Expo 2015 - Milan, Italy
CC Image courtesy of Gaetano Virgallito on Flickr

For Italy, and especially for Milan, 2015 is an important year. Italy’s fashion and design capital will host the Expo, an exciting event that takes place in important worldly destinations each year. Lucky for Italy, this year it’s Milan’s turn!

The theme of the Expo, which will run from May 1st until October 31st, is food and nutrition and it is expected to draw in 20 million visitors from all over the world. In addition to visiting the stands, those who visit will also have the opportunity to see the beautiful city that is hosting the event.

If you've already arranged to spend a few days in Milan during the Expo, or if you are reading here and you will be organizing soon, here are some useful tips that will help you enjoy your visit to the max in some of Milan’s most beautiful areas.

Piazza Duomo – the Cathedral

This is a must-see! As soon as you exit the subway tunnels, the beautiful Cathedral will stand before you with its signature Gothic style. The admission is free so it would be a shame not to take a peek inside where you can also head up the steps to the rooftop and see the beautiful view of the city below.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Just a short distance from the Cathedral is a covered walkway where you can stop for a delicious Italian espresso or visit the numerous shops along the way. This covered area is especially nice on a rainy day, when it’s nice to stay dry and still enjoy the city.

La Scala

When you arrive at the end of the covered walkway you’ll find yourself in front of La Scala, the great city theatre that hosts concerts, operas and ballets.

If you happen to be an art lover and want to immerse yourself completely in Italian culture, there are plenty of galleries and museums to choose from in Milan: Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses important ancient and modern paintings; Triennale, which is an Italian design, architecture, decorative arts and visual arts, fashion and audio visual production institute.

Milan was also home to the famous painter Leonardo Da Vinci, who left many of his works and inventions there which are conserved in the eponymous Museum of Science and Technology. If you book well in advance, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Cenacolo Vinciano where The Last Supper painting rests.

Shopping, Eating and Entertainment

Corso Montenapoleone is the place to go if you’re looking for high-end boutiques and luxury brands that symbolize the iconic Italian style. There are also shops that cater to those looking for more affordable shopping opportunities such as Via Torino, Corso Vittorio Emanuele or Corso Buenos Aires.

It’s fashionable now to visit the small bars, pubs and trendy clubs that dot the city center for a happy-hour drink. In addition to a tasty drink, many offer a large buffet if you also desire a bite to eat.

If you would like to indulge in the delights of Italian cuisine, Milan’s choice of restaurants will not disappoint you. Find locales with typical dishes from Puglia to Sarda, Milan’s local favorites and Veneto’s signature plates. Your taste buds will feast on a variety of delicious cuisine without a doubt!

Here is a list of favorite local restaurants (special thanks to Instagram user @francyuau for the following suggestions): Locanda Chiaravalle, Osteria del Binari, Al Fresco, Cascina Cuccagna, Fioraio Bianchi Cafè, Nobile Bistrot de Milan,  Terrazza Triennale, Drogheria Milanese or Al Pont de Ferr.

For those with particular dining needs, such as gluten-free or vegan menu options, check out BeBop. Jena on Twitter, who is always on the lookout for gluten free restaurants during her world travles, tells us that the desserts are particularly good! 

Since the theme of Expo is “food and nutrition,” you won’t find it difficult to enjoy healthy, fresh and mouth-watering dishes in the exhibition halls during this fabulous event. Some of “Made in Italy’s” finest in terms of food, as well as many international wonders, will be featured at this exciting event.

*This article has been translated and edited by Rachel Rushing (blog contributor).