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MilanThe statements and opinions on this page are solely those of its authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of CouchSurfing International.
Milano is the capital of Lombardia, the financial heart of Italy and one of the most populated and economically developed areas in Europe (together with the Flanders and the Ruhr area); the city itself has approx 1.200.000 inhabitant, but the metropolitan area encounters around 5 millions people. Milano is well knows as one of the european fashion capitals, aperitivi (the custom to take a drink with some snacks before dinner into bars) and its fog, but also as one of the most active cities in Italy for culture and politics. But the fashion world involve just a minority of the people in Milano (the famous fashion district) and the fog is rare nowadays on winter time because of the pollution and the climate change. Going for an aperitivo instead is still very popular every day of the week. And nowadays in Milano there is the largest number of no-profit organizations and NGO's in all Italy. Also, Milan is one of the most active city on the Couchsurfing Project. We are in the 24st rank as the city with most members in all the world, and we are the second city of Italy (after Rome). But there's much more! Architectonically and urbanistically less obviously spectacular than the cities like Florence, Rome and Venice, it is anyway a city with lots of hidden pearls (in terms of culture, art, music, fun), up to you then to find them! We hope you'll follow us into small pubs, courtyards, backyards, suburbs, churches, museums, discos, squats and other unusual places. Milano, during the centuries before the indipendence of Italy, was dominated by french, spanish and austrians. You can still find a sign of this into the topography, the dialet (which includes some german and french words) and the food (that is a complete diet based on recipes that are a mix of mitteleuropean and italian ingredients) Basically there are different kind of Milano; you can find a lot here, depending on what and where you look for it. This Wiki page is currently worked on by the group itself and will contain informations about our Milano.
The Group: Milano CouchsurfingCouchsurfing helps you to travel around the world, find a place where to sleep during your stay and, more important, to meet new people. To improve the possibility of new friendship during your travel, a good idea is joining the local group. And if you want to meet new people from Milan, you have to join Milano Couchsurfing, the official group of Milan. Milano Couchsurfing is one of the greatest group in all of Europe, with more than 800 members ready to host you, show you the city and have fun with you during many meetings. AmbassadorsMilan has two Country Ambassador (Maurizio Mangano and Mimmo Panza), three City Ambassadors (Valeria Mazza, | Demetrio Marino and | Jakob Sternbach and right now there is also one Nomadic Ambassador (Teo "PartyBoy" Belli). Feel free to send a mail to them if you need information about Milan and about our group. MeetingsBut it's not only the Ambassadors who love to organize parties, cultural or musical meetings and "aperitivi". Everyone who has an idea for the evening, or the weekend, proposes it, so there are 3-4 meetings during a week. And our meetings are opened to all Couchsurfers who want to join in and have a nice evening with friends! If you are coming to Milan, join the group Milano Couchsurfing and check all the posts to know when it'll be the next meeting. Or you can check our official Meeting Calendar where you can find all the upcoming meetings, with descriptions, infos and the link to the relative discussion on the group. If you are hosted by a Milano Couchsurfing group's member, ask him to propose a meeting, like an aperitivo. Or, more simply, you can leave a post where you explain that you want to meet some local couchsurfers! We love meeting new people, and we are sure you'll enjoy our company! Asking for hospitalityRemember that Couchsurfing is not a free hostel website. That means that you can be ready to sleep in a bed or in a couch or in maitress on the floor. Who knows? But you can be sure that your future host will explaine to you what he/she has to offer to you (if it is not written yet on his profile page). Also, most of Milan's Couchsurfers work, so if you are hosted in midweeks, maybe you have to wake up early in the morning. But, also, you have the possibility to meet the city and the people living there, have parties with your host and live unforgettable experiences. This is the Couchsurfing philosophy. So, before sending a request:
