Buongiorno!
Ready for a weekend in Milan?
It is only right that my first travel guide on this blog should be about Milan as it is where my life in Italy began! Known for being one of the fashion capitals of the world, hello Milan Fashion Week! and famous for it’s architecture, it’s impossible to think about Milan without automatically thinking about the iconic Duomo di Milano, so that’s where we’ll start!
Day 1
Duomo di Milano
I remember the first time I saw the Duomo; it was as I came out of the station after my first italian lesson. I remember being shocked by how beautiful it was/is and thinking how small I felt standing infront of it. No amount of photos or videos do it justice. It is an impressive building. There are so many intricate details; to think that the construction of the Duomo began in 1386 and the final details were not completed until 1965 is crazy.
You can purchase tickets at the ticket office which is to the right of the Duomo but I would advise you to book them online. Specially during the summer; it gets really hot and you do not want to be standing in a queue in that heat! Also make sure to take something with you to cover your shoulders otherwise you’ll have to buy an extremeley flattering Harry Potter style cloak to go over your “insta-ready” outfit! You’ll find all the details and ticket prices in the link below.
https://www.duomomilano.it/en/buy-tickets/
The Duomo Pass Lift at €20 is the best option if you want to see everything. If you’re just looking to go up to the rooftop for photos I would suggest taking the lift unless you’re feeling brave and want to walk up the 251 steps to the roof and then back down again!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
To the left of the front entrance to the Duomo you’ll see the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. A stunning shopping arcade that oozes Milanese style and wealth. With its beautiful mosaic floors and a magnificent archway into its portico-covered “streets” you’re going to want to spend a little time here and take it all in. In the centre of the gallery you’ll see that the floors are decorated with the coats of arms of Turin, Florence, Milan and Rome. Take a closer look and you might notice tourists spinning on their heels over Turin’s coat of arms; to be more specific, the poor testicles of Turins bull. Apparently it brings good luck to step on the bulls testicles and spin three times!
Another thing to look out for is the Leonardo Da Vinci museum which is towards the back of the shopping arcade and worth visiting.
Naviglio Grande
Once you’re done at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele it’s time to head over to Naviglio Grande, it’s one of my favourite spots in Milan, specially for aperitivo or dinner and is absolutely magical at sunset. There are so many nice restaurants around the Navigli area but try to go to a Trattoria, that’s where you’ll find the most authentic food and at great prices.
As for what to order, try one of the local dishes!
– Cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet pan-fried in butter)
– Cassoeula (stewed pork rib chops and sausage with savoy cabbage)
– Ossobuco (braised veal shank served with a condiment called gremolata)
– Risotto alla Milanese (with saffron and beef marrow)
– Busecca (stewed tripe with beans)
– Brasato (stewed beef or pork with wine and potatoes)
Famous Milanese cheeses are gorgonzola, mascarpone, taleggio and quartirolo. For me, it’s all about the mascarpone in desserts.
For all my foodie friends, click on the link below to view the list of Michelin selected restaurants in Milan.
https://guide.michelin.com/en/it/lombardia/milano/restaurants
Day 2
Breakfast in Italy is usually a cornetto and a coffee, very simple but delicious. Some of my favourite cafe’s are Marchesi 1824 which is incredibly beautiful, overlooks the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and has amazing cakes; Pave, which is another amazing place; Orsonero Coffee which always has brilliant reviews; and if you’re a Wes Anderson fan then you need to go to Bar Luce, designed by the man himself. Another cafe that I absolutely love and not just for coffee but also for evening drinks is 10 Corso Como Cafe, it has a great atmosphere and you can also have a little wander of the art gallery and shop whilst you’re there. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
Bosco Verticale
Not far from 10 Corso Como Cafe is the Piazza Gae Aulenti which leads onto the Bosco Verticale. Bosco Verticale are two stunning residential towers covered in plants, trees and shrubs. In spring the towers and the surrounding park is filled with wild flowers and greenery. A great place to take a break.
Brera
Next stop is Brera!
I love Brera, it’s part of the historic centre and the artistic heart of the city. Brera is full of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and cute cafe’s and restaurants with outdoor seating. On the third Sunday of each month there’s an antiques market called Mercatino di antiquariato e brocantage, in my opinion it’s the best way to start a Sunday followed by brunch at one of the local cafe’s. Whilst you’re here you might want to also stop by the Pinacoteca di Brera and Botanical gardens.
Sforzesco Castle
Not far from Brera is the Sforzesco castle and Arco della Pace. The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 17:30 and you can book your tickets online. Tickets are 5 euros.
https://www.milanocastello.it/it/content/orari-e-biglietteria
The courtyard area is free to access and great for people watching on a Sunday with a coffee in hand; everyone in their Sunday best is out for a walk or having a little picnic on the lawn.
Art galleries
There are so many great art musuems and galleries in Milan but currently, top of my list is the Fondazione Prada Milano which I am dying to visit, for anyone that loves architecture or contemporary art this one is a must. Also on my list are Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, Armani Silos, Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna and MUDEC – Museo delle Culture.
I still have so much to see and as I discover new things to do and see I will update these guides. Milan is such a beautiful city by day and even more magical at night so hopefully once the current curfew lifts we can go back to fully enjoying every aspect of the city.
Useful links
To store your luggage https://luggagehero.com/
Transport information: https://www.atm.it/en/Pages/default.aspx
Underground map: https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Pages/SchemaReteMetro.aspx
Amparo's Travels & Musings 