Milano center (an insight from a local)
Introduction
Milan is an extraordinary city, the center of which I recommend visiting mostly by walking, both to realize how many extraordinary things there are to see in just a few square meters, and especially not to miss anything.
Milan is recognized by Italians as Italy's economic capital (along with the Veneto region), but in size it could never come even close to Rome (Italy's capital). Reason why I assure you that is by walking that you can enjoy its magnificence and ice cream breaks, whenever you feel like it.
The Weather
In the Fashion's City, you enjoy all four seasons. So I recommend checking the weather before leaving.
Although it is a magnificent city every day of the year; in winter along with the most stylish coats, you will also observe quite cold and cloudy weather; in summer the temperature can reach quite high heat peaks. So I recommend going there during the "in-between" seasons, that is, autumn and spring.
Personally, I am a great lover of the spring season, and I must say that in any case for cold weather lovers, it is not difficult to fall in love with Milan at Christmas.
The Budget
This city is not known for being one of the cheapest: it is the city of fashion! There are some of the most expensive places in the world. We could say we are looking at the most expensive city in Italy, and that is exactly why I am here! To recommend the most incredible experiences alongside the most popular places with little tourist insight and without the need to empty your wallet.
Depending on where you go there are more expensive and less expensive places as far as food is concerned; but do calculate that places like nightclubs and rooftops tend to always be a bit pricey.
The bus ticket costs around 2.5 euros (roughly the price of a small ice cream) and I recommend buying at least two on the first day in case you need them, or get tired of walking (I don't recommend the subway in the center, mainly because of the amount of people and stress you come into contact with! Not the best travel companions when on vacation! 😉)
In this city, famous for this very reason, you can not fail to experience the "Aperitivo"; and the most typical of all is the "Spritz" which ranges from 15 to 20 euros, and can be enjoyed in two versions "Aperol" or "Campari" (let me know which one you are rooting for!).
The Center
La Cattedrale del Duomo
To begin our journey I would start with the most iconic of sites to visit in my city: the Duomo of Milan.
This majestic cathedral is the most impressive and grandiose historical-religious monument, of our enchanting city. Great affluence from all over the world flows into the interior of this marble work of art, which is also possible to observe from above, thanks to the rooftop paths that have been created in recent years, and which bring the visitor right up to a step away from the "madonnina"; a symbol extremely beloved by all Milanese.
Two of the best views of the cathedral can be found at the top of the Rinascente "Maio Restaurant" and at the top of the Camparino "Terrazza Duomo 21." These two terraces aside from being two incredible places for the view, they are also renowned for the delicious aperitifs you can enjoy!
(I recommend making reservations at least a day in advance to make sure you get a seat).
La Galleria di Vittorio Emanuele
Inside the gallery, aside from shopping and Amorino's ice cream, there is a tradition for everyone who enters. Turn with your right heel on the bull's balls, which is a mosaic depicted on the floor of Vittorio Emanuele Square. Three turns for a little luck.
What if...
(👈) To the left of the Galleria
Mr. Luini's panzerotti made the mouth water for all those who passing by could not help but taste them. Mr. Luini represents one of the "big" of Milan's culinary tradition, and I guarantee that once you smell them you can't help but go inside!
For my humble tastes as a book devourer, I affirm that the best variety of books, considering among Italian and foreign ones: is without a shadow of a doubt Hoepli. Big five-story building where the words in the texts communicate between different languages and cultures. Perfect for anyone trying to learn Italian from any source language.
As you leave Hoepli, heading left you go to one of the places less known to tourists but more spectacular: Palazzo Visconti.
One of the places most renowned by lovers of the "old money" style for special occasions: wedding proposals, birthdays, corporate dinners, ... to get lucky they might be organizing a concert at the very same time you are in Milan.
Heading up north, deciding to go on foot or by subway (my advice is to walk as much as possible in a small city with as many things to see as Milan) you can find "Montenapoleone" area, which for some might remind you of the famous "via Monte Napoleone," and in fact it is exactly that! Called one of the most expensive streets in the world. I wouldn't recommend this kind of shopping to everyone, I myself don't venture there for the shopping; but rather for what seems like so many little diamond worlds looking at each other through the eyes of the guards who, almost in a line, prevent the passage of the ill-intentioned.
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is a little gem tucked away in one of the narrow streets of Via Monte Napoleone. Spectacular Museum of Neo-Renaissance art that also contains depictions of the culture and history of the great families and acquaintances of Milan's greatest families.
Always following North as your direction, you leave the Montenapoleone area and head towards Brera, which since the Academy of Fine Arts was established there, has become one of the best nightlife spots, where you can find some of the city's most characteristic restaurants and buildings. It would not be unusual to meet some fortune teller on the street who offers to tell your future. I dread it, but it could be an unusual and somewhat unique experience.
In this narrow area there are a never-ending number of places to visit!
These are just a few of my favorites!
After so much art, it would not shock if tiredness takes over, which is why I also have some culinary tips to refresh you! 😉 One of my favorite places is undoubtedly Osteria della Musica. The only restaurant in the area to have live music that literally addresses the customer as if it were part of the walls and streets of Brera. A unique experience where while enjoying and conversing, the music makes us feel part of the city.
Deciding to end the evening with the great Italian dessert: ice cream! With a walk of less than ten minutes to dispose of the dinner, one can be directed to "OGGI gelato," one of the best Italian gelato shops: whereby the craftsmanship of the product is reflected in the flavor. This gelato is truly the History of Italian Artisan Gelato.
... I went the other way.
(👉) To the right of Galleria
What if instead of turning to the Left, lured by Luini's panzerotti, we wanted to go to the Right? Well my answer would be, "How many things you would have missed and how many things you will discover!"
Right in front of you, at the end of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you are facing Piazza della Scala right in front of the renowned "Scala di Milano"; and on your right there is the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum.
As we have anticipated, we move to our right and direct ourselves to Piazza dei Mercanti from which we arrive at Piazza Cordusio and going straight ahead we can see in the distance the spectacular symbol of political power at the time of the Middle Ages and the House the Sforza family: Castello Sforzesco.
Upon entering the castle you can decide whether or not to take a guided tour (I have taken it, I would not consider it a "must," but for those who want to know more it is certainly an interesting tour). Enjoy the different styles from the Middle Age aerea and The Renessaince and keep walking straight ahead until you exit the castle, finding yourself in Parco Sempione.
The perfect place to rest in the sun, catch up with friends, exercise, walk the dog, grab a bite to eat after classes are over, have a date with your sweetheart, play an instrument, read a few pages of your book, or catch up with someone you haven't seen in a long time... Regardless of the season and what you want to do, Parco Sempione is a gathering place for all citizens of Milan. Just as from the photos the two ends of the park are marked by the Castello on one side and the Arco della Pace on the other.
The Arco della Pace is a wonderful monument inaugurated in the early nineteenth century that today is considered as a meeting place for all those who want to have a drink in one of the most famous clubs in Corso Sempione. A place that I would recommend, is without a shadow of a doubt the Jazz Cafe Milano, which in addition to offering cocktails of all kinds, is an excellent restaurant that after 23h converts into a nightclub with DJs and dancers.
Sushi, as curious as it may sound, represents one of the most common dishes in a Milanese's diet, and it is for this very reason that all around Milan there are countless sushi restaurants. One more delicious than the other!
THE END
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