Italy, Milan
Or Milano, in Italian. Milan is elegant, superb and slow paced despite being a major city. People here take food and rest very seriously, some restaurants are closed for siesta time, and you will see locals on work breaks going for aperitivos at noon.
Stays in Milan:
I stay with one of my friends but based on what I experience as a nice area to be, all these options have 9 starts and are well located –near Il Duomo-, plus a bonus for a rare stay.
Missori Suites
Duomo Smart Suites
Amabilia Suite
Il Bosco Verticale: Incredible building with vertical gardens on balconies, called vertical forest in English.
Public transportation in Milan is a good way to get around, but nothing beats the excellence of walking and discovering every single detail of it.
Tram: In one hand Ioved using the tram in Milan, it is so precious and convenient. In the other hand I experienced several delays, and sometimes the tram didn't even arrived. Use your best judgement: If it was supposed to pass at 2:30, and it's 2:45, either start walking, or have an alternative tram line, different transportation.
Subway: The subway is fast and in my own experience not crowded at all. Very punctual and efficient.
Uber:Uber tends to be very expensive here so I would avoid it if possible, besides the price it works well, no long waiting times and very fancy cars.
Milano Centrale is the main train station, through which you will travel to other cities, towns, regions by train. It is well located, very accessible, and it is fast to get there as long as you are staying in the city.
What to do in Milan?
Galleria Vittorio Emannuelle:
There are two big classics in Milan, and this gallery is one of them. My favorite moment to visit was at dusk, when the different shades of blue stands out against the gold of the building and the city lights up. Inside the gallery itself there are cafes, restaurants, and luxury stores.
Il Duomo:
This is the other big classic I was talking about. There re many ticket options to visit Il Duomo, I recommend to get the rooftop tickets, given that at the moment of exiting, the path is through the Church–unless they change this anytime soon– so you will see it anyways, and even be able to take pictures of it. They have step tickets and lift tickets as well. There are not that many steps, it is going up for about five minutes, and if you are young and/or healthy it is very easy to go up by using just the steps. You will save money and burn calories: win-win. The view of Milan from the rooftop is priceless.
Tickets in advance: https://www.duomomilano.it/en/
Get your tickets in advance allows you to skip long lines. Even when you buy online be there ten min in advance to start lining up with other ticket holders. Not getting tickets in advance will make you loose time lining up for very long.
Teatro della Scala:
If you have the chance to visit when there is a show don't waste the oportunity to attend, it is a very unique experience. Now, if you are not the kind of person who enjoys the opera, visiting the theater during the day to appreciate the architecture is also a good activity to add to your itinerary.
Movie Night :
If you happen to understand Italian, or you are an adventurer seeking some culture shock, enjoy of this movie outdoor cinema located a few blocks away from Il Duomo. The audio is only in Italian!
Tram Jazz
This is a tram that has dining tables and while you enjoy the menu of the night it drives you aross the highlights of Milan. Prices start at 75 euros.
Shopping in Milan:
Milan adjusts to taste and budget. There are areas where you can get very affordable clothes, and places to buy from luxury brands.
Piaza Gae Aulenti is good for some casual shopping.
Pedestrian zone on Via Dante, and then Via Orefici.
Eataly Milano:
Here is when one stops to think why is it neccesary to have an Eataly in Italy, but I am not here to judge. This seems to be a place that everyone loves, good to bring some food and wine back home. If you are thinking this is a tourist trap, let me tell you that actual locals have their groceries done here.
La Vigna Di Leonardo:
The invisibility of this spot to the tourist eye really shocked me, but also relived me. The irony is the next: hundreds of people line up every hour to visit the place where the most famous Leonardo Da Vinci's art piece -The Last Super-hangs, completely ignoring that next door is where this painter lived. La Vigna Di Leonardo was one of his homes and it is open to the public. Believe it or not it is almost empty and this is a very authentic and pleasant experience.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
Why would you ever visit this church? Basically here hangs The Last Super, one of the most famous masterpieces painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Tickets get sold out months in advance, I suspect that very religious people and admirers of Leonardo's work are the first to put hands on these tickets. At last are the curious ones who might miss their chance if they are not fast enough.
