A Celtic tribe founded the town in 590 BC, but the Romans quickly conquered the area in 222 BC. After flushing during the Renaissance with the help of the Visconti and Sforza families, it suffered damage from Napoleon and WW2 in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, Milan is in a modern golden age rivaling its medieval period. Sophisticated architecture litters the streets, and chic walkways lined with designer brands attract tourists from all four corners of the globe. The annual Milan Fashion Week sums up the modern city when celebrities come to see the latest trends in lavish labels before unwinding in one of the numerous cocktail bars in town.

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Climate: humid subtropical
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C, F, and L
• Peak tourist season: July to September

Go beyond the tourist hotspots

Countless world-class attractions dot northern Italy. But tourist hotspots overshadow these worthwhile experiences.

You'll create a unique Italian adventure and help support smaller museums and businesses by visiting lesser-known sights. The historical Cittadella of Alessandria and the breathtaking Renaissance architecture of Pavia Monastery are probably landmarks you have never heard of, and they're easy to visit when you ride with Daytrip!

Avoid rush hour

Milan is a bustling city that often sees gridlock. If you travel within rush hour traffic from 8 to 10 AM and 5 to 8 PM, you'll waste time sitting in a vehicle when it could be better spent sipping on a Spritz!

The cities between Alba and Milan are commuter towns. Many people travel here for work, making public transportation crowded during peak hours.

Do your homework

Milan is a unique city, unlike anywhere else in Italy. As a result, you may be surprised to find such a contrast to Alba.

Most notably, Milan has a vibrant nightlife, and the party atmosphere begins early in the day. Aperitivo is like a religion in the town, so you'll need to understand its rules before you arrive and its tipping cultures.

Although Milan has the highest English-speaking population nationwide, locals appreciate using basic phrases such as buongiorno (good morning) and grazie (thank you).

Train from Alba to Milan

The train is the most popular to travel from Alba to Milan. Trenitalia offers a quick and cheap service through its regional trains and fast Frecciarossa carriages.

Although no direct trains are available, it requires just one change at Turin Porta Susa. Just purchase a ticket from Alba to Milan Centrale at the station or online 30 days before departing for the best deals. Don't forget to validate your ticket before boarding!

• Cost of tickets: €12–€18
• Journey duration: 2 hours, 20 minutes to 3 hours, 43 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:03 AM to 8:10 PM
• Number of daily trains: 45

Bus from Alba to Milan

Since the bus is longer and more expensive than the train from Alba to Milan, it's not a popular mode of transport. However, it's a method to keep in mind, as train strikes are not uncommon in northern Italy.

No direct buses are available, so you must buy a ticket from Alba to Alessandria with Marino Autolinee. Here, you'll transfer onto a Flixbus service to Milan Lampugnano Bus Station. Since this station is outside the city center, you need to take a bus, taxi, or metro to downtown.

• Cost of tickets: €27–€35
• Journey duration: 4–5 hours
• First/Last departure: 6:20 PM
• Number of daily buses: 1

Daytrip private car from Alba to Milan

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most comfortable, and only direct transportation from Alba to Milan. As a result, it's the best way for families, groups, or anyone wanting a stress-free trip to travel.

In only 1 hour and 50 minutes, you can ride from your hotel in Alba directly to your new one in Milan. But first, your professional driver will greet you with a smile and handle any luggage you have.

Along the scenic journey, you'll have the chance to enjoy the wonders off the tourist map, including the beautiful Ponte Coperto and the majestic Asti Cathedral. And don't worry about dragging your bags along. We'll safely store them in the trunk while you explore!

• Seats from: €55
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized car
• Equipped for kids or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Admire the Last Supper

Housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this renowned fresco painting is one of the most famous works of art worldwide. Leonardo da Vinci painted this masterpiece in the late 15th century, showing the moment Jesus revealed that one of his disciples would betray him.

But don't forget to admire the other works here. You can find other stunning Renaissance art and architecture and take a moment to appreciate the postcard-perfect courtyard.

Wander Duomo Square

Milan's nightlife stems from Duomo Square. It's a giant melting pot of noise and energy, showcasing that it is the city's beating heart.

However, its visuals are just as attractive as its lively personality. In one turn of the neck, you can see the Royal Palace of Milan, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, and the iconic Duomo Cathedral.

You could spend hours admiring each landmark. Luckily, you can do so with a drink in one hand and a camera in the other at Terrazza Aperol!

Visit Sforzesco Castle

They say that the best things in life are free, and that seems to be the case, as you can visit the stunning Sforzesco Castle without spending a penny!

A carnival atmosphere erupts in the grand courtyard on a summer day. Locals and tourists gather to admire the setting before venturing through its historical paths to another free attraction, Parco Sempione.

As you pass through its gates, a world of natural beauty filled with leafy walkways and glimmering bodies of water unfolds before you. Don't forget to bring some products from a local market and enjoy a picnic under the sunset.

Milan in the spring

Like most of Italy, spring is generally the best time to visit Milan. The average daily high temperature of 77_°_ Fahrenheit is ideal for walking tours or soaking up the sun's rays on a stylish terrace.

This season also receives significantly fewer visitors than the summer. So you can enjoy leisurely activities and various cultural events without getting lost in the crowds.

Milan in the fall

The fall months of September, October, and November are the second shoulder season of the year. The vast tourist groups sitting on the sidewalks make way for brown and red leaves. As a result, it's the most beautiful time to see Milan.

But it also has another unique factor. Traveling in the fall will get you the best hotel and tour deals. Establishments offer compelling discounts to fill up spaces before winding down for the low winter period. And you can put this saved cash toward the restaurants, as this is the harvesting season for fresh local ingredients!