For my annual European trip, I always try to take time off to visit both my home country, friends and family back home, as well as explore at least one place just for myself (I call it living a balanced life)! Ever since I moved to the West Coast, I found it more manageable to mix these 2 trips together and get the best of both worlds: family time and vacay time! Also, it’s so affordable and fast to travel in Europe when you are already there, and in the mood for adventure.
This year I packed my bags and prepared myself for a large quantity of ice-cream and off I went on an amazing getaway to Italy! For 5 days I explored the beautiful city of Milan and Northern Italy and Switzerland (Como Lake, Bellagio, Lugano and Lake Iseo).
Here are some of the things you cannot miss when visiting Milan and the Italian Lakes!
MILAN WEEKEND GUIDE
What to see.
Milan Center and Duomo. Saying that Milan doesn’t have too many cultural attractions is quite an understatement. Although you cannot compare it to a bigger city like Barcelona, Paris or Rome, there is so much to see. The Milano Duomo is certainly one you cannot miss. It’s actually rather impossible to miss as it’s there, giant and gorgeous right in the center of the city. Go before 6pm and enjoy a beautiful view of Milan from the rooftops of the Duomo. The views are spectacular and all the pictures you’ll take will have beautiful Gothic architecture as a backdrop. (Price 15 EUR – Cathedral and Lift access to Duomo Rooftops).
Center Milan. Start from the Duomo and explore the neighboring streets. Check out the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, La Scala Theatre. I also enjoyed walking down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele shopping street (right between the Duomo and Galleria) and indulge in gelato.
Sforzesco Castle + Parco Sempione. I really enjoyed these 2 together. Rent bikes from Parco Sempione and go about Milan’s biggest park and enjoy the views of the castle. Although I haven’t visited the inside of the castle, I do recommend it as it has over 12 galleries and the grounds and architecture are really great to indulge in. You can then bike around the center until Navigli, or around the downtown area.
Pinacoteca di Brera and Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s biggest art museum and it has quite a collection and a wonderful courtyard . I got tickets to both of these and I was really excited to be able to see the “Last Supper” masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. I recommend buying tickets in advance as the visits are limited, and it’s usually quite busy. After your visit take a walk on Corso Magenta and indulge in Italian architecture, Baroque palaces, cafes and restaurants.
Where to eat and shop
Navigli. This is a wonderful and bustling neighborhood close to center Milan which is the perfect place to have dinner or walk around the canals. There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. Enjoy the sunset views and take part in local events that are usually happening along the canals.
Shopping around Milan. Milan has a lot of boutiques and famous brands all over really. I enjoyed visiting the Brera district – