Milan isn't driven by tourism, therefore you can relax here and take the opportunity to look deep for the 'real' Milan, or Milano, as the locals call it. Milan is more driven by the fashion trade, which creates some fantastic shopping opportunities for the vacationer. Besides the larger stores of Prada, Armani, Pucci, Gucci, Gabanna, Dolce and Versace in the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Quad), you will find outlet stores featuring last year's cast offs, samples and seconds. Milan, unknown to many, is also the world's capital of house wares and furniture, so be prepared to shop and dream. Visit, also, Bisazza. The top name in modern mosaics, this Milan showroom proudly displays the striking art accomplished with small bits of tile and a lot of imagination. Unbelievable! Then visit The Civico Acquario, worlds away from the shopping district. Europe's third oldest aquarium greets you with an amazing aquatic Art Nouveau facade, then introduces you to Italy's host of marine life. Everywhere you look in Milan is a feast for the eyes and senses. Take the time to sit at one of the outdoor cafes that line the canals and just soak up the essence of Italy in Milan.

You will find your lowest fares flying into Orio al Serio International or Milano Malpensa. Both airports accommodate low-cost carriers and your dedicated research here will pay off. You might find more advantageous fares by flying into a larger European city, then taking a 'hop' on one of the low-cost carriers into one of the three airports in Milan, so look at this option carefully. Also compare the alternative of staying in Bergamo, or another smaller town with more reasonable lodging prices, then renting a car for excursions into Milan.

Airports serving Milan, Italy

Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), formerly known as Aeroporto Citta di Busto Arsizio is an international airport approximately 25 miles northwest of central Milan. Easy connections to Milan, via the Milano-Varese highway and the "Malpensa Express" train make this airport a popular embarkation and debarkation point. EasyJet has a dedicated terminal here, so low-cost fares are attainable and Lufthansa has a partnership with Malpensa, in which it shares monetarily in the improvements to the airport. Lufthansa requested 10 additional daily slots into MXP in July of 2009.

Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is located about two miles southeast of Bergamo, Italy, and just 29 miles from Milan. This airport services the majority of low-cost airlines flying into this area and tourists often stay in Bergamo, traveling to Milan for the day, and then back, as the hotel rates in Bergamo are less, as is the noise and congestion. The airport also has a bus that shuttles to the Bergamo Rail Station that then has service to Milan, Brescia and Lecco.

Airport Enrico Forlanini is most commonly known as Linate Airport (LIN). Just under five miles east-southeast of Milan, it is used mainly for domestic and short-haul international flights. Windjet and EasyJet are the two low-cost airlines, but only from Catania and Palermo or London-Gatwick and Paris-Orly, respectively. Tourists that are city-hopping within Italy will often use this airport to give them quick access to Milan while not costing an arm and a leg.