From the grand Duomo di Milano cathedral to the extra off-the-beaten-track points of interest of the Italian lakes, right here’s a information to a number of the metropolis’s finest issues to do, must-see landmarks, and enchanting surrounding areas.
It’s simple to get intimidated whereas making an attempt to plan a trip to Italy since there are such a lot of superb locations to see and you must decide which of them to go to.
Consequently, it’s a frequent matter of dialogue on quite a lot of journey blogs and web sites, with many individuals questioning whether or not they need to even trouble going to Milan. And given the numerous unimaginable choices out there, Milan is regularly disregarded since it is just thought of a gateway to different areas, a stopover on the path to someplace else, or a metropolis that doesn’t actually fall among the many least expensive locations to go to in Italy.
However the metropolis is extra deserving than that; it’s a fascinating and sometimes misunderstood vacation spot (even by Italians!).
Milan could be very wealthy in cultural choices, one thing that’s manner too simple to overlook contemplating the present format of town. In truth, after WWII, all of the factories that had been broken by the bombings have been rebuilt, and lots of manufacturing facility staff moved right here. Neighborhoods have been constructed rapidly, usually on the expense of inexperienced area and with a deal with operate slightly than aesthetics.
Due to this, town could seem drab and uninviting at first look; until you already know the place to look, you don’t get the identical awe-inspiring vistas provided by the likes of Rome and Venice, the charming villages of Tuscany, Liguria, and Sicily, or the pristine wilderness areas of Sardinia and Calabria.
However right here is the factor: Milan is gorgeous in a distinct and fewer apparent manner.
Milan’s magnificence is within the interiors of its buildings, the courtyards and gardens that encompass them, and the facades of the constructions that make up town. But additionally within the opulence of town’s lodges, bars, and eating places. Then, in fact, there’s style, or how folks gown.
Milan is gorgeous in a fashion that’s much less cliche and fewer touristic.
On this mini-guide, we’ll take you on a tour of Milan’s cobblestone streets, winding canals, and lots of artworks. We’ll additionally share insider ideas, issues to do, and locations you’ll be able to’t miss on this busy metropolis—and people it’s best to keep away from as a substitute.
Issues you’ll be able to’t miss in Milan
The Duomo space: the Cathedral and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery
The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is a must-see in the event you’re visiting Milan. It’s the most important cathedral in Italy and one of many greatest on the earth. The development of this Gothic-style church began in 1386, and it took almost six centuries to finish, with the ultimate particulars added in 1965.
The outside of the Duomo is thought for being elaborate and ornate. There are greater than 3,400 statues and 135 spires on the skin. It’s embellished with intricate marble carvings and sculptures, together with the well-known copper and gold “Madonnina” statue on the high of the tallest spire.
Inside, the cathedral is simply as spectacular, with an enormous and hovering inside that may maintain as much as 40,000 folks. The principle nave has stained glass home windows and frescoes, and the cathedral additionally has quite a few vital artworks, just like the spectacular statue of Saint Bartholomew flayed.
One of many coolest issues concerning the Duomo is its roof, which you will get to through a raise or stairs. From the roof, you will get nice views of town and see the intricate particulars of the cathedral’s structure up shut, with its carvings, statues of vegetation and flowers, and the well-known gargoyles.
The Duomo is a vital spiritual constructing, however it is usually a preferred vacationer vacation spot and a logo of Milan. It’s visited by tens of millions of individuals every year and is an enormous a part of town’s identification and heritage.
Wanting on the Duomo from the sq., in your left, you will notice the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery.
This elegant, glass-roofed constructing was constructed within the nineteenth century, and it’s identified for its high-end boutiques, cafes, and eating places. It’s a common vacation spot for each locals and vacationers.
The arcade was constructed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and named after Vittorio Emanuele II, who was the primary king of a united Italy. The constructing is fabricated from iron and glass, and the inside is embellished with mosaics, marble, and frescoes.
Strolling previous the gallery, one can find your self in Piazza della Scala, the sq. in entrance of the namesake opera home.
