DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes

Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, a bustling city of finance and industry, media empires and fashion houses, backed up by an impressive cultural heritage of important art galleries and ancient churches. Yet a 40-minute train ride takes you to the azure pools of “the lakes”, lined with fishing villages, villas and laid-back resorts.

Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi

Top conservatory with free concerts by Milan’s philharmonic orchestra.
Corso Buenos Aires

This long road is where your average Milanese heads to shop, offering more than 350 shops in no particular order. You’ll find everything from handmade men’s dress shirts and Richard Ginori china to bootleg records.
Corso Como 10

After serving as fashion editor for the Italian Vogue, Carla Sozzani opened this boutique of expensive, eminently fashionable labels on everything from clothes and accessories to books and kitchenware. There’s also a café (see Corso Como 10, Milan).
Corso Como 10, Milan

Run by former Vogue fashion editor Carla Sozzani with the same over-priced, excruciatingly trendy verve that has made her attached boutique such a popular success, the café offers great aperitivi and a chance to hobnob with Milan’s elite.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II

This thoroughly modernized pedestrian street at the back of the Duomo is lined with arcades and some of the hippest shops in central Milan. Techno beats throb from windows displaying international cutting-edge chic for young fashionistas.
Cotoletta alla Milanese

For proof that the Lombards are Germanic at heart, look no further than Milan’s archetypal dish, a breaded veal cutlet which is, essentially, wienerschnitzel .
Cotti

Nearly 1,500 Italian wines, grappas (brandies) and other spirits are stuffed into this 50-year-old wine and gourmet foods shop.
Cova

Nestling in the heart of Milan’s boutique district since 1817, Cova offers excellent coffee and pastries (see Cova, Milan).
Cova, Milan

The Faccioli family opened Cova near La Scala theatre in 1817 and, though it was later moved to Milan’s prime shopping street, Via Montenapoleone, it has remained in the family – and continues to be café of choice for the city’s elite – ever since. Its made-in-house pastries, chocolates and sandwiches are some of the most exquisite in town, and they brew up a mean cappuccino to boot. There’s an elegant little tea room with refined service if all the window shopping has left you too tired to stand, but since this is still Italy, you’re also welcome to just run in and toss back an espresso.

Cova, Milan
Cracco-Peck

Minimalist chic eatery complete with liveried doorman and astronomic prices (see Cracco-Peck, Milan).

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20-€30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- over €50