The Subgroup "Rent a Room in Milan"If you are thinking to live in Milan, you will need a place to stay. An house or a single tiny room, the followings are little advices for anyone who wants to live in our city. But we wish to anyone of you to find a place in a Couchsurfing house because honestly cs people are the best you can encounter in this city. Milan CS bike sharing projectIn order to promote urban cycling and the use of this wonderful way of transportation, some local couchsurfers would be glad to lend you their bikes during your stay in Milano. Just contact them and find an agreement, in case they don't need them, about when and where you could meet and take the bike. Hey, of course, everything is for free!:) Here are the bicycle tracks in Milano (not so many, unfortunately): http://www.piste-ciclabili.com/comune-milano Here is a list of some Milano couchsurfers that you could contact, in case you wanna know more about cycling around in Milano (and we also write the area where they live, in case you wanna pick up the bikes):
And here is a list of ciclofficine, where you could fix your bike or maybe also find a second hand one:
http://ciclofficinaruotalibera.wordpress.com
http://www.piubici.org/attivita.php?more=stec#cicloSte
http://www.ciclofficinacuccagna.org
http://www.villaggiobarona.it/eventi/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=62 Getting hereBy trainIn Milan there are several train stations. The most important is the Central Station, where all the train stops. All the most importants Milan train stations has a underground connection, that allow to go in every area of the city. For all the infos of trains in Italy, you can check on the official website of "Ferrovie dello Stato", clicking here. For regional connections you can use "Ferrovie Nord" trains, webpage in english is here. The main destinations you can reach are: Saronno, Novara, Malpensa airport, Varese, Laveno Mombello, Como Lake, Seveso, Mariano Comense, Canzo-Asso. From the airports to the cityIf you are coming to Milan by plane, you will arrive in one of these 3 airports: Linate (code: LIN), Malpensa (code: MXP) and Orio al Serio (code: BGY). Malpensa (MXP)It's the most important airport near Milan. Built on 2000, it was created specifically for International Flights. Malpensa is connected with the most important cities of Italy and Europe, but has flights from Africa (Marrakech or Casablanca, for example), from Middle East (Dubai) and from USA too (as New York). Malpensa Airport is located outside of the city of Milan, in a little beautiful city called Varese. From Malpensa Airport to Milan: Linate (LIN)Also called "Enrico Forlanini Airport" because it was dedicated to him, is the oldest airport of the three, and it's really close to the city. You need 5 minutes to arrive to Milan, with the car. The most important domestic flights land in this airport, but Linate is very well connected also with the most important european cities, like Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Madrid. Linate is not connected to the city by train or underground. So, if you don't want a taxi, you should take the bus: Orio al Serio (BGY)The third airport near Milan, it's the most used by couchsurfers because the most important low-cost airlines land there. It's connected with some Italian cities and some of the most imporntant european airports. Orio al Serio Airport is located near Bergamo, a beautiful city near Milan. Bus companies connect Orio al Serio airport to Milan with a 50 minutes trip to Milan Train Central Station. You can buy the ticket from the driver, and take some info clicking here. Going aroundPublic transportationATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanese) is the Company that organizes public transportation in Milan. You can go around Milan with buses, trams and underground (subway) too, and these allow you to go in every place in Milan. Underground The most important area of Milan (Dome, Central Train Station, Cadorna Station, Sempione Park) are connected by underground. In Milan there are three underground lines: the red line (or line 1), the green line (or line 2) and the yellow line (or line 3). The underground are efficient and fast, and it's the best way to move around Milan. But, obviously, you can take the bus or the tram too, and that might also be a little sightseeing. If you need more info, you can click on ATM official website (english version). Buses and Trams Buses and trams are everywhere and help you to get in every place in Milan (and outside Milan). Obviously the underground is faster than tram and bus, but covers all the most important area of Milan. Here are some important surfice lines: line 73 allows you to arrive to Linate Airport from