You’ll soon be able to hop on board a luxury Emirates flight between two vibrant, but distinctive, cities. The New York to Milan route opens in October 2013, taking you from the bright lights and skyscrapers of the Big Apple to the historic and creative financial hotspot in northern Italy.
Which is better: Milan or New York?
On the face of it, comparing Milan and New York is like comparing chalk and cheese. The cities are incredibly different in endless ways, but there is one thing they have in common: they both have a lot to offer visitors.
The beautiful architecture of Milan
Mini guide to Milan
Milan may not be the most enchanting of Italy’s cities, but if you’re in search of creativity and a spot of shopping then you can’t go far wrong here.
Milan is the home of fashion.
Its runways were the launch point for many of the world’s top designers including Armani, Gucci, Versace and Prada.
Fashion drives a large part of the economy in Milan
Today, boutiques sell emerging labels so you can stay ahead of the crowd and you’ll find numerous chic shops stocking the famous brands. If a lofty price tag doesn’t suit your wallet, you can hit the outlets where you’ll find samples, seconds and last season’s goods at a fraction of the cost. Milan is also a great place to buy furniture, homeware and contemporary art, so whatever creation you’re searching for, Milan is sure to have something original to offer.
The nightlife in the sprawling city is vibrant, including avant-garde theatre, hip clubs and trendy eateries offering up all kinds of tempting options.
Art of all sorts is prominent in Milan
The food here is distinctive – risottos are more popular than pasta and you won’t find tomato on every menu like in other parts of the country. Meat dishes such as breaded or stewed veal and pork ribs are popular, along with sweet treats like fritters, cookies, cakes and ice creams.
Whether you’re looking to dine in traditional surroundings or you’re in search of a stylish, contemporary restaurant, there are plenty of places to choose from.
Make the time to sip coffee in a pavement café while watching the world slip by, then, if you’re feeling energised, take a bike tour of the city as it’s an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the main sights and learn about the history of the area.
A beautiful place in Milan to sip some coffee
When you’ve finished shopping and eating, Milan has some stunning treasures to explore including an intricate cathedral, that is the fourth largest in the world; the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper; the world famous La Scala theatre, that hosts opera performances that will blow your mind and Castello Sforzesco, which is an impressive red brick castle.
Milan is also well connected to the lakes, making it a fantastic destination to combine a city break with the beauty of the countryside.
Mini guide to New York
Needing no introduction, the city that never sleeps is a tourism magnet. It offers theatres, art, amazing dining experiences, green spaces, famous landmarks and, like Milan, some of the best shopping in the world.
New York attracts visitors in their droves. There is so much to do here that you’ll never manage to cram it all in, even if you stay for a year. The best you can do is skim the surface of the destination.
The famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City
Indulge in the main sights, eat the oversized plates of food, look up in awe at the tallest buildings you’ve ever seen, try to take in the bright lights…then come back for another visit.
Like with a giant NY deli sandwich, your biggest dilemma is working out where to begin. With sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre to see, it’s tricky to not get swept away and spend your entire time sightseeing.
Interesting art work at the Chelsea Market in New York City
Make sure you build in some time to have some unique New York experiences: take in a show on Broadway, party all night then stop on your way home to grab breakfast in a diner, hail a yellow cab, buy a doughy pretzel from a street vendor, take a trip on the subway and go shopping in a large department store such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Your feet probably won’t hit the ground until you arrive home.
The stunning New York City skyline at night time
New York to Milan
The new route linking these two iconic cities is sure to be popular. The pair of financial hotspots with thriving fashion industries and excellent tourist attractions have more in common than you might think.
