If you’are planning a visit to Milan this Summer (or until the end of October) then you should definitely visit EXPO. Here are my 10 Tips and fave places.

1. Surviving the Decuman
The Decuman is Expo’s main street, where all pavilions of the different countries are located. It is 1,5 km long. I suggest you to wear very comfortable shoes, and well… a pair of flats won’t be enough. You’ll need some running trainers as for the NY marathon. You will walk for about 4 km just to enter/exit Expo. In addition, you will walk among pavilions and you’ll stand up in line (for hours!). In case you aren’t the one to wear them, you’ll hate everyone you see walking with a pair of Nike (said the one who spent 12 hours walking in leather sandals).

2. Simply the Best: Japan Pavilion
I won’t tell what you’ll find inside, because I’d spoil the surprise. But if the queues last even an hour here, there might be a reason. This doesn’t depend only on the huge amount of people who want to go in, but also on the fact that some of the activities inside the Japan Pavilion need some time. And you’ll even get involved in something similar to a show. Japanese are one step ahead, always. And obviously everything is perfectly organised.

3. Best Newcomer: Azerbaijan Pavilion
For Azerbaijan this is the first participation to an Universal Exposition ever. And they did a great job, since it’s one of the most visited pavilions. Goal achieved in catching curiosity as well. When you think of countries in the world, probably Azerbaijan is not among the first ten that come into your mind. Now I know where this country with a rich history is located and that it is a good example of multiculturalism and of bizarre and interesting mixes, concerning food as well.

4.Excellent (& relaxing) Lunch: Qatar Pavilion
Choosing where to eat at Expo won’t be easy. There are a lot (too many!) great offers. Qatar restaurant has been a pleasing discovery. Colourful, spicy and tasty dishes, from a cuisine that we don’t get to try often for sure. And a restaurant with sofas, cushions and a beautiful view. A very relaxing break. And how much you’ll need one.

5. Alternative Ice Cream: Dates and Saffron flavours at Bahrain Pavilion
Of cours, there’s no shortage of ice cream at Expo, among Algida, Magnum and Grom. But if you want to try a different kind of ice cream I suggest the little Bahrain cafe. There are only 4 flavours to choose from: dates (try it!), saffron, rose and mango. Delicious.

6. For Minimalism Lovers: Korea Pavilion
If you like every black and white photo on Instagram and you collect pins of black and white Scandinavian interior design, then you have to visit the Korean Pavilion. Dazzling white outside and black and white themed installations inside.

7. “You convinced me to visit your country” Award: Morocco’s Pavilion Garden
Another nice place for a relaxing rest is offered by the gardens of the Morocco Pavilion: trees, greenery, delicious sweets. I would be ready to go enjoy those landscapes (the real ones!) like right now.

8. Looking for freshness: thank you Austria!
I read that the Austria Pavilion reproduced a forest. Well, it is not exactly a forest, but you’ll find trees. Real trees (with their little water-spray that keep the whole pavilion damp) and so it’s a very refreshing atmosphere. There’s also a loto of place where you can sit. And you can’t imagine how strongly you’ll look for calm and cool place to sit down and relax.

9. Chic break: Martini Terrace
At the Martini Terrace your comfortable outfit will suddenly look out of place. Because you’re no longer at Expo. You can imagine to be on a terrace bar with a view on a great beach. One of those where you’ll find celebrities drinking a cocktail.

10. Expo, resisting to slouch is useless
Even though you’ll try to see as much as you can without stopping, at some point, you’ll give up and your only desire will be to sit down and to rest for a moment (or more than a moment). At that point every place will be good. The first Pavilion with a restaurant or café and a free chair in the shadow will become from now on your favourite country in the world.