Prior to my most recent trip, I think , like many, I’d incorrectly considered Milan a transient “stopover” city. However, only hours after arriving did I realized that I severely underestimated the beauty, culture and liveliness of this magical place. You will still experience a warm “buongiorno” as you make your way out for the morning, but you are also just steps away from a fast paced city that has made a name for itself in finance, fashion, art and much much more!
I didn’t need a set plan while exploring the city center, because each block is chock-full of shops, museums, theaters, monuments and other notable sites. One thing that I highly recommend for any first time visitor to Milan—or any city for that matter— is a free walking tour. This provided me with an immediate lay of the land, not to mention so many insider tips, food recommendations and other facts that only a local would be able to provide! PS… in case you thought Milan was a land-locked city, the stunning manmade canals and string lit restaurants make the neighborhood of Navigli an especially whimsical sight to see!
Did you know that Milan also has a laundry list of local cocktails that are tailored to the tastes and resources of the region? I struck up a conversation with a few bartenders, including one from the city’s newest and most impressive 5 star hotel, Portrait Milan to learn more about their craft cocktails. While the Negroni Sbagliato is probably the best known drink, the list goes on! And my favorite feature of the aperitif— it is usually enjoyed with some amazing (and free) bar snack pairings!
Another highlight of the city that cannot go overlooked is its amazing metro system. The train routes are extremely simple and punctual, so much so that I was riding the metro like a pro within minutes of my arrival! This makes the whole city so much more accessible and the opportunities for exploration endless! While the Dumo is obviously Milan’s crown jewel, there are so many other charming neighborhoods and notable museums and galleries that are easily reached by train. I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to the coveted Last Supper Museum. And while this museum consists of only one room, highlighting Da Vinci’s most famous masterpiece, it was an absolutely breathtaking moment! *I have a tip on how to beat the long waitlist as well, you can reach out for more info.
Last but not least, I’d consider Milan an amazing door to further northern travel. For instance, the famed area of Lake Como is just about an hour by bus or car. Even better, Switzerland is just about 2 hours away! What a great way to explore multiple cities while making Milan your home base! I was even able to enjoy the breathtaking Swiss Alps in the morning and be back to Milan city center in time for dinner!
If you’re looking for a vibrant European city that is friendly, accessible and charming, I’d highly recommend including Milan in your next adventure! I’d love to share more details from my personal travels as well!
コメント