La Scala is likely one of the world’s most prestigious and well-known opera homes. It’s identified for its stunning inside and performances.
The opera home was constructed within the 18th century. Among the finest musicians on the earth, like Verdi, Pavarotti, and Maria Callas, have carried out there.
The inside of La Scala is equally spectacular, with a grand, ornate auditorium that may seat over 2,000 folks. The theater is embellished with frescoes, marble, and gold leaf and options quite a few vital artworks.
Collectively, the Duomo, the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, and La Scala are Milan’s most well-known and iconic landmarks and must-sees for anybody visiting town.
The Sforza Citadel and its park, the Final Supper
The Sforza Citadel is situated just a few blocks away from the Duomo. It was initially constructed as a fortress by Duke Francesco Sforza, however through the years it has been used as a residence for the ruling household, a army barracks, and a jail. At the moment, the citadel is a significant vacationer attraction and homes quite a few museums and artwork collections.
The citadel is thought for its imposing dimension and spectacular structure. It’s surrounded by a moat and has large partitions and towers that have been designed to guard town from invaders. The inside of the citadel is magnificent, with quite a few grand, ornate rooms and halls that have been utilized by the ruling household.
The citadel’s outdoors courtyards are at all times free, however admission to the within of the citadel and the artwork assortment it holds requires a price.
Parco Sempione, a big and delightful park situated behind the citadel, is a well-liked place for locals and guests alike to spend time year-round due to Milan’s nice local weather.
This lush inexperienced paradise is at its most stunning within the spring when you’ll be able to see turtles swimming within the pond on the park’s coronary heart from the park’s charming bridge, which is adorned with sculptures of mermaids.
Within the summertime, the gorgeous grassy areas with views of the citadel and the historic gate of Milan generally known as the “Arco della Tempo” are common sunbathing spots for locals and vacationers alike. The stunning foliage of autumn and winter can be a sight to not miss.
Brera and the Vogue District
Nestled within the heart of town, only a stone’s throw from the Sforzesco Citadel, Brera is the subsequent must-visit vacation spot in Milan.
This neighborhood is thought for its slender streets, cobbled squares, and colourful buildings. Regardless of Milan’s modernity, Brera is considered one of many metropolis’s most authentically Italian neighborhoods.
On the coronary heart of the district, you’ll discover the Pinacoteca di Brera Artwork Gallery, which is dwelling to a number of the world’s most treasured work. However the neighborhood is far more than only a museum—it’s a hub of cultural and creative exercise, with galleries, theaters, and live performance halls dotted all through the realm.
And when the solar goes down, Brera comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, from stylish bars and golf equipment to upscale eating places and bistrots to genuine taverne and osterie.
Not removed from Brera is the Quadrilatero della Moda, the Vogue District of Milan.
It is a prestigious space of Milan identified for its high-end style and luxurious items.
The district is dwelling to nearly all the world’s most well-known designer boutiques, reminiscent of Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, and extra.
The elegant streets are lined with retailers, and the realm is a well-liked vacation spot for style lovers from all over the world.
Whether or not you’re out there for a brand new luxurious merchandise or simply wish to admire the trendy designs and the delicate structure, a go to to the Quadrilatero della Moda is a should throughout your journey to Milan.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a well-known church in Milan, finest identified for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Final Supper.
The church itself is a phenomenal Renaissance constructing with a shocking brick façade, and the inside is crammed with paintings and frescoes. The Final Supper is situated on one of many partitions of the church’s refectory and is taken into account one of many biggest artworks on the earth.
Regardless of its age, the portray remains to be in remarkably good situation, and guests can see it up shut as a part of a guided tour. If you happen to’re in Milan, a go to to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Final Supper is a should.
On account of their excessive demand, tickets promote out shortly after they go on sale, so plan months forward.
A 15-minute stroll from right here will take you to the Navigli district. It is a cool and classy neighborhood identified for its vigorous nightlife.
