After moving to the UK to pursue a Master’s Degree in Marketing, Christmas break came along and my friend, Emily and I decided that we should use one week from our one month vacation to travel to a European country. Since neither of us had been to Italy, we decided to take a 9 day trip to Italy and travel between Milan -> Venice -> Florence with a day trip to Pisa -> Rome. We would spend around 2-3 days in each city, and make small day trips to nearby cities we wanted to see. Our trip first began in Milan on December , 2012.
Hotel Canova in Central Milan (85 pounds/night for twin). With high ratings, this place is located strategically and right at Central Milan station. This was great because we had to take a train the next day for Venice.
How to get from Milan Malpensa Airport to Central Milan
Trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Central Milan take approximately 52 minutes via the “Malpensa Express”. Costs for ticket cost around 10 euros.
How to get around Milan (best way- by subway)
Urban ticket: 1.50€ for 90 minutes after stamping. Valid for a single journey on the underground or rail network.
One day ticket: 4.90€. Valid for 24 hours after stamping
Two day ticket: 8.25€. Valid for 48 hours after stamping
Sforza Castle– this large castle housed most of Milan’s prominent ruling families and was also controlled and used as a residence or army barracks for the Spanish, French, and Austrian invaders. It is completely free to wanter the grounds.
Closest subway station: Cairoli-Castello
Opening Hours: Tues- Sun 9:00-5:00pm (admission fee for castle museums)
Via Dante is one of the most bustling streets in all of Milan. Come here for high fashion boutique lines with plenty of other attractions from street vendors to sidewalk performers. Via Dente connects from Castello Sforza (Sforza Castle) and Piazza Cordusio.
Piazza el Duomo is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan. The Duomo is an example of exuberant Northern Gothic in Italy. The exterior consists of upwardly thrusting pinnacles, elongated statues and buttresses. The best part is the view from the roof where you can see the city and toward the Alps.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 9:30AM- 5PM Admission: 4€. Roof: walking 5€/ lift 8€.
Nearest subway station: Duomo
Spend at least 2 hours here to explore inside the cathedral, walk around the cathedral, take photos and visit the rooftop for even more photos!
Outside the Duomo there is a market where you can look around and pick up some small bites along the way. The entrance to the roof is on the left side of the Duomo (facing directly). If you prefer to walk, the entrance fee is cheaper, otherwise there is an elevator. Come early to visit the Duomo, as the elevator line could get long during midday. Admission to the roof: walking €5 / lift€8 euros.
Restaurants near Milano Centrale
- Ristorante Torriani 25 (closed now) One-Michelin starred restaurant Torriani had delicious pasta and a wide variety of dessert from the dessert cart to choose from.The tiramisu was spectacular and well worth it.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (nearby the Duomo)
Walkable from the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a high-end shopping street where you can stock up on brand-name items. You will be able to find Rimowa, TownHouse, H&M, coffeshops as well as restaurants to eat.
Plaza
A nearby plaza to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
If you have more time to venture out, a trip to Santa Maria Delle Grazie to check out Da Vinci’s Last Supper should also be on your To-See List. Note, tickets to see the painting MUST be purchased in ADVANCE or else you will be left with just taking photos of the outside (like me!)
Refectory and Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
Reservation is necessary.
Tel: 02 92 800360
(Line active from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6:30 PM.
Purchase tickets online: www.cenacolovinciano.net (only Italian)
I tried my best to get a photo of The Last Supper by Da Vinci. This is my best shot.
Follow me on my Italy trip (Milan- Lake Como- Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome) with our next stop, Lake Como in Milan.