San Babila (5 miutes walk to Duomo), line 27 goes from Viale Ungheria (far east of Milan) to Duomo and Cadorna Station. There are so many examples that you can see, checking on the ATM official website. RadioBus There is a new ATM service from ATM. It is a night bus (from 8PM 'til 2AM) that picks you up and bring you back home, for the price of normal bus ticket. You need to book it in advance, as the number of buses is limited. You can find more infos here. Some Tips- Who knows? Might help you! Choose with attention the ticket you're buying: the normal ticket cost € 1.00 and it's valid only for one trip. It's better to choose a 1-day ticket (it costs € 3.00 and it works for 24 hours) or the 2-day ticket (it costs € 5.50 and it works for 48 hours). The tickets can be bought in bars or newsstand and, also, in all the underground station there are automatic machines that allow you to but tickets (but there you can't buy 2-day tickets). Also you can visit this page where you can check the buses, the trams, and the underground stations near your place (your hostel or host). Unfortunately the page is only in Italian, but it isn't difficult to understand! Last but not least, there is a map with all the underground connections: it's very useful and you can find it clicking here (it's a pdf file, so you need Acrobat Reader to see it) Taxi serviceTaxis are kind of expensive here, compared to other parts of Europe. If you're a foreigner, beware of the bill, as some taxi drivers try to take advantage of the language gap. So, better take the public transportation or go by walk! Milano by footThe Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco are the first two places that a tourist has to visit, and these are so close to each other that you can visit them on foot. A good suggestion is to arrive in San Babila Square (Bus: 73; Underground M1 - Red Line). Then you can take Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a street full of shops and bars, then you will arrive at the back of the Duomo. You will have great time visiting the Cathedral of Milan, inside it or on the roof, then you can proceed to Via dei Mercanti and Via Dante, and you will arrive in Piazza Cairoli, in front of the Castle. So, in 15-20 minutes walk you have visited two of the best places in Milan. Generally, we suggested to walk around Milano, also in the suburbs, lifting your head to the sky, as the street in Milano are usually strict and it is a pity not to observe the houses. For instance, there is a lot of Liberty style around the city, altough most of the people doesn't know about it. Bike in MilanIt may be a bit adventorous, compared to the North Europe standards, but we highly suggest to rent a bike during your days in milano and have a different look on the city! Here are some addresses: Noleggio Biciclette AWS - For bicycle hire in Milan. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00. At Via Ponte Severo 23, 20125 Milan (MI). Rossignoli Cicli - Bike specialists for bike hire and sale, repair and special clothing. Located in the city centre. At Corso Garibaldi 71, 20121 Milan (MI). Ghioni http://www.ghionimotocicli.it IGOR BIKE di Igor Verner via Francesco Arese 20 (ang. via Thaon di Revel) 20159 MILANO Tel.: 02.69901353 Sito web: http://www.igorbike.com Email: iverner@libero.it LA BICICLETTERIA Aggregato Portello - p.le Accursio 20156 MILANO Tel.: 02.39260565 Fax: 02.3005014 Sito web: http://www.labicicletteria.it Email: info@labicicletteria.it LA BICICLETTERIA CNPRUV via Washington 60 20146 MILANO Tel.: 02.4984694 Sito web: http://www.labicicletteria.it Email: info@labicicletteria.it There are then some more unofficial places, called "Ciclofficine", where you can lend a bike for less money, as they're second hand bikes that are repaired by non-professional organization supporting urban cycling projects and initiatives. For instance, there is one in the Politecnico University, on in the Cascina Cuccagna and one in the Isola area: you can ask Julien or Lorenzo about it. Don't get lost!Oh, please, don't get lost! If you get lost, how can I find you? (Work in progress) Visiting Milano
Churches
Other churches suggested are: San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Abbazia di Chiaravalle, San Nazaro in Brolo, San Fedele, but you can have more suggestion from Wikipedia Monuments
