Milan are about one thing and one thing only – fashion. For a city that oozes style, stock up on euros, break out the bank cards, check into one of the boutique hotels in Milan and prepare to shop till you drop.
Milan Fashion
Start with the Clothes…
If you want to spend some time with Gucci, Valentino and Armani, then your best bet is the upscale Quadrilatero d’Oro (the golden rectangle), where a dizzying choice of the world’s most well-known haut-couture brands call from enticing boutiques. On the other end of the scale are the many outlet stores with top labels at seriously marked-down prices. Try Il Salvagente, at 16 Via Fratelli Bronzetti, or Fioretta Coen Musil, at 3 Via Dan Calocero. The gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is possibly one of the prettiest places to shop; this airy glass-vaulted arcade sits on the Piazza del Duomo, and is one of the oldest shopping centres in the world.
Then the Shoes…
Any fashion fiend worth their salt knows that Milan is the place to buy shoes. Not only are they much cheaper than what’s available in the UK, they’re also ahead of the trend, with styles hitting the shelves no sooner than they’ve left the catwalks of fashion week. The Via Monte Napoleone is a good place to start, though the Via Manzoni has its fair share of gems, and the fashionable Via della Spiga has expensive treats.
And finally the Accessories
Leather is a great bargain in Milan, and so handbags are what the smart shopper is looking for. Corso di Porta Ticinese (which then becomes Via Torino) is a good place for accessory shops, while Corso Vittorio Emanuele has the Italian and international high-street brands. Jewelry stores like Anaconda and Anna Vicenzini offer unique collections of gold, silver, and precious stones.
Helpful Hotels
If you’re too fashionable for flats, then you’ll appreciate the central location of the Marconi Hotel, just a short walk from shopping, the central railway station, trams, and a metro stop which takes you right into the city centre. If your budget is focused on bargain hunting, then the Best Western Milton Hotel is one of the better cheap hotels in Milan, with clean rooms, a hearty breakfast to fortify you for a day’s shopping, and helpful staff.
