• Italian Summer Drink.  To those of you enjoying a summer holiday  on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Dana at Stresa Sights recommends drinking a delicious Shakerato coffee at the Lido Beach Club in Baveno.

• Tuscany Gardens. If  Pisa is on your holiday itinerary, visit At Home in Tuscany and read a blog post on the city’s  lovely gardens. You’ll learn that the world famous Leaning Tower is not the only things to see in Pisa.

• Italian Design. If you are a shopaholic, Milan is with not doubt in your ‘Top 5 Italian cities to visit’. So check out La Bella Città and find information on the new beautiful Rinascente Design Supermarket situated just next the Duomo.

• Italian Liqueur: The Urbino-based Valle Nuova blog shares a Nocino recipe, a green walnut liqueur very popular in Modena and produced in different areas of Italy.

• Rome for Gourmets: If you are in Rome and want to sample some yummy local  sweets and Italian cakes,  NYC/Caribbean  Ragazza recommends you an excellent pastry shop near Circo Massimo.

Italy Postcards collage by Storm Crypt

The Italians are a race that look beautiful enough even without their clothes on so it’s almost unfair they dress so well too. Although people are fashion conscious in the most far-flung villages in the Italian countryside, the hubbub of fashion is, and always will be, the northern city of Milan. The streets are full of the biggest and most famous designers as well as being awash with high street names you all know and love. Here is a quick run down of the best places to drag your hundreds of shopping bags along to.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Perhaps the most contained and grand area for shopping in Milan, the Galleria Vittorio is a must-see. If you head for the Piazza del Duomo entrance then you can’t miss the beautiful stone arch leading you in to the shopping mall. The inside is laid out like an octagon, with a majestic glass ceiling that never makes one feel claustrophobic but only enhances the feeling of class. In the very centre of the octagon, all roads lead to the dome, where the glass roof makes you feel like you’re in a see-through cathedral. The history of the building has always been rooted in clothing. For over 120 years there has been dressmaking and tailoring on the site. But now there are dozens of catwalk labels and high street names from Gucci to H & M.

Via Dante, Milan

If you like to be out in the sunshine then this subtle little pedestrian street is a brilliant walkway for shopping in Milan. Found between the Renaissance castle Castello Sforzesco and one of the most famous and lively squares in town, the Piazza Cordusio, this quaint cobbled street has some brilliant little stores where you’ll find something a little different from the norm. It’s not all clothes though. There’s jewellery and knick-knacks and also some perfect little cafes and bistros, where certain male members of your party might like to take the weight off for a little while.

Fashion Quadrilatero, Milan

This is where things get very serious. There are a few big streets in this area that add up to being the most important fashion area in Milan and then possible the world. Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga, three street names you have to tattoo on your arm before you find an item of clothing to cover it with. The boutiques around this area have some of the most distinctive and glamorous items of clothing for both men and women. From Prada, to Armani, to Kenzo, to Gucci, Versace, Luis Vitton, D&G and YSL. If you want to come home with no money but the coolest clothes in the world, then this is where you should spend most of the day.

Trendy boutique hotels in Milan, Italy

• Watttredici Hotel
• Enterprise Hotel
• Hotel Straf

Picture of Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Gallery in Milan, Italy, by Dan Kamminga

• Air France US recommends a trip to Marseille, France, for the city’s great food, wine and weather.

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• The Spot of Main is looking for volunteers for this weekend’s Bellevue Strawberry Festival.

1. San Siro – Milan

There’s no where like this in the whole world. The home of two of the biggest football clubs, Inter Milan and AC Milan, The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza di San Siro, as it’s fully known, is proud to boast one of the best atmospheres in any stadium in the world. On a usual weekend in the ground you will be glared at by flares, flags and fans of all ages. It is a real sight to be seen.

Originally opened in 1926, it has always prided itself on packing in the crowds. Before the age of all-seated stadiums, it reached a peak of 150,000 in the 1940s. Nowadays it seats around 85,000, with Inter fans one weekend and Milan fans the next. The steep arrangement of the seats and the closeness to the pitch make the San Siro one of the most electric places to watch a football game and the likes of the great 2006 clash between the two Milan football teams that ended 4-3 to Inter are proof of such.

