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.

Primavera, Stresa

A small hotel in the pedestrian centre of Stresa. Simple rooms have the basic amenities.
Principe di Savoia

Built in 1927 in a 19th-century Lombard style, this is the most elegant of Milan’s top hotels. Its Principe Tower was built in 2000 for businessmen who like their modern office conveniences in an old-fashioned atmosphere.
Promessi Sposi

This personable hotel, named after Manzoni’s literary classic (see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)), sits on a square at the foot of the middle-class shopping boulevard of northern Milan. Though at the top end of budget, it’s probably the best value of any hotel in Milan. Most rooms are quite large by Italian standards and furnished in an airy style with rattan pieces.
Puppet Shows

Italy’s rich tradition of puppet shows, from Sicily’s epic tales of Saracen warriors and Charlemagne’s knights to Naples’ slap-stick Pulcinella (Punch and Judy) shows, has almost died out. Thankfully, here and there master puppeteers such as Cosetta and Gianni Colla at Milan’s Teatro delle Marionette keep the tradition alive and update the stories to appeal to a modern audience.
Renaissance

Classical architecture and elegant painting, with delicate colours and new techniques such as perspective (15th–16th centuries).
Rescasa, Milan

This is one of the main organizations for self-catering accommodation – called “Residence” in Italian, and usually available on a monthly basis. On the website is a downloadable brochure with dozens of options in Milan and throughout the region.
Ricordi

Milan’s huge subterranean branch of Italy’s premiere chain of music and CD megastores – Ricordi has come a long way since it published the music of Rossini, Verdi, Bellini and Puccini.
Risotto alla Milanese

If you order risotto in Italy, you usually have to wait at least 20 minutes as the cook must constantly stir the round arborio rice until it reaches the optimum gooiness. It’s time-consuming to make in small batches, so most restaurants will prepare it only for two or more people. Milanese often tinge their risotto bright yellow with saffron, and may throw in seasonal vegetables. In Mantova they spice it up with sausage.
Ristorante Anzani

Unpretentious trattoria near the train station, with a menu grounded in Milanese favourites.
Ristorante del Pescatore, Stresa

Tucked away in the upper reaches of town, this restaurant is popular for fish dinners and a Valencian paella (for two or more only) for which it’s best to 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