You know what…? I changed my mind about this city once seen with the eyes of a tourist. I've been to Milan several times in my life but always in a rush. How many days in Milan?
I found out that in Milan you can visit many cool stuff even in just one day. I also didn't know that some art works were located in Milan, such as Leonardo's Last Supper. Oh well, no more spoilers, are you ready to visit Milan with a Neapolitan? Iamme ià!
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| 👨🎨 The Last Supper 🎨 |
| ⛪️ Cathedral + Terrace ⛪️ |
How many days in Milan: Duomo
Without even thinking twice, once you arrive in Milan it is the first thing to see. The Duomo is the symbol of Milan and is also a meeting point of the city.
Started to build around 1400 is the biggest church in Italy. The style of the Milan Cathedral is unmistakable mixing romanticism and gothic.
It is also possible to visit it inside, which I highly recommend doing because it is impressive. Inside the Cathedral you will feel like little ants because it is very high. Equally tall columns support this giant of Italian architecture.
On the sides of the Cathedral, you can also admire immense stained glass windows. Stained glass windows that tell scenes from the New and Old Testament and they are of unique beauty. The colors seem alive. I leave you the link to book skip-the-line access to the Milan Cathedral (without terraces) which costs not much.
Or you can decide to take a guided tour of the Duomo with access to the terrace. Online booking includes the “skip the queue ” and it's very long for the Duomo, believe me, so you save time to do something else.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Adjacent to the Duomo there is a second attraction to visit here in Milan and it is Galleria. Gallery is a must and must be visited mainly for its magnificent architecture. It is a shopping centre, I would say a "model" of a shopping centre.
As you have well understood here in Italy the architectural "style" is not lacking. When I usually walk the Italian streets for no reason I say THANK YOU. I thank the Italian architects of the past who made Italy an enviable country.
Galleria connects the Duomo to Piazza della Scala and is nicknamed “living room ” of Milan. The reason is that in the past it was a meeting point of the Milanese bourgeoisie . Take a walk around and also admire the wonderful shops.
Bus Milano Centrale - Orio al Serio
Hey, wait a minute. Before we go any further, I wanted to tell you that there is the possibility of getting to the centre of the city of Milan comfortably and cheaply by booking one of the many low-cost flights to Bergamo airport. Once here you can use a convenient Bus from Orio al Serio to Milano Centrale of Flibco, which will take you to Milan's main station in 50 minutes, from where you can then travel by public transport. Flibco has both day and night runs, so perfect even if your flight leaves or arrives late at night. In addition, the buses are equipped with USB sockets for charging your phone or other devices, ample space for
legs and luggage. What are you waiting for to have a look at the prices on the link I left above? There are offers for those who book online in advance, and also promotions for families!
How many days in Milan: Sforzesco castle
Beautiful, not only for the works that you could admire inside, also for the architecture. Sforzesco castle amazed me with its charm medieval and the works it houses.
It is one of the largest castles in Europe and hosts works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci . There is no lack of illustrious personalities, therefore, also here at the castle.
- The Rondanini Pieta, an unfinished work by the master Michelangelo
- Affresco in "Sala delle Asse" by the genius Leonardo da Vinci
In addition to these two main works, you can find many others by Lombard artists. The visit to the castle could last approximately 2 hours.
How many days in Milan: Pinacoteca di brera
Raffaello, Bramante, Veronese, Caravaggio, Tintoretto and last but not least Hayez. Who do you want more on this list? These great Italian artists should get you ripped off a ticket for Pinacoteca.
If you are an art history lover you cannot miss this place. I will always say the same thing every time I go to a museum.
The emotion that I feel while looking at a painting (in person) compared to a book is amplified for 100.
These are things that cannot be explained. I think that in front of “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez I stayed 15 minutes to observe the magnificent colors. Another 15 probably to constantly ask me: what face is behind that cap?