2. Stadio Olimpico – Rome

There have been some pretty historic moments in the great Olimpico, which is home to the great Roman clubs AS Roma and Lazio. Built in 1952, the stadium quickly found itself at the forefront of the world when it housed the 1960 Olympic Games. The 72,000 capacity is adorned with a wide circular roof and stands that stretch back as one rather than in blocks of tiers. The running track around the touch line sometimes makes for some distance between fan and player, but the atmosphere isn’t deterred by such and every weekend the locals around Lazio Via di Santa Cornelia are more than aware of a game being played. It was also the site of much of the 1990 World Cup including the final.

3. Stadio Delle Alpi – Turin

More former that current, it’s fair to say that the home of the great Italian teams Juventus and Torino was not the most loved of places to watch a football match. The reason it’s being talked about in the past tense is because it’s closed for business now, having only lasted 18 years. Those 18 years were quite something though which is why it’s getting mentioned here.

Although it always guaranteed some of the finest standards of play and is worth a mention for being such an ambitious project, the view was never the best in the world and it was a bit of a white elephant. In the late eighties the previous stadium in Turin was the Stadio Comunale but with the World Cup looming and the size not being big enough, a new ground was needed so the Delle Alpi was rushed into production. Home fans got the best seats and therefore the best views but guests at the stadium often complained about the poor visibility.

Photo of football game at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy by lazymood

Historically, Milan has always been one of the wealthiest cities that you will find anywhere in Europe and it has a global reputation for being the capital of design and fashion. Some of the world’s most influential fashion designers have called Milan their home and you will quickly discover why this is the case as well as being amazed at how affordable that experience can be.

There are four adjoining streets in Milan located just north of the Duomo called the Quadrilatero d’Oro or Golden Quadrilateral – specifically, Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso, Via Montenapoleone, and Via Sant’Andrea. Despite the fact that the shopping in these areas are characteristically “ritzy”, you will be amazed (with a little due diligence and exploration) how many bargains you can find. Via Montenapoleone is definitely the main artery with the most to offer, but don’t shop exclusively in the “Golden Quadrilateral.” Here are our recommendations for bargain fashion shopping in Milan:

Armani Megastore

Despite the renowned name and the attached misconception that if it’s Armani, it has to be expensive, you owe it to yourself to explore the bargain and close-out racks buried deep within this 8,000 square foot fashion Mecca. And if the kids are tagging along on this excursion, you’ll be happy to know that there is a children’s recreation area in the basement.

Gianfranco Ferré

Women’s wear and accessories are in plentiful abundance here and you won’t have to dig through racks and shelves to find the best bargains available since the store is loaded with excellent values front to back and side to side.

Il Salvagente

Despite being located slightly off the Golden Quadrilateral, this shop is well worth exploring. This retailer specializes in designer seconds, imitations, and last year’s fashions, as well as a wide array of other bargains. Don’t let this format fool you because even the keenest eye can’t spot the imperfections (unless of course you’re a fashion expert). The merchandise is comprised of discount overstocks from big name brands such as Armani, Fendi, and Prada.

Navigli

This is another bargains shopper’s haven and a cluster of shops to satisfy every fashion palate imaginable. Four different shops – Biffi, Corso Buenos Aires, Eliogabaldo, and Floretta Coen Musil – stand out as some of the best fashion bargain treasure troves that you will find anywhere in the city.

Calzaturifico di Parabiago

Catering to both men and women with high-quality fashion at unbelievably affordable pricing. Additionally, the selection is enormous and the sales staff is amazingly tourist-friendly. Taking all this into consideration, this is one shopping experience you won’t want to miss.

Photo of  Vittorio Emanuele shopping gallery, Milan, Italy by karynsig

1. Hipotel Paris Belleville

Fully renovated, Hipotel Paris Belleville hotel is a dream address for budget travelers in Paris, offering really cheap rates for this main tourist destination in Europe. This French hotel is close to Colonel Fabien underground station, allowing direct access to the major sites of interest in Paris.

2. Hotel Santa Prassede

Santa Prassede is a charming 2-star hotel in Rome, situated just a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, within walking distance of many major Roman attractions and only 600 metres from the Termini train and underground station.

3. Hotel International

Located in quiet small blind alley, a few steps from Place de la République square, the International Hotel enjoys a convenient situation in Paris, close to the attracting Marais district. Moreover, an array of restaurants, cafés and shopping facilities are close at hand. This hotel offers recently refurbished rooms, bar service, Internet Point and a very helpful staff.

4. Hotel Berna

Right in the center of Milan, the luxury 4-star Hotel Berna is situated at just steps from the Milan train station. Shopping lovers will find Hotel Berna conveniently located within easy walking distance of the famous Corso Buenos Aires shopping street. The excellent location of the hotel makes it also easy to reach famous Milan landmarks such as the Duomo.

