Green City Guide: Milan

In the country best known for its rich history and centuries-old culture, Milan is a modern wellspring in a deeply rooted nation, reputed for its cutting edge fashion, industry, and nightlife. However, in 2007, this cultural hub of Italy earned itself a less admirable distinction—the "pollution capitol of Europe."

But being a modern city—the second largest in Italy after Rome—Milan can't help but be influenced by the progressive, pro-eco trend gathering force around the world. Now you'll find organic restaurants, hotels powered by alternative energy, not to mention the established mega international design fair Salone Internazionale del Mobile, where some of the greenest innovations from around the globe make their debut.

These 10 tips will help any green-minded lad or lass venture into the classy, fashion-forward world of the Milanese. Buon Viaggio, green travelers.

For up-to-the minute green news, check out TreeHugger's Italy archives.

1. Take Public Transportation: Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM)
   Milan boasts a relatively easy-to-navigate public transit system--perhaps the best in Italy, where trains often run late. Kick your green trip off by hopping on a train or a bus from the airport. Around the city, the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi metro system is comparably intuitive, including subways, buses, and street trams (often more consistent than the buses).


2. Stay in a Green Hotel: Hotel Mito or the Asiston Hotel
   Support the slow emergence of green initiatives in the city by staying in an environmentally friendly hotel. Hotel Mito is a certified Class A eco hotel, according to the European Union-approved CErtificazione ENergetica degli EDifici (CENED). With a combination of renewable energies like solar and geothermal, it purports to have zero environmental impact.
   
   Another option is the Ariston Hotel, the first hotel in Italy to be built according to ecological hotel design. Unfortunately the hotel doesn't seem to have a focus on energy savings or waste reduction to complement the green furnishings, organic food, and free bicycles, so we give it a light green rating at best.


3. Peruse Milan's Flea Markets
   Find some cheap, super-stylish second-hand items in Milan's sprawling flea markets, stuffed to the brim with the clothing castoffs from one of the most fashionable cities in the world. The most notorious, the Fiera di Senigallia flea market is vast—and scenic, as it's set up along the Darsena canal every Saturday. Then there's the Mercatone dell'Antiquariato del Naviglio Grande, one of the largest antiques markets in the city. Or try the street market on Via Papiniano, open every Tuesday and Saturday, and considered by some to be the best. Hungry? Produce markets with an array of fresh local goods are often near by.


4. Dine at a Vegetarian, Vegan or Organic Restaurant
   Local food rules in Italy—home of the Slow food Movement—but as veteran meat-free travelers well know, it can be tricky to find vegetarian or vegan meal options in this country. Thankfully, Milan is more progressive than other locales. Try Joia for inventive, fresh vegetarian dishes and artful cheese plates. Serendib is a delicious Sri Lankan restaurant with plenty of veggie options. For classy organic fare, reserve a table at the Emporio Armani Caffé, which has organic seafood and grass-fed beef on the menu.


5. See the Sights on One Attraction-packed Green Walk
   Strapped for time? Knockout all Milan's major sights in a single whirlwind green stroll. Take the subway to the famed Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral. Next, head north to the gorgeously gothic Castello Sforzesco or Sforza Castle in Piazza Casteollo. Finally, head west a few blocks to check out Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"—this you'll have to book in advance, as they only let restricted groups of 25 in at a time. If you've still got time on your hands, swing by the Scala Theater, or duck into the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan's foremost art museum—both of which are within easy walking distance.


6. Shop for Cutting-Edge Green Fashion: Made in the Shade
   Milan is one of the most fashionable cities on the planet, so chances are you will go shopping here. How about a sleek green-minded article of clothing you will keep forever? Stylish sustainable clothing shop Made in the Shade features wares from fashion innovators like B'Sbee and Local Apparel, which has an emphasis on handmade items in all-natural material.


7. Rent a Bike or Take a Bike Tour
   Rent a bike for cheap through Noleggio Bici, and get around the city faster and greener than you would by car (traffic's a major problem in this city). Or, look into the not-so-cheap (300 euro or about $410 for a half-day) guided cycling tours through Air-Stop Travel Association.


8. Discover Green Design at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile
   If you're a green design buff, a furniture aficionado, or simply someone who's intrigued by innovation, you might want to time your visit in the spring to coincide with the annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile or iSaloni. It's one of the major international furniture fairs (if not the premier design event), and several green furniture lines have debuted there—among them, Cappelini's Eco-Sustainable collection and Droog Design's "A Touch of Green." The fair is only open to the public one day (trade-only for the rest), but parallel exhibitions and events take place throughout the entire city. This year, iSaloni will be held April 22-27.


9. Soak up Milan's Public Parks and Gardens
   There are plenty of beautiful, historic parks and gardens in Milan, and many are open to the public free of charge. First stop should be the Giardini Publicci (Public Gardens)—Milan's largest city park. It's a sprawling, well manicured garden that's ideal for relaxing or idly meandering. Or, if you're more historically inclined, pay a visit to Milan's oldest gardens, the Giardino della Guastella. This park is 500 years old, and littered with eye-catching monuments. And if that doesn't sate your green garden fix, check out Milan's Parks and Gardens to find even more destinations.


10. Take a Day Trip to Lake Como, Italy's Most Famous Lake
    Escape the city life and soak up vistas of blue water framed with snow-caped mountains on the shores of Lake Como, a short train ride away. Just take the Ferrovie Nord from the city center and you'll be at the scenic destination, a renowned vacation spot for green celebrities including George Clooney, in only 45 minutes.

Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.

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