Concerts at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
by meteorologist1
It is a unique experience when you get to listen to classical music by famous Italian composers like Verdi while enjoying the ancient architecture near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Duomo. This is an excellent nightlife spot. Many people like to take an evening stroll here and eat an ice cream.
want to brush up your language skills?
by Flamegirl
When I moved to Milan, a friend told me about Passport, a "cultural association" which organises conversational language practice in a bar. I attended for a year and a half, "teaching" different levels of English, and I loved it.
Many people want to improve their oral fluency in a language, but may not have the time, money or desire to sign up to a course at a language school. For them, Passport is ideal; one evening a week in a particular location there is an "aperitivo in lingua", where for 11 euros you get a drink and some food, whilst talking in small groups to a mother-tongue "teacher" for an hour and a half.
This isn't a "lesson" as grammar isn't discussed; the focus is on conversation (a weak point in the Italian education system) and the practical application of language. Unless you come in a large group there is no need to book - you just turn up, which means it's very flexible. It's also very sociable and a great way to meet people (I made friends with many of my students). And of course, having a drink sometimes helps when speaking another language!
Languages offered include different levels of English (the most popular), Italian for foreigners, French, Spanish, Brazilian (sic), German, Russian, Japanese and sometimes Arabic. On Mondays and Wednesdays it takes place in Caffe Santo Stefano (in Piazza Santo Stefano near the Duomo/Piazza Fontana), on Thursdays in the Antica Birreria di Porta Nuova, on Via Solferino (between Moscova and Garibaldi metro stations) and on Tuesdays in Monza, an old town just outside Milan.
Passport follows the academic year, starting in October and ending in July. In addition to the "aperitivi in lingua" it often organises extra activities held in a certain language (i.e. sailing or photography in English, theatre in French, trekking in Italian, even holidays).
For more information see the website or call the number to speak to Leo, who runs Passport (he's Italian but speaks English, French and Spanish) - that's him on the right of the photo.
If you have a day left you can...
by Joeplaboem
If you have a day left you can visit the city of Varese or Stresa. Varese is a nice town for shopping and eating. Stresa is at the border of the Lago Maggiore a beautiful lake. Don't forget to visit Isola Bella and Isola Madre in the middle of the Lake.
a good bar
by muttleymilano about Good fellas
If you are searching for a good bar you can go to "Good Fellas" Via Cusani (close to metro' station Cairoli, red line); the best day is thursday night i think; you can find many people going there (and a lot of nice girls)form 21 to 23.00 p.m. before disco for example. Beer is quite good and not so expensive (€ 4,20 for 0,5 cl). no restrictions for your dress
Orange Trams
by GrumpyL5
A handy alternative to the Metro is the Tram system. They rattle through Milan and serve most tourist spots as well as the main stations. Tickets must be purchased before you board, at the tabacci stalls, and stamped with the date and time when you board, using the stamping machine on the tram. The ticket stamp machine is usually at the back of the tram. The ticket is then valid for 75 mins, and must be retained for inspection.
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