Car Hire Milan

To drive in Milan’s inner-city centre during the week, you’ll need to purchase a ticket beforehand. The so-called Area C aims to reduce congestion in the city centre at peak times and signs indicate where it applies. Speak to our helpful staff when you arrive for more information regarding the area. This differs from ZTL zones found in other Italian cities, which are strictly pedestrian only.

When inside the centre, look out for the different coloured zones that indicate parking. White zones are free to park in, unless stated otherwise, while blue lines mean payment is required. Yellow zones are for residents only. Alternatively, there are private car parks around the city, which charge an hourly rate, but do offer long stay options. 

With major roads branching out of the city, it’s easy to hop in your hire car and explore northern Italy’s wealth of attractions. Turin, the elegant capital of the Piedmont region, is only two hours away via the A4 west, while the romantic city of Verona lies along the A4 in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, elegant and breathtaking Lake Como is just over an hour’s drive north along the A9. Foodies, though, should make a beeline for Bologna, which lies to the south along the A1.

Driving in Italy is always on the right-hand side of the road and you should always carry proof of ID and your driving licence with you. Speed limits vary, but the general rules of the road are 130 km/h for motorways, 110km/h on main roads outside of towns and cities, and 50km/h in built-up urban areas.

Milan is a city for the senses. It’s where restaurants carry the scents of gastronomic delights, where emotions are stirred in the opera houses, and where eyes are dazzled by the latest textures and styles from the world’s designer labels. All while being surrounded by historical sights. Discover hidden treasures and traditional delights as you explore this energetic city and its top attractions.

Fashion capital

Known as the world’s fashion powerhouse,it’s little surprise the city has not one, but two fashion weeks each year – one before spring, one towards the end of summer. Even when the world’s best-dressed aren’t in town, fashion is still found everywhere.

The commercial centre of Milan, and one of the city’s top landmarks, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of the most opulent boutiques. A building of superb beauty, here you’ll find designer brands such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants.

For another taste of luxury, visit Via Montenapoleone, one of the most expensive streets in Europe. It’s a treasure trove of luxury brands, from diamond jewels at Cartier to Italian-made labels at Versace. Or, for a glimpse into the hidden world of clothing, embark on a Milan fashion tour. Starting on this iconic street, you can learn the secrets of the trade in a fashion workshop or discover tailors at work through an hour-long tour.

World-renowned sights 

Away from the glitz and glamour, Milan also hasan incredible heritage. A prime example of this is the Duomo di Milano, Milan’s striking cathedral. Taking more than five centuries to complete, it’s one of the largest churches in the world and towers over the city’s rooftops. Standing atop this impressive monument is the Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary that has become an icon of the city.

When in Milan, you won’t want to miss the once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most famous paintings, The Last Supper, on display inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Dating back to the 15^th century, renowned painter Leonardo da Vinci created this masterpiece as a representation of the last meal shared by Jesus Christ and his disciples, when he announced that one of them would betray him. 

Italian Lakes

Beyond the city, natural wonders are ready to be explored with your hire car. Around 50km away, the picturesque Lake Como sits among the imposing Alps. An upmarket resort, you’ll find luxury hotels and villas bordering the edge of this Y-shaped lake.

Meanwhile, the resort town of Sirmione – its shores lapped by the breathtaking Lake Garda – is accessible in under two hours. It’s where the staggering Scaligero Castle lies, a 13^th-century fortress in the middle of the water, like something out of a fairy tale. Venture to the top and enjoy sweeping views across the glistening lake below. There are also plenty of camp sites for those who want to see the stars, and the Gardaland amusement park is there to keep the little ones occupied.

From religious icons in the city to natural marvels tucked away in hidden corners of northern Italy, ensure you don’t miss a beat when you hire a car in Milan with Hertz