The world is known as after the Navigli, a collection of canals that have been as soon as used for transportation and commerce and are actually a preferred spot, specifically on weekends.
The slender streets are crammed with the trendiest bars, golf equipment, and eating places of Milan, making it the proper place to seize a drink, hearken to dwell music and drink a spritz to expertise the true spirit of Milan like a neighborhood.
And what you’ll be able to skip in Milan as a substitute
If you happen to’re planning a visit to Milan, you’ll wish to profit from your time within the metropolis.
However with a lot to see and do, it may be overwhelming to determine the place to begin. That’s why we’ve put collectively this information to the issues it’s best to skip in Milan—so you’ll be able to keep away from the vacationer traps and deal with the actually must-see points of interest.
Touristy eating places downtown
It may be tempting to decide on essentially the most simply accessible eating places—these which might be situated in superb central areas with nice views and make consuming out simpler.
You already know, those with the garish indicators and Italian flags, images on the menu, and large “specials” boards.
With only a few exceptions, it’s actually unusual for this type of place to supply essentially the most genuine and pleasing Italian expertise.
More often than not, the meals at these eating places is watered down and lacks the wealthy flavors that make Italian meals so common. Furthermore, they usually don’t have a very “Italian” vibe.
Plus, costs are marked up in comparison with different locations, and the service could also be lackluster. All in all, it’s undoubtedly finest to go elsewhere for an actual Italian eating expertise.
As a substitute, attempt to discover a native trattoria or ristorante, the place the environment is extra genuine and the meals is true to the Italian culinary custom. Costs might be extra cheap, and the environment might be far more genuine.
You don’t even have to go away downtown to seek out the sort of meals. The charming aspect alleys are filled with hidden gems, and locals don’t normally hesitate to provide you a tip on the place to eat.
Buffet aperitivo
Let’s be clear: aperitivo (Italian for “comfortable hour”) is an absolute must-do whereas in Milan.
As the top of the workday approaches, in addition to on weekends, many individuals wish to unwind with associates and colleagues throughout aperitivo hour, which usually takes place between 7 and 9 p.m.
Drinks are accompanied with a light-weight snack or just a few small plates of meals, reminiscent of olives, cheese, cured meats, focaccia, or pizza. Throughout aperitivo, the most well-liked cocktail is an Aperol spritz, which consists of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
Earlier than the pandemic, it was far more frequent to serve the aperitivo within the type of an enormous buffet with many various choices, usually at a low value that was tempting.
Sadly, this additionally implies that the meal is of low high quality, the place might be crowded, and it’ll not depart a optimistic impression nor be stress-free!
Some locations nonetheless serve aperitivo this fashion, however it’s finest to keep away from them.
As a substitute, select a high-quality restaurant or bar the place you’ll have a variety of small plates served to you straight at your desk. In any case, aperitivo is supposed to be slightly snack loved earlier than a drink, not a substitute for dinner. High quality over amount!
Hop on – hop off excursions
In case you are pressed for time and wish to profit from your go to to Milan, hop-on, hop-off vacationer buses seem to be an incredible thought. These double-decker buses can help you get round rapidly, seeing the primary sights in a brief period of time.
Whereas this may be true for very giant cities like Rome or Paris, in a spot like Milan, the place there are fewer distances to cowl, it’s probably not crucial.
In truth, by taking certainly one of these excursions, you miss out on numerous town’s hidden treasures as a result of the tour merely doesn’t go off the crushed observe.
In case you are unable to or don’t get pleasure from strolling, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the metropolis’s highlights by profiting from the general public transportation system, which is extraordinarily environment friendly and covers each nook of Milano nearly 24 hours per day—for reasonable.
A weekend in Milan: a strolling information
Milan is the proper vacation spot for a weekend getaway.
To profit from your time in Milan, why not take a strolling tour to expertise all the very best elements of this unimaginable metropolis? Right here’s a information to planning your excellent weekend in Milan.
