Few places in the world are more iconic than Italy, and the best part is that the entire country is worth exploring from one end to the other.
Between fascinating history, stunning beaches, and some of the best cuisine on the planet, you can’t really go wrong.
“Fastest growing” and “summer” don’t always go hand in hand in a positive light, but Italy is teeming with incredible places to explore that you’ll be so mesmerized by that crowds won’t be a bother.
While it goes without saying Rome, Venice, and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast are the most sought-after destinations in Italy, another flashy, action-packed city dubbed the “New York of Italy” is right on its tail.
That’s right, the ritzy city of Milan, filled with incredible food, luxe stays, and endless shopping, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Milan Seamlessly Blends Old And New
What comes to mind when you think of Italy?
For me, that’s easy. It’s definitely food!
For you, it could be ancient sites, charming villages, or the stunning coast.
Italy just has so much to unpack, appealing to all travelers, which is why the world-renowned country is breaking tourism records.
Milan somehow gets lost in the mix and is well past getting its due.
As one of the trendiest cities in the country now, travelers are realizing this city’s greatness.
One thing most travelers don’t think of in Italy is cosmopolitan cities lined with skyscrapers, which theoretically could be why Milan isn’t seen in the same group as Rome or Florence.
But don’t let the tall buildings take away from Milan’s underrated cultural sites and traditions, where the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is a must-see.
Milan is undoubtedly one of Italy’s best places to experience where old meets new.
New York Vibes: Food, Shopping, And Lavish Stays
New York may be across the pond, but Milan still has an Empire State of mind.
And just like there is a Little Italy district in Manhattan, the streams cross on this side too.
Between the bright skyline, bustling streets, high-end shopping and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Milan has taken on the moniker of “New York of Italy”.
Milan is a different pace than what tourists may be accustomed to who have ventured to, say, Lake Como, Sicily, or Venice.
While Milan surely has its fair share of crowds, given how easily explorable it is, this big city feel is different from that of many other Italian destinations.
If you’re up for a splurge, there may be no better Italian city with upscale shopping at the tip of your fingers with name brands like Fendi, Prada, and, of course, the Italian fashion icon Gucci.
Tourists can shop ’til they drop and refuel with some of Italy’s best cuisine dispersed throughout the city, from pizza, Minestrone Milanese, and the city’s staple dish, risotto alla Milanese.
Most importantly, however, you need a place to make your base. Aligning with Milan’s upscale shopping and food scenes, hotels may be even a notch above them.
Milan is home to luxurious hotels with dreamy amenities, like the Four Seasons and the Chateau Monfort.
For those who want to mix shopping and a luxe stay, the Bulgari Hotel Milano is just for you.
Splurge On Arrival, But Not On Airfare
Milan may not be the cheapest destination on arrival, but getting here is surprisingly affordable.
In fact, one could argue it’s one of the cheapest gateways to reach Europe from multiple U.S. cities.
Travelers can often find roundtrip airfare in the $300’s or low $400’s flying into Milan.
Good news is if you are a budget travelers, there is so much to see near Milan that you can bypass the glitz and glamour and see more of Italy’s scenic countryside, such as beautiful Lake Orta.
Better yet, it’s not only budget airlines squishing you into their seats, American Airlines and British Airways both fly nonstop from JFK and typically won’t break the bank.
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