Often called the style capital of Italy, Milan’s spectacular array of structure, boutique buying, and scrumptious meals (it’s Italy, in any case!) all make it the proper begin to a Northern Italy journey.
When you’re making an attempt to pack as a lot into your Italian journey as attainable and solely have a day to dedicate to Milan, then now we have one thing in widespread. I landed within the late afternoon with about 24 hours to spare earlier than leaving for my different locations. With the intention to take advantage of out of my quick time in Milan, I packed in as a lot of the perfect of the town as I might.
Right here is my epic Milan itinerary for simply 1 day, excellent for first-timers:
1. Dawn at Duomo di Milano
If that is your first time visiting Milan, make it a degree to go to Duomo di Milano. Probably the most iconic cathedral in Milan that took practically 6 centuries to finish is value preventing that snooze button for! I arrived at Duomo round 7am, arrange my trusty tripod and took as many journey selfies as I wished. The early morning peaceable atmosphere additionally made admiring the structure from the skin that rather more fulfilling. Once I walked previous Duomo once more later within the afternoon, it was jam-packed with individuals struggling to get a selfie with the majestic constructing, which might have ruined the expertise for me.
2. Breakfast at Ravizza 1871
… or some other eating places or cafes which can be open at this hour! You will notice locals ordering espresso, having a fast chat with the baristas and dashing to go to work. I had a candy pastry whereas ready for the Duomo rooftop entrance to open at 9am.
To keep away from lengthy strains as I had a full day forward of me, I booked a skip-the-line entrance ticket prematurely. Once I arrived on the entrance at 8:50am, there was already a protracted queue on the ticket workplace. With a skip-the-line ticket, I used to be one of many first few individuals on the roof prime. My ticket included entrance to each the roof prime in addition to the cathedral. When you plan on visiting the cathedral church, you’re required to cowl up your shoulders and knees. Put on comfy sneakers as you’ll have to exit through the staircase even with an escalator entrance. There are alternatives in the event you want visiting solely the roof prime or solely the cathedral:
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
You possibly can’t go to Milan with out taking within the vogue scene! The photograph above was taken early within the morning, earlier than the outlets are open. Count on to see far more individuals all through the day! The oldest lively shopping center in Italy is adorned with high-end boutiques from Gucci, Louis Vuitton to Prada. Personally I discovered extra curiosity within the intricate particulars of the constructing, and was additionally entertained by Tik Tokers working it within the mall’s middle.
The one boutique I visited was Prada, the place they supposedly retain all the furnitures from day 1. It was fairly the expertise strolling via Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, imagining the footprints of legendaries from the previous a long time which were made in right here. As soon as you’re carried out marveling, exit the mall and make your option to Piazza della Scala to take a look at the enduring statue of Leonardo Da Vinci. Teatro alla Scala, essentially the most iconic opera home in Milan, is true throughout. If I had extra time, I’d have cherished to be a part of a guided tour!
4. Be a part of a Milanese Strolling Tour
Since my time in Milan was quick, I figured the easiest way to have an immersive expertise was to be a part of another strolling tour. I discovered the place the locals hang around, districts that aren’t precisely a vacationer attraction however are widespread with the locals, in addition to the story behind sure statues, art work and buildings together with those proven right here.
As a solo feminine traveler, it was additionally an effective way to fulfill different vacationers and I ended up having lunch with one other attendee from the tour.
Different strolling excursions accessible:
5. Lunch at Trattoria La Rava Ela Fava
Oh, how I cherished this place! A suggestion from a neighborhood, Trattoria La Rava Period Fava is a fuss-free restaurant with pleasant waiters and an Italian-only menu.
I did the basic point-and-shoot (i.e, go searching and see what persons are having and ask for a similar), and crammed my tummy with scrumptious — and I actually imply scrumptious — carpaccio with burrata and strawberry cheesecake that I inhaled in lower than a minute.
6. Wander the Streets of Brera District
You might be within the capital of vogue, in any case! Digest all that meals you had with a stroll round Brera district, a cute space with high-end, avenue vogue in addition to classic boutiques. There are additionally loads of artwork galleries and distinctive present outlets.
7. Go to Sforza Fort and Sempione Park
I wished to go individuals watching at Sempione Park, and determined to take a look at Sforza Fort since it’s on the way in which. Entrance to the citadel floor is free, whereas a ticket is required to enter the museums within the advanced. Leonardo Da Vinci was among the many artists who had been commissioned to brighten the citadel.
It was a sizzling summer time day and there have been lighter crowds on the park, however I loved watching children working round and the greenery. I ended my go to with Arco della Tempo (Arch of Peace).
8. get pleasure from an aperitivo
What’s a summer time in northern Italy with out an aperitivo?! An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink, which usually comes with a cocktail and a few gentle snacks like nuts and cheese.
Many web sites suggest pairing your aperitivo expertise with the view of the Duomo at one of many fancy rooftop bars, however I discover that overpriced (and the service is lower than nice, from what I’ve heard), and really a lot want a neighborhood spot the place I can individuals watch whereas sipping on my drink. To determine a neighborhood bar, stroll a pair blocks from the primary avenue. A drink and a snack buffet ought to value about 7-10 euros.
9. Dinner at A Pizzeria
Pizzeria Capuano’s got here as a suggestion by my Airbnb host, and it didn’t disappoint. The patrons had been principally native households, which is all the time a great signal. It’s a norm to order a complete pizza for one individual, and the portion is fairly large!
10. Night time Stroll on the Navigli District
If you’re not too drained by now, finish your night in Milan with a stroll on the Navigli district. Right here you’ll find extra bars and a youthful crowd. You possibly can lease a bicycle (extra on that beneath) in the event you’re uninterested in strolling.
The place to Keep in Milan
I stayed at a beautiful Airbnb close to Chinatown, and I extremely suggest it! The neighborhood felt native and secure. Getting round was simple with buses and trams. As a solo feminine traveler, I additionally appreciated the chance to stick with a neighborhood couple, who had been joyful to share their favourite native spots. There are many hostels and boutique accommodations in Milan if that’s your choice!
The best way to Get Round in Milan
Milan’s metro system is effectively linked within the metropolis and you will get to all main landmarks talked about on this itinerary simply. A 90-minute trip on any trains, trams and buses prices 2 euro, although you should buy a 48 hour ticket for 8.25 euro, or a 25 hour ticket for 4.50 euro. If in case you have a big suitcase, you’ll have to pay an extra 1.50 euro for a baggage ticket.
Taxis are very costly, as is the case in most elements of Europe.
An alternate option to get round is thru bicycle and scooter sharing apps. Attempt to obtain the apps and arrange your fee technique previous to arriving in Milan so you possibly can just be sure you will be capable to lease:
Solo Feminine Security in Milan
I by no means as soon as felt unsafe throughout my time in Milan, even when strolling alone within the night (notice: I visited Milan in the summertime, when the solar units round 9pm. I don’t suppose that strolling alone when it’s darkish is a good suggestion wherever). I chatted with individuals at eating places and bus stops, and discover that individuals had been pleasant and sociable. English is extensively spoken. Total, touring alone in Milan as a solo feminine traveler felt superior, although you need to all the time train the identical cautions as you’d again residence!
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