Saturday
Begin your first day with breakfast at certainly one of Brera’s charming historic cafes, after which head to the Pinacoteca di Brera artwork gallery to see the most recent exhibitions. After absorbing some tradition, seize lunch at certainly one of Brera’s conventional eating places.
Within the afternoon, make your technique to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s well-known style district. Ranging from By way of Montenapoleone, you’ll be able to store at high-end boutiques, get pleasure from a espresso at one of many elegant boutique cafes, or just admire the gorgeous structure.
From the style district, stroll to Piazza San Babila, the place you’ll discover extra inexpensive purchasing choices alongside Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Because the day involves an finish, make your technique to Piazza del Duomo, dwelling to town’s iconic cathedral.
Admire the gorgeous façade, and if the climate is sweet, take into account a go to to the rooftop for gorgeous 360° views of town (however keep in mind to e book your tickets upfront).
End the day with an aperitivo at one of many well-known rooftop bars overlooking the sq., however solely after a go to to the regal Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, which is much more majestic when lit up at night time.
Sunday
On the second day of your journey to Milan, you’ll start by strolling from the Duomo as much as the citadel by way of the gorgeous through Mercanti and through Dante.
Take a second to admire the gorgeous medieval sq. that was the middle of town (Piazza dei Mercanti) and the place the place the market passed off.
On the finish of By way of Dante, one can find your self in Piazza Castello. You may wander by way of the courtyards of the citadel free of charge or purchase a ticket to go to the within of the citadel and the artwork galleries it hosts.
If the day is sweet, take a stroll by way of Parco Sempione or take a break and benefit from the stunning nature and the climate.
It’s time to go away the park and head south, in direction of the Magenta district, which is likely one of the richest residential areas of Milan and is stuffed with attractive Liberty-style buildings.
On this neighborhood, you’ll discover many eating places the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some genuine Italian meals.
Within the afternoon, you’ll be able to go to the Final Supper, however be sure you have deliberate this forward of time, as talked about earlier than.
Alternatively, in the event you haven’t been capable of e book in time, a go to to the church and monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie is value your whereas.
Whilst you’re within the space, don’t overlook to take a look at the “Vigna di Leonardo,” a winery the Duke of Milan gave to Leonardo da Vinci in 1498 whereas he was engaged on the portray of the final supper.
Within the night, take a brief and pleasurable stroll to the Navigli, the place you’ll discover a whole bunch of bars and eating places which might be cool and classy. You’re certain to have a good time spending your second night there.
Finest day and weekend journeys from Milan
As soon as you might be performed with town highlights and vacationer points of interest, and in case you have extra time to spend there, it’s time to plan some day or weekend journeys from Milan. Mountaineering lovers and urbanites will certainly get pleasure from the next locations in Milan’s surrounding areas.
10 Nice mountaineering spots close to Milan
However, the proximity to the Alps and Dolomites makes Milan an ideal launching pad for mountaineering. A couple of fascinating mountaineering spots simply accessible from Milan are:
- Lake Como: This gorgeous glacier-created lake is likely one of the most stunning locations to go mountaineering within the space. Take the practice to Como San Giovanni and begin tackling certainly one of its many trails.
- Val d’Intelvi: Take a brief practice trip to Tresivio and discover the luxurious Val d’Intelvi Valley. This valley’s terrain is good for leisurely strolls, extra demanding hikes, and even just a few mountain biking trails.
- Valtellina Valley: This valley is situated much more north and supplies quite a few mountaineering trails of various issue. From the vineyards within the Valtellina Valley to the superb views of the Alps, this space is a favourite amongst Milanese hikers, skiers, and rock climbers.
- Val di Mello: Within the Stelvio Nationwide Park, Val di Mello is one other great spot to discover and go mountaineering. Take the practice to Tirano after which hike as much as this magical spot. Alongside the way in which, there are many attractive views and streams to get pleasure from.
- Montevecchia: Close to Milan, that is a simple day journey from town. Take the practice to Barzanò and begin on the base of the mountain.
