Milan

At first glance, Milan seems like a thoroughly modern city, but that’s the tip of the iceberg.  Two thousand years ago, Milan was the Roman city, Mediolanum and in the Renaissance, Milan was one of the most powerful city states. Exploring Milan with kids, discover the home of Leonardo da Vinci for over fifteen years – here in Milan, da Vinci did so many different things as a military engineer, musician, inventor, mapmaker, architect, sculptor, painter, kids can really see why he's a genius.

Coat of arms – As you walk around Milan, look for ancient coats of arms on the outside of churches and castle walls, painted on ceilings, or in floor mosaics. The red cross on a white background is the symbol of the city of Milan. The snake/dragon swallowing a person is the coat of arms of the Visconti and Sforza. Additionally, the red cross or snake/dragon symbols is also paired with a black imperial eagle topped by a golden crown.

Tip: Milan has a fast metro (subway) and extensive tram system to take you throughout the city. Buy a day pass, Abbonamento Giornaliero Urbano, good for 24 hours (from the time it's stamped) for unlimited trips throughout the central zone.

Fun food –

Gelato is delicious in Milan. Try limone (lemon), fragola (strawberry), stracciatella (chocolate and vanilla), cioccolato (chocolate), crema (egg cream).

Travel for Kids has plenty of fun things to do with kids in Milan, but you'll need a fun place to stay.

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels and apartment rentals in Milan, different styles and price ranges, in neighborhoods near to places you'll want to explore: