EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: MILAN

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN MILAN

Who needs GPS in Italy when you have minestrone? Locals swear it only takes a few sips of this typical soup to know precisely where you are on the Italian peninsula. That's because the Milanese love their rice and, unlike in other regions of Italy, they use it in place of pasta in their minestrone Milanese recipe. In addition to rice, beans and seasonal vegetables (think tomatoes, spinach, celery, cabbage, beets, and more) are cooked together in a flavorful and mouth-watering broth. Topped off with herbs, minestrone Milanese is then served hot (in the winter months) or cold (during the summer) in most traditional Milanese restaurants. Buon appetito!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Milan

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Milan:

• Risotto alla Milanese: This is the most famous dish in Milan for a reason! Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy rice dish with a rich flavor from beef broth, butter, and cheese. It gets its vibrant yellow color from saffron, which gives a distinct, delicioustaste. It also makes a great comfort food!
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: This is a simple but classic Milanese meal that features a breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet that is perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It's a locally loved dish that is a staple of Milanese cuisine!
• Ossobuco: Ossobuco is a tender veal shank braised with vegetables, wine, and broth. It's often served with a scoop of marrow and is traditionally paired with Risotto alla Milanese. It’s both filling and mouth-watering, so we definitely recommend trying it at least once! 

BEST DRINK IN MILAN

Invented in Milan in 1915 by Davide Campari at his Camparino bar, Campari Soda (or Campari Seltz, as it's called in Italy) is today known as the national drink of Italy. This traditional spritz is made of one part Campari and three parts soda water and is served with a frothy top in a stemmed or old-fashioned glass. Garnished with an orange slice, a Campari boasts a citrusy flavor with some spice-forward notes (think cinnamon and clove). While the beverage is known for its bitterness, it's considered very refreshing and enjoyed by both Italians and visitors from around the world!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Milan

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Milan:

• Negroni Sbagliato: This is a fun drink with a fun origin story! The "Sbagliato" means "mistake," because the bartender accidentally used sparkling wine instead of gin when making a Negroni. Now, this accidental cocktail is now a Milanese specialty!
• Campari: This iconic red aperitif is a wonderful addition to Milan's famous aperitivo culture. Campari is a bitter liqueur with a citrusy flavor that is used in many cocktails, especially the classic Negroni. Having a Campari-based drink before dinner with some snacks is a social ritual for native Milanese!
• Ramazzotti: This is a famous Italian bitter liqueur or amaro that has been made in Milan since the 1800s. It offers a complex, herbal flavor and is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. It makes a perfect drink to sip on to end a night out in Milan! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN MILAN

Situated just outside the historical center of Milan, The Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) is a medieval fortification worth visiting while living and learning in northern Italy. This 15th-century castle was built by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and was later renovated and enlarged during the 16th and 17th centuries, making it one of the largest citadels in Europe. It's free to walk inside the courtyards of Sforza to appreciate a well-preserved example of a medieval castle. Just remember to visit the onsite museums during your visit, which only cost €5 to access, to learn all about the Sforza family and the castle's interesting history.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Milan

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Milan:

• Gothic Duomo di Milano: This magnificent cathedral is an important landmark in Milan, and its stunning Gothic architecture is an amazing sight for everyone in the city. You can climb to the roof for a breathtaking close-up view of the gorgeous, detailed spires and enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the entire city.
• Santa Maria delle Grazie: This church is home to one of the most famous pieces of art in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Seeing this masterpiece in person is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be sure to book your tickets far in advance, since they often sell out very quickly!
• Quadrilatero della Moda: This area is the heart of Milan's status as a global fashion capital. It is a luxury shopping district with streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Even if you are not buying anything, walking through this neighborhood is a great way to experience the city's high-fashion and design-forward culture. 

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