Cimiterio Monumentale:
For fans of architecture who don't mind to detour a little bit, this cemetery is a great option!
Navigli District:
This district is distinctive for its canals and life flourishes around them. Lively and full of color, in the Navigli District the tables are facing the water to enjoy of an afternoon cappuccino, or a meal. Stalls, boutiques, flower chops, art galleries, restaurants. Best to do is to do a sunset boat that includes a drink and a few bites, and observe the surroundings from the canal.
Food and drink in Milan
Food in my life has a special place because it connects people, bonds you to a particular moment and creates core memories. Food is a strong part of a culture, but in Italy food is the most important part. Italy is defined by its food. Italy is pasta, pizza, and pastries. Not simple pasta, not simple pizza but the best you have ever had. For only pasta itself there is an incredible variety: so many shapes, and flavors, and sauces, and ways and techniques to cook it. In Italy food is passion, food is life itself. I feel strongly identified by the way food is worshiped here because I love it as much. There are plenty of options and things to try. This is my top five. Why? Because of the complexity within its own simplicity.
Pastries: It is practically a sin to visit Italy and not to try cornetto-similar to a croissant- and maritozzo, a creamy filled pastry.
Aroma Napoletano
This is the king of the cornetti (plural), here pastries come in all sizes, yo probably have seen pictures of these giant criossants on inernet, well this is the place who makes them. they not only make them in different seiz but also differnet flavors, different fillings, Raspberry, pistaccio filled with a delicious cream, and so many more. There are two ways to avoid long lines at this bake shop, go before 9 a.m, or place an order to go. If you decide to place an order to go that's on the left side of the store and they do not offer the same variety of pastries that they offer for people who sit and eat there.
Suneleven Rooftop
Sunset views of teh entire city and the beautiful Dumo in the background. Aperitivos and music. Make reservations in davance.
Mr Dick
This is a very particular pasticceria -Italian for bake shop-because here they make pastries with the shape of human genitals. The line to try one of these pastries is insanely long, and this is all curious tourists . For more info visit their website:
Crazy Pizza
This restaurant is good to enjoy simple dishes and a good show. At some point of the night the cook enters the seating area with music and energy to make the pizza dough spin at high speed in front of your eyes. They also give a complimentary shot of arancino liquore. To explain this restaurant: elaborated meals it is not its strength, but the classic cheese pizza has incredible reviews, and it does taste absolutely delicious, I didn't order dessert as I read on reviews is not worth it. Play it safe and order a simple pizza, a good bottle of wine, and enjoy the show.
Gelateria Umberto
For the famous Italian afogato
Obica Mozarella Bar
Located on a rooftop right next to Il Duomo, proving with privileged views of it. It is easy to anticipate and presume that this is a tourist trap but so many locals go here for a lunch break. Service is good -Italian time-so if you are fast paced you will have to slow down. Service is good, they tend to forget orders sometimes so if its been 15 in since you order a bottle of water I would give a friendly reminder. The order is simple, some burrata, olive oil, some white wine and its all set and off to a perfect afternoon.
Al Fresco
Perfect spot for a calm lunch in a peaceful garden.
Cafe Le Grazie
Milan is the home of the Milanese, breaded cut of either beef or chicken, usually served with potatoes on the side. Right by the Santa Maria Delle Grazie, to contemplate the architecture of these monumental church while enjoying a traditional meal.
Camparino in Galleria
Milan's staple drink is Campari. Here they make the best Campari drinks in the traditional Milanese way.
Have the best time in Milan, and remember, always make sure you have time to be spontaneous and wander around, explore and discover treasures of your own.
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