Often called the style capital of Italy, Milan’s spectacular array of structure, boutique buying, and scrumptious meals (it’s Italy, in spite of everything!) all make it the proper begin to a Northern Italy journey.
For those who’re attempting to pack as a lot into your Italian journey as doable and solely have a day to commit to Milan, then we’ve one thing in widespread. I landed in the late afternoon with about 24 hours to spare earlier than leaving for my different locations. So as to take advantage of out of my brief time in Milan, I packed in as a lot of one of the best of the town as I may.
Right here is my epic Milan itinerary for simply 1 day, good for first-timers:
1. Dawn at Duomo di Milano
If that is your first time visiting Milan, make it some extent to go to Duomo di Milano. Essentially the most iconic cathedral in Milan that took practically 6 centuries to full is value combating that snooze button for! I arrived at Duomo round 7am, arrange my trusty tripod and took as many journey selfies as I needed. The early morning peaceable atmosphere additionally made admiring the structure from the skin that rather more gratifying. Once I walked previous Duomo once more later in the afternoon, it was jam-packed with folks struggling to get a selfie with the majestic constructing, which might have ruined the expertise for me.
2. Breakfast at Ravizza 1871
… or another eating places or cafes which can be open at this hour! You will note 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 traces as I had a full day forward of me, I booked a skip-the-line entrance ticket in advance. 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 folks on the roof prime. My ticket included entrance to each the roof prime in addition to the cathedral. For those who plan on visiting the cathedral church, you might be required to cowl up your shoulders and knees. Put on comfy sneakers as you’ll have to exit by way of the staircase even with an escalator entrance. There are alternatives should you desire visiting solely the roof prime or solely the cathedral:
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
You possibly can’t go to Milan with out taking in the style scene! The picture above was taken early in the morning, earlier than the retailers are open. Anticipate to see far more folks 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 in the intricate particulars of the constructing, and was additionally entertained by Tik Tokers working it in the mall’s heart.
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 might be accomplished marveling, exit the mall and make your means to Piazza della Scala to try the enduring statue of Leonardo Da Vinci. Teatro alla Scala, essentially the most iconic opera home in Milan, is correct throughout. If I had extra time, I’d have beloved to be part of a guided tour!
4. Be part of a Milanese Strolling Tour
Since my time in Milan was brief, I figured one of the best ways to have an immersive expertise was to be part of another strolling tour. I discovered the place the locals hang around, districts that aren’t precisely a vacationer attraction however are standard with the locals, in addition to the story behind sure statues, paintings and buildings together with those proven right here.
As a solo feminine traveler, it was additionally a good way to meet different vacationers and I ended up having lunch with one other attendee from the tour.
Different strolling excursions obtainable:
5. Lunch at Trattoria La Rava Ela Fava
Oh, how I beloved this place! A suggestion from an area, 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 individuals 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’re in the capital of trend, in spite of everything! Digest all that meals you had with a stroll round Brera district, a cute space with high-end, road trend in addition to classic boutiques. There are additionally loads of artwork galleries and distinctive present retailers.
7. Go to Sforza Citadel and Sempione Park
I needed to go folks watching at Sempione Park, and determined to try Sforza Citadel since it’s on the way in which. Entrance to the citadel floor is free, whereas a ticket is required to enter the museums in the complicated. Leonardo Da Vinci was among the many artists who have been commissioned to adorn 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. take pleasure in 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 desire an area spot the place I can folks watch whereas sipping on my drink. To establish an area bar, stroll a pair blocks from the principle road. 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 have been principally native households, which is at all times an excellent signal. It’s a norm to order a complete pizza for one individual, and the portion is fairly massive!
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 one can find extra bars and a youthful crowd. You possibly can hire a bicycle (extra on that under) should you’re uninterested in strolling.
The place to Keep in Milan
I stayed at a stunning Airbnb close to Chinatown, and I extremely suggest it! The neighborhood felt native and protected. Getting round was straightforward with buses and trams. As a solo feminine traveler, I additionally appreciated the chance to stick with an area couple, who have been glad to share their favourite native spots. There are many hostels and boutique motels in Milan if that’s your desire!
How to Get Round in Milan
Milan’s metro system is properly related in the town and you will get to all main landmarks talked about in this itinerary simply. A 90-minute experience on any trains, trams and buses prices 2 euro, although you should purchase a 48 hour ticket for 8.25 euro, or a 25 hour ticket for 4.50 euro. When you have a big suitcase, you’ll have to pay a further 1.50 euro for a baggage ticket.
Taxis are very costly, as is the case in most components of Europe.
An alternate means to get round is thru bicycle and scooter sharing apps. Attempt to obtain the apps and arrange your fee methodology prior to arriving in Milan so you possibly can just remember to shall be ready to hire:
Solo Feminine Security in Milan
I by no means as soon as felt unsafe throughout my time in Milan, even when strolling alone in the night (observe: I visited Milan in the summer time, when the solar units round 9pm. I don’t assume that strolling alone when it’s darkish is a good suggestion wherever). I chatted with folks at eating places and bus stops, and discover that individuals have been pleasant and sociable. English is extensively spoken. General, touring alone in Milan as a solo feminine traveler felt superior, although you must at all times train the identical cautions as you’d again house!
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