Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Milan, Italy! Milan is the fashion and industrial capital of Italy and one of the major fashion capitals of the world. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Milan vacation.
Hate #1: Overrated for Italy
While Milan has some sights and museums, it’s not the “Roman Empire” Italy that some visitors might expect. Milan is such a famous city and everyone wants to include it on a tour of Italy, but it’s a bit overrated in comparison to other regions of Italy. I always recommend Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre before recommending Milan to first-time visitors to Italy. Milan does make a good base for Northern Italy, but seeing all of the Milan attractions will not fill up a full week of activity.
Hate #2: Seeing DaVinci’s “Last Supper”
Seeing the famous painting isn’t a “hate,” but if you want to see it, you have to make reservations well in advance. Your entry ticket is timed and you get 15 minutes to view the painting. You enter through a series of sealed doors, so access to this major Milan attraction is highly controlled.
Hate #3: Milan Prices
Milan is a bit more expensive than other cities in Italy. Prices are the highest in the inner circle of Milan, where most of the tourist attractions are located. Talk to locals to find out where good and affordable restaurants are. On the positive side, Milan hotels are plentiful and affordable, unless you are coming during Fashion Week.
Hate #4: Milan Traffic
Whether you are driving or just trying to cross the street, dealing with Milan traffic is frustrating and scary sometimes. The streets are chaotic, so I recommend using public transportation or taxis to get around Milan. When walking around Milan, make sure you only cross the street when you have the green light, and after establishing eye contact with approaching cars. Make sure you stay inside the designated crosswalk. If you are outside of the crosswalk and are hit by a car, you are at fault and liable for any costs.
Hate #5: Aggressive Beggars & Sellers
A lot of people in Milan will try to sell you things or just ask you for money. A common one is putting a bracelet on you, claiming it’s a gift, then asking for money. If you are a tourist, they aren’t easily dismissed, so you have to be firm, say “no grazie” and keep walking. Every once in a while you might run into particularly aggressive beggars and you have to be very firm and forceful with them.
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Love #1: Milan Attractions
I call it the Milan Trifecta: La Scala, the Galleria, and il Duomo. La Scala is actually Teatro Alla Scala, the 18th-century opera house. The Galleria is the original shopping mall. Built in the 19th century, it’s the oldest shopping mall in Italy. For good luck, find the bull’s balls and spin around on them three times. Milan’s Duomo is amazing. You can go up on the roof (pay extra for the elevator) and see the amazing architecture up close, as well as phenomenal views of Milan.
Love #2: Seeing DaVinci’s “Last Supper”
Once you get through the red tape of reservations, seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the best things to do in Milan. To see this masterpiece in person is really amazing; it takes up an entire wall and you get to hear the story behind it and how it’s survived all these years. No photos are allowed inside, so you have to see it for yourself.
Love #3: Fashion Week in Milan
I’m not a fashionista, but even I enjoyed visiting Milan during Fashion Week. My wife and friends love Fashion Week for window shopping and real shopping opportunities. The Quadrilatero d’Oro has some of the best, most upscale shopping in Milan.
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Love #4: Day Trips from Milan
While Milan may not fill up a week’s worth of activities, it’s a great base for day trips in the region. Lake Como is a cool little town on a beautiful lake, where you can see how the rich and famous vacation. You can reach Lake Como from Milan in about an hour by train. You can get to Genoa in about 90 minutes from Milan. Even Cinque Terre is a day trip option; it’s a bit far at three hours, but it’s doable if you are up for a long day trip from Milan.
Love #5: Panzerotti
Even if you just have a short train layover in Milan, make sure you visit Luini’s for Panzerotti. Think of it like a fried calzone; it’s amazing. There may be a line, but it’s totally worth it! Every time I come to Milan, I get a Panzerotti at Luini’s at least once. No they are not originally from Milan, but you won’t care because they are that good.
Milan is a fun city, especially if you like fashion and it’s a good home base for exploring the northern Lombardy region. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all, just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Milan vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts: