10 low cost things to do in Milan

Here's a top-10 list of thigs you can't miss in Milan, brought to you by HostelsClub.com's Andrea, who hails from downtown Milan!

1) See the city (and, if you are lucky, the mountains) from above: the roof of the Duomo and the Branca Tower, at Parco Sempione, are open to the public: enjoy the incredible view of the whole city and the whole Alps in front of you! Feeling in shape? Take the stairs then!

2) Try a happy hour, the ritual that made Milan world-famous: have a cocktail and eat as much as you can for around 7 euros! The price varies from 5 to 10, depending on the bar: my suggestions are “La hora feliz” (which, quite surprisingly, means “happy hour” in Spanish, near the Colonne di San Lorenzo) and the Swami (near Porta Romana).

3) Eat Milanese! Find yourself a typical restaurant, and enjoy a “risotto giallo” with saffron and a Cotoletta, the traditional schnitzel! And if Christmas in coming, don't miss the chance to bring home a real panettone, our famous Christmas dessert. But you can also drink Milanese: Milan is famous for its small breweries or “birrifici”: they make particular, unfiltered and artisan-made beers. I personally love the Birrificio Lambrate , with tho pubs in Lambrate (strange uh?) and in Porta Romana and the Birrificio dell'Ortica, in one of the most traditional and historic boroughs of the city.

4) For a quick, cheap and central eat, have no doubts: head for Luini, just besides the Duomo! His “panzerotti” (a sort of rolled pizza) are a real must-eat in Milan, and they are the most popular lunch among young Milaneses!

5) Milan, the capital of fashion and high-price shopping? Could be, but definitely not in the Ticinese area! Small shops creating and selling their clothes, artisan jewelers, second hand stores: this is where Young Milanese decide what is cool to wear and what is not!

6) Take a break in one of the parks: they may be few, and small... but they are cute and refreshing!Parco Sempione, on the backside of the Castle, Giardini Pubblici with their small lake with ducks, or the cozy Guastalla, a student hangout place (the university is only a few meters away).

7)Sport fans will not miss the San Siro stadium, the “Scala” of football (for you guys on the other side of the puddle: I mean soccer, of course), the home stadium to F.C. Inter Milan and A.C Milan: if you are lucky you might see a match, but do not forget about the stadium tour and the museum! Always remember that Milan also has the most popular basketball team in Italy, and one of the most famous in Europe (Danilo Gallianri used to play there!): Olimpia Milano , currently owned by stylist Giorgio Armani, plays its home games at Palalido or at the Forum di Assago.

8) Milan is made of many tiny, cozy small places: most of the times not even milaneses know them. Check out the small streets near Piazza della Scala, with the via degli Omenoni and piazza San Fedele, or the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro ay Brunelleschi, an absolutely unique example of “trompe l'oeil” architecture.

9) Milan is by far one of the best people watching spots in the world: walk in the different areas, from the Navigli to the Ticinese and San Lorenzo area, then on to Brera and finally in Corso Como: from alternative to ultra-posh. Which crowd do you like the most? Join them for a Milanese night out!

10) Milan has something for everyone: are you a skater? In front of the Central station you'll find the best spot in Milan to show your tricks! B-boy? Beside corso Vittorio Emanuele you'll find the city's crews break-dancing and free-styling! Got a fixed gear bike? Piazza san Fedele is the spot for bike polo, and Critical Mass leaves from Piazza dei Mercanti, every Thursday! GLBT? The city has loads of pubs, bars and discos for you! Are you a jazz lover – with no budget problems? The Blue Note, the world's most famous jazz club, has opened in Milan, in the Isola borough, the new trendy nightlife area!

The list could go on for ours... but I do not want to spoil your visit: just come and see yourself! And if you do not want to have no money for risotto, beer and panzerotti, save on your accommodation: book a cheap hostel in Milan!