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.

Pizzeria Vecchia Napoli

Neapolitans make the best pizza, and the award-winning wood-oven pizzas, simple pastas and grilled meats at this busy place go to prove it.
Planet Residence, Milan

Boringly modular but spacious apartments of two or three rooms, with A/C, VCR, modem hook-ups, kitchenettes, laundry service, and thrice-weekly cleanings. Daily and weekly rates are available.
Plastic

If you feel it just ain’t a club unless there’s bouncers and velvet ropes keeping the less-than-perfect at bay, then Plastic is the trendy spot for you. Inside, there’s a mix of techno, house and jungle – background to the pick-up scene for all tastes (Thursday is officially gay/lesbian night). There’s also a laid-back billiards room, with jukebox favourites.
Playing a Round of Golf

Definitely make a round of the 18 holes at Circolo Villa D’Este and check out the course of Golf Club Menaggio & Cadenabbia.
Polenta

Northern Italy’s corn-meal side dish can be prepared in any form, from a soupy mush to a paste firm enough to slice and fry. It’s often studded with mushrooms or some other delicacy.
Ponte Rosso

Ignoring the hipness of Naviglio, Ponte Rosso serves up hearty dishes from Milan and Trieste.
Porta Nuova

Piecemeal city gate incorporating ancient Roman funerary reliefs and a 13th-century marble tabernacle.
Prada

Central outlets of the firm that transformed a handbag business into the high-fashion success story of the 1990s.
Prada

The most chillingly expensive of Milan designers, Prada breathed new life into relaxed minimalism with the help of a small red stripe.
Premiata Pizzeria

Navigli’s most popular pizzeria, with semi-industrial décor and a coveted terrace. Book ahead.

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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