If you appreciate impressive architecture, art, fashion and a cosmopolitan vibe, then Milan is the perfect city for your Italian course in Italy. Brazilian designer Francisco Costa described it briefly, but brilliantly:
Milan, for me, is a city of discovery. You can find some amazing gardens behind some great houses; I also love finding beautiful galleries and incredible shops, but you have to explore. And the food is amazing.
At Studiainitalia we want to help you explore this amazing city differently from a tourist.
Here are some tips that will be useful during your Italian course in Milan!
A delicious Panettone, all year round
The Panettone is a famous type of sweet bread that was born in Milan and that all Italians enjoy for Christmas. But if you are visiting Milan in other seasons, don’t worry… Just head to one of the oldest bakeries in town – Pasticceria Cucchi – where you will find the tasty, freshly baked Panettone at all times!
A secret place for you to discover
The Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea (PAC) is one of the first examples in Italy of an exhibition space fully dedicated to contemporary art. Over the years, it has hosted key names in the international scene, such as Laurie Anderson, Kounellis, Duane Hanson, Andres Serrano, among others. It always has something interesting and unusual on display.
A local proverb
The Milanese love their city and the opportunities it provides, but they are aware of its limits. One local proverb says “Milan può far, Milan può dir, ma non può far dell’acqua vin”. It translates to: Milan can do, Milan can say, but it cannot transform water into wine. It means that Milan is a strong-willed city that can achieve any ambition, as long as it makes sense. It certainly cannot work miracles.
And speaking about the Milanese…
In Milan, dressing well (or decently) is a value. Most visitors are impressed by the daily elegance of the locals, whether they are going to work, to eat a slice of pizza or to the museum. Milan’s success in the world of fashion is no coincidence: it is the Milanese themselves who propagate the chic image of the city!
Only locals know about this museum
The Galleria d’Arte Moderna is a modern art museum housed in the Neoclassical-style Villa Reale, which was built in the 1790s as the residence of Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso. The museum features the largest municipal collection of 19th-century works, mainly by Italian and European artists.
Curiosity: the white tram dedicated to Carla Fracci
Milan’s trams are usually yellow or orange. All except for one on “Line 1”, which was painted white in memory of Carla Fracci after her death in 2021. The Milan-born ballet dancer and director was considered one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century. Carla Fracci loved dressing in white, and the tram of Linea 1 passes in front of Teatro alla Scala, where she was a leading dancer. Her father had been a tram driver, and would often ring the tram’s bell to greet his daughter when passing in front of the historic theater.
If you have already studied Italian in Milan: did we miss any tips in your opinion? Comment below!
Recommended websites for more tips on Milan:
Il milanese imbruttito – amusing anecdotes about the Milanese way of life.
Conosco un posto – Lifestyle and places to discover in Milan.
Le strade di Milano – Urban explorers share hidden and authentic corners.
Buon Italiano a tutti!
Do you want to know more about our courses in Milan?
Contact us: we will be delighted to assist you by chat, telephone or email. You can also request a virtual meeting to meet us online.