- Lakes Maggiore and Garda: These two Italian lakes might not be as near Milan as Lake Como, however they’re undoubtedly definitely worth the longer journey. Each lakes supply loads of stunning surroundings and difficult hikes.
- Grignetta: The Grignetta is a mountain situated proper beside Milan. Take the practice to Covale and begin your hike.
- Swiss Alps: The quick practice to Switzerland can take you to Interlaken in 3 hours. As soon as there, spend the day exploring the majestic Swiss Alps.
- Fellaria glacier: An excellent spot for difficult day hikes and in a single day tenting climate allowing. You may get there by taking a practice to Valtournenche, then a cable automobile as much as the glacier.
- Valle d’Aosta: Probably the most mountainous area in Italy provides a number of the finest mountaineering within the nation and is only a few hours’ drive from Milan. Add it to your itinerary!
15 Superior Cities and Cities a brief journey away from Milan
There are quite a few extremely attractive cities and cities that may be simply reached in not more than two or three hours, as a day or weekend journey from Milan. Listed below are some Milan day journey locations it’s best to take into account:
- Bellagio: Located within the idyllic Como lake, Bellagio is only a low-cost one-hour practice trip away from Milan and provides gorgeous landscapes and actions reminiscent of kayaking and boat rides on the lake. For a whole bunch of years, celebrities and aristocrats have flocked to this Italian lake scape. From the breathtaking surroundings to the fascinating cities and historic websites alongside the lake’s shores, you gained’t discover a higher day journey from Milan.
- Parma: The charming metropolis of Parma is an hour and a half drive from Milan and is dwelling to the famend Parma ham and cheese together with a number of the finest museums and church buildings within the area.
- Bergamo: Attractive cobblestone streets, palazzos, and church buildings await 50 km away from Milan.
- Verona: A two-hour drive from Milan, the pleasant metropolis of Verona provides a number of the best-preserved Roman ruins and the imposing Area of Verona.
- Sirmione: This charming village is located on the tip of the Sirmio peninsular and is only a one-hour drive from Milan. Right here one can find the ruins of a medieval citadel and sizzling springs from Roman baths.
- Lake Garda: What if we informed you that the most important lake in Italy is only a 1.5-hour drive from Milan? Garda lake is a great spot for leisurely strolls and boat rides. Households with kids and amusement park lovers can even put Gardaland, one of the vital common theme parks in Italy situated within the lake Garda area, on their itinerary.
- Genoa: This vibrant port metropolis might be reached in simply two hours by practice from Milan and is dwelling to a vigorous previous city with winding streets lined with bars and eating places.
- Turin: Recognized for its spectacular palazzos, piazzas, and gardens, this metropolis is only a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Milan.
- Brescia: An hour and a half drive from Milan, Brescia is a historic city dwelling to some fantastic museums and artwork galleries.
- Liguria: Residence to the gorgeous Italian Riviera and the charming cities of Portofino and Sanremo, this coastal area might be reached in simply two hours by automobile from Milan.
- Venice: The enduring metropolis of Venice is only a two-hour drive from Milan and, as certainly you already know, is a must-visit vacation spot in Italy.
- Chianti: Well-known for its wine and rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, you will get to Chianti from Milan in 90 minutes.
- Stresa: Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore, Stresa provides gorgeous views, nice purchasing, and fascinating historic websites. The Borromean Islands are simply offshore and are additionally a must-see vacation spot.
- Bologna: This vibrant college metropolis is only a one-hour practice trip away from Milan and provides a pleasant mixture of Renaissance-era structure and the bustling environment of a contemporary metropolis.
- Cinque Terre: This charming coastal space is three hours away from Milan and is dwelling to some gorgeous mountaineering trails together with a string of picturesque villages.
nosbatti.com is a metropolis information to Milan made by locals. It offers insider ideas and recommendation on the very best spots to eat, drink, and discover; whether or not you’re planning a visit, a transfer, or simply wish to study extra about Milan, it would assist you keep away from the standard vacationer traps and expertise town like a neighborhood.
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