5. Hotel Ritter

The Hotel Ritter is a 3-star hotel located in the historic and artistic center of Milan, 10 minutes from Piazza Duomo and 100 metres from Moscova metro station. The hotel fulfills the modern needs both for businessmen and tourists alike and the guest rooms offer a comfortable and exclusive stay in Milan.

1. Watttredici Hotel – Milan Famagosta

The Watttredici is a brand new Milan hotel enjoying a great location in the capital of Italian style. Situated only a few steps from Alzaia Naviglio Grande waterways – a trendy area offering a vast choice of shops, cafés, and dining venues – this design hotel is the perfect spot for discovering Milan fashion district and experiencing the city’s lifestyle. In addition to modern guest rooms, this 4-star hotel offers relaxing lounge areas and a modern lounge bar, where you can participate in the traditional Milanese ritual of aperitif and taste yummy cocktails until midnight. The Watttredici Hotel also boasts a meeting room fully-equipped with innovative technologies.

2. Enterprise Hotel – Milan Fiera

Located in the lively neighborhood of Milano Fiera, the Enterprise Hotel offers comfortable rooms within short walking distance of FieraMilanoCity fairground and close to some of Milan’s trendiest night clubs. Representing the city’s creative spirit, The Enterprise is the first design hotel in Milan and is the perfect venue for social events, business meetings and fashion shows. Boasting a relaxing atmosphere, this 4-star Milan hotel features a gym, a cozy lounge area, a garden courtyard, the Event Plaza meeting room, the fashionable Privé wine bar, and the Sophia’s Restaurant offering excellent creative cuisine in a splendid, spacious loft.

3. Hotel Straf – Milan historic center

Hotel Straf is ideally located in Milan city center, a stone’s throw away from Via Montenapoleone shopping street and close to the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Opera House. Combining classic elegance, Italian style and minimalist design, this luxury Milan hotel offers 64 rooms and suites with high-tech functionalities and comfortable amenities. The Straf Hotel Milan boasts fantastic interiors featuring innovative materials including cement, black stone, iron, burnished brass and scratched mirrors, as well as beautiful furnishings by Italian fashion designer Vincenzo De Cotiis. This design hotel also offers meeting facilities, a fully-equipped gym, a stylish cocktail bar and a modern restaurant open for lunch.

4. Hotel The Gray – Milan historic center

Situated in the city center, a few steps from La Scala Opera House and the Duomo Cathedral, The Gray is amongst the newest Luxury hotels in Milan. Set opposite the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this design hotel offers meeting facilities and comfortable, spacious guest rooms in the very heart of Milan’s financial and shopping district. Boasting stylish interiors with modern Italian design by Florentine architect Guido Ciompi, The Gray Hotel also has a splendid lobby and the ‘GBar’, which welcomes guests in an intimate atmosphere with background music. Serving delicious Mediterranean and International cuisine, the hotel restaurant ‘Le Noir’ is the perfect setting for your banquets and cocktail parties in Milan.

With over one hundred stands, editors, cartoonists, comic magazines, rare comic books, vintage comic strips, gadgets, DVDs, and brand new productions from International and Italian comic creators, Fumettopoli attracts numerous cartoon collectors and comics fans who come to complete their collections by buying and swapping material. Festival events also include book presentations, debates, competitions, dj performances, and ‘cosplay‘ theatrical shows.

In addition to be one of the major rendezvous for Italian comics aficionados, the upcoming edition of Milan Fumettopoli international comics festival is indented to be a charity event. This year, the money raised through entry fees will be donated to the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind in ChonBuri, Thailand.

Visitors information :

Day : May 11, 2008
Location : Atahotel Executive – Viale Don Luigi Sturzo 45 – Milan
How to get there : metro line 2 to Porta Garibaldi FS station
Opening hours : 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Festival entry fee : 7 euros

Hotel Atahotel Executive Milan :

The Atahotel Executive enjoys a central location in the area of Milan Porta Garibaldi train station, a stone’s throw away from Corso Como nightlife area, and a few minutes from many shopping and dining venues.

Offering comfortable, spacious guest rooms, this huge Milan business hotel boasts an excellent restaurant serving delicious Italian food and Mediterranean specialties. Hotel amenities also include a lounge bar, a large conference center, parking facilities, and wireless Internet access.

A great Milan hotel for corporate travelers.

Photo of old comics notebook from the Archivio di Pieve Santo Stefano, Arezzo originally posted by ciolpe