Why you should travel to Milan this year

A brief description of the history of Expo and the top reasons why you should visit Milan for Expo 2015 this year.

For all of you photographers, architects, designers and other artists out there, and basically for anyone seeking some new inspiration, Milan is the place to be this year! The reason why Milan is our point of focus now more than ever is that this beautiful city will be the host of the universal Exhibition, Expo 2015. Between May 1 to October 31, you can visit this capital of fashion, design and architecture, situated among the breathtaking Alps, while at the same time enjoying what the Expo of this year has to offer. During the 6 month period of the global fair, more than 20 million guests are expected to take part, as well as many international organizations, companies and partnering countries that all will contribute with creative ideas, innovations and discussions. And the theme? This year's exhibition will be all about sustainable solutions regarding nutrition, a theme named 'Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life'. Because of Italy's culture and tradition of locally produced, healthy, high-quality food, there couldn't be a more suitable host city than Milan.

This will not be the first time for Milan to host an universal Exhibition. In 1906, Milan hosted an Expo for the very first time, with a strong focus on marketing the opening of the Simplon Tunnel, a railway tunnel connecting Italy and Switzerland. It may seem like a long time ago, but in fact, the very first world exhibition was hosted by London already in the year of 1851. At this time, the industrial revolution had a strong influence on the expos that were featured, and England was the leading country regarding technological advancements.

If you wish to walk in the footsteps of previously held exhibitions, here are some highlights from former global exhibitions.

Paris had already hosted several exhibitions, however, the most famous may be the one of 1889, held at Champ de Mars, where the world-famous Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance arch.

Where to stay In Paris:

Three Ducks Hostel is the oldest hostel in Paris, which opened its doors in 1987. Rebuilt in 2014, it offers you a superb and affordable place to stay in Paris. Rooms from 32.00 €.

In Barcelona, a fair was hosted in 1929, focusing on the history of the arts. You can still travel to this lively city to visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, view amazing architecture on the streets and in Park Güell and enjoy artworks in the many art galleries of the city.

Where to stay in Barcelona:

La Flor de Gaudi Park Güell offers you a comfortable accommodation just a 5 minute walk from the stunning park. Prices starting from 15.11 €.

Seattle held the expo of 1962, aiming to present America's advancements in space technology. The construction of the renowned landmark Space Needle was showcased during the fair, an incredible constrution which you can still view today in Seattle.

Where to stay in Seattle:

AAE Hotel Seatle gives you a luxurious but affordable place to stay, just a few blocks away from the Space Needle. Prices starting from 28.91 €.

The 1998 world exhibition of Lisbon had the theme 'The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future'. The ocean's pavillion, now rebuilt and renamed the Oceanarium, had very long lines up to 5 hours. Even today, it is a very popular destination for tourisits, as it is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.

Where to stay in Lisbon:

So far, so homey is a fairly priced hostel in Lisbon that will make you feel comfortable and at home. Prices starting from 11,46 €.

Another famous exposition with focus on marine life was the one of 1992 hosted in Genoa, Italy, named 'Christopher Columbus. The Ship and the Sea'. It aimed to honour the brave traveler's discoveries of the ”new world” and partially took place in the famous Aquarium of Genoa designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.

Where to stay in Genoa:

In Ostellin Genoa Hostel you will stay on the first floor of an ancient palace in Genoa, close to the city center. Prices starting from 21.00 €.

The 2000 expo hosted by Hanover featured several themed pavillions with subjects such as health, mobility, nutrition, basic needs and environment. One of the projects was the rainforest house, where you have the possibility to sense the wide diversity of the tropical highland rainforest.

Where to stay in Hanover:

Bed'n Budget Hostel Dorms Hannover gives you a good night's sleep in the center of Hanover. Prices starting from 22.77 €.

If you are more interested in the challenges of today rather than exploring our history, you should definitly make a trip to Milan this year! The world fairs are always of great cultural, architectural and historical importance to the host country, and especially this year's theme is a widely known, global issue. Not only is the Expo of 2015 a good opportunity to learn about the global nutrition challenges of today, it can also be the perfect situation to meet new people and explore what the city has to offer. From amazing landscapes to remarkable architechture, interesting fashion and design as well as delicious Italian food and wine, this city has a lot to offer. Some travelers have forgone the city, comparing it to other remarkable cities of Italy and thus not caring to pay it a visit. However with the Expo of 2015, its beautiful history and many future prospects, Milan is still in fashion, and probably always will be.

Where to stay in Milan:

The 2-star Hotel Piola welcomes you in a quiet area of Milan, close to the historical city center and public transportation stops. Prices starting from 37.84 €.

Milano Hostel offers you a cheap place to stay close to a subway station and very close to downton Milan. Prices starting from 31.50 €.

Click the name of the city to view all hostels in Paris, Barcelona, Seattle, Lisbon, Genoa, Hannover or Milan.

Read more about Expo 2015 here!