This painting is considered the manifesto of Italian romantic art. Just for the record, I set it as my mobile wallpaper.
I leave you the link to book the ticket for Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
Brera neighbourhood
On your way to Pinacoteca, if you decide to visit it, you will cross Brera neighborhood. People who live in Milan say that Brera doesn't look like Milan and I can confirm.
The Brera neighbourhood seems to take you to a village of an ancient city, very well-kept and beautiful. Another thing I noticed is that is very vibrat here, both during the day and in the afternoon/evening.
How many days in Milan: Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Another place in my opinion to see for two very simple reasons.
- The Church itself is very beautiful to visit and inside it has a spectacular cloister
- To the left of the Church is the entrance to “ the most difficult attraction' to visit.
Leonardo da Vinci's last supper
A work that needs no introduction and I hope you are lucky enough to admire. The Last Supper by the Maestro Leonardo da Vinci. I wasn't lucky as the time I went to Milan the tickets were sold out.
When I say sold out I mean they were for about 2 months going forward. The reason why the tickets are immediately sold out is also because the refectory where it is located is small.
Entries are limited and approximately 15 minutes per group. I am Leonardo's fan and I was sorry not to see the work in person. I will try again in the future but if you can, go. If you read this article, book (I'll leave you the link) the ticket for the last supper VERY in advance.
How many days in Milan: Navigli
Neighbourhood very well known for the Milanese nightlife and that's why I mention it to you. The navigli are something to visit in my opinion also because it is the only area with some "water"
I advise you to go there the aperitif time (about 5.30pm/6pm ) because there are so many post-work people there. You will find many nice little places that offer aperitifs at very good prices.
Indeed, I take the opportunity to recommend a couple of them:
- Mag café
- Backdoor 43 (the smallest bar in the world that has a maximum capacity of 3 seats).
Aperitif in Milan
Milan is the city of aperitifs and cocktail bars, also famous for its nightlife. Whether it's at 11, 18 or midnight in Milan it is always time for an aperitif or for a drink.
But what are the areas where to go for an aperitif or places to have a drink?
- Piazza Duomo (here you can find Terrazza Aperol, Terrazza Duomol and Camparino in Galleria). These are some of the iconic places in the area
- Corso Como where you can find a very good turnout in the afternoon. You can find a clientele in their 30s upwards
- Navigli (already mentioned before) where you can find a much younger nightlife.
Is it possible to visit Milan in one day?
Ok, if you got this far it means you took into consideration my advices . Thank you and now I want to tell you another couple of important things, the first one is:
- Is everything listed so far possible to visit in just one day? The answer is: if you wake up at dawn yes. It's possible but more comfortable to do in a couple of days.
- Would be better to visit Milan in 2 days including a visit out of town? 100% yes and I also have the destination for you.
Where to stay in Milan for one night
If you decide to stay in Milan until the following day I recommend some B&Bs where to stay for the night. This way you could also enjoy the nightlife of Milan. I leave you the link to the 10 best B&Bs in Milan, take a look at it.
Places to see near Milan: Como lake
If you are in Milan for at least 2 days, the place that I recommend a must-visit is Como. Beautiful city on lake Lario (now known as lake Como).
Como is small and very easy to visit in half a day and has a 100% Italian charm. Between the historic center and a long walk along the lakeside, the day will pass quickly.
Take the opportunity to enjoy its beautiful landscapes at the shore lake.
If your wallet allows it, without going crazy of course, you can take a guided tour. From Milan to Como (transportation by bus included round trip) with boat ride on the lake. Check it out, I really enjoyed it and it was very interesting and informative.
Conclusions
My little trip to Milan ended and it was illuminating. Milan amazed me (positively) not believing it was so "touristy" and full of attractions. I would 100% recommend it in a ranking of at least 5 Italian cities to visit.
See you the next trip and remember: who travels lives twice…
P.s. don't forget to click here to follow on my instagram page the places I've been.
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