Other monuments can be found on Wikipedia. MuseumsThe most famous are Duomo's Museum, Palazzo di Brera, Leonardo's "The Last Supper", Milan Aquarium and Castello Sforzesco, but you can find more info on Wikipedia Streets and parksMilan is ArtPhotographyVirgilio Carnisio is an artist who's taking pics of these city since the 60's. Into his books you can find an interesting view on the evolution and changes who occured in the last decades. Link: http://web.tiscalinet.it/photopixel/portfolio/carnisio.html One of the best galleries in Milano, pretty much suggested (it is into an old tram factory), concerning contemporary photography, with lots of international exhibitions, is Spazio Forma: http://www.formafoto.it/_com/asp/page.asp?g=h&s=e&l=ing CinemaFame chimica is an underground movie who represents quite well and alternative view on contemporary life into the suburbs of Milano, especially for young people. You can click on the trailer here: http://www.maryuana.virtuale.org/ddd33.avi A classic about cinematography in Milano, is one of the msot representative movie from the "neo-realismo" school, from the movie director Vittorio De Sica: Miracolo a Milano (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_in_Milan) Figurative artMario Sironi (1885-1961) is a very important italian painter. Most of his early art works where landscapes of the industrial Milano, of the grey but majestic atmosphere of the suburbs of the city. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Sironi Contemporary artThere are lots of galleries in Milano, specialized in contemporary art. Some events, like the MiArt (http://www.miart.it/default_e.asp) art fair, are set up during the year. Especially, you can walk around the Porta Genova (via Savona/Tortona/Voghera), the Garibaldi (corso Como) and the Brera areas. Special eventsThis one is a section that will be often updated with the most importants events of fairs in Milan. One of the websites where you can find a list of events in Milano is this one click here. 15-18 Novembre 2007 Milano Bicycle Film Festival click here 14-21 April 2008 Salone del Mobile (design fair): http://www.cosmit.it/tool/home.php?s=0,2,67,71,75 FuoriSalone: http://www.fuorisalone.it/2008/index.php Design pubblico : http://www.designpubblico.it/english/index.php Places (eat, drink, dance, party, internet, etc.)Milan is full of places, you'll easily find the one that most fits your tastes and needs. Here you'll find some suggestions from group members: FoodThe tipical food of Milano is a various mix of several ingredients coming from different national traditions: Italian mostly, of course, but also austrian/german food, for instance. Here is a list of some of the most famous dishes/recipes: risotto alla milanese (http://www.cliffordawright.com/caw/recipes/display/recipe_id/727/), ossobuco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossobuco), busecca/trippa alla milanese (http://italianfood.about.com/od/legumesandpasta/r/blr1296.htm), cotoletta alla milanese (http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefbracioleetc/r/blr0050.htm). And, the most famous and tipical ones: casoeula (http://www.cibochepassione.com/detailRicetta.uk.html?id=66) and the sweet panettone (http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0946.htm) Here you can find a list of the tipical milanese osterie: http://www.milanodabere.it/milano/ristoranti/osterie Here is a link to some of the restaurants in Milano: http://www.milanodabere.it/milano/ristoranti n°1 by pietro
n°2 by somebody else Hostels
Postello DrinksMono Rocket Beda House Rock 'n Roll PartiesIn Milano you can find several kind of parties and places. There is a mainstream scene, that is more or less coneected with the "fashion thing", that is mostly into house music or pop/indie. There is then also, under the surface, a very alive underground scene, that musically is more into reggae, drum&bass, hardtekno, psytrance. If you know where to go (or if you want to ask to the local CS's), you can find underground rave parties into squats or dismessed factories, or music festivals open air in the summer into parks. Here below is a quick view on some of the places we suggest. Atomic Gasoline Club Plastic Garage Leoncavallo The most famous and big squat in Milano. If you look for something more alternative and different from the world famous fashion side of Milano. Link: http://www.leoncavallo.org NordEst Cafè Live jazz music during aperitivi time, on wednesday and some other days of the week. Very simple but nice atmosphere. It is into a very nice area for night life, Isola. http://www.milanodabere.it/milano/locali/nordest_caffe.html InternetThere is a lot of Internet spots open until late (you have to pay though), also a lot of phone centre allowing to pay theoretically less than the normal price while calling abroad. Wireless Internet Spots free-hotspot offers a list of 118 free WiFi access points in Milan. Feel free to sort the results according to the kind of location you want to stay while surfing the www. Links
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