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.

Osteria degli Amici, Stresa

This convivial spot in the back streets has some outdoor tables and a menu ranging from pizza to freshly caught lake fish.
Paganini

Staying at this tiny hotel on a residential street off Corso Buenos Aires is like moving in with friends. The high-ceilinged rooms are large and kitted out with spare but homey furnishings. Only one of the eight rooms has a private bathroom.
Palazzo della Ragione

The arcade that takes up the ground level of this Lombard Romanesque palace, built in 1228–33 (the top floor dates from 1771), once hosted the city’s main market. The relief on the façade depicts the 13th-century mayor Oldrado da Tresseno on horseback. Inside, the Salone dei Giudici has its original frescoes.
Palazzo della Ragione

Milan’s 13th-century broletto (town hall) is a striking remnant of the Middle Ages.
Palazzo Dugnani

A 17th-century palazzo containing a Tiepolo fresco and a museum of cinema.
Palazzo Dugnani

The Salone d’Onore in this early 17th-century palazzo is a vast chamber with a cast-iron balcony. The 1731 ceiling was frescoed by Gian Battista Tiepolo with allegorical scenes glorifying the Dugnani family. A modest Museo del Cinema, which traces the early history of cinema, is housed in the building.
Palazzo Litta

This 1648 palazzo got a Rococo makeover in 1763. Today it houses the state railway offices (though they have long planned a move), a theatre and a Louis XV-style apartment open during special events and exhibitions.
Palazzo Litta

Italy’s state railway headquarters and a theatre occupy the expansive Rococo palazzo near the Last Supper .
Palazzo Marino

Milan’s Mannerist town hall.
Palazzo Marino

Milan’s municipio (city hall) has two distinct façades: a 1553 Mannerist one on Piazza S Fedele, and an 1886–92 Neo-Classical one facing La Scala theatre. The former was built by Galeazzo Alessi (who also designed the lovely main courtyard) in 1558; the latter dates to 1860.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €110
- €110-€160
- €160-€210
- €210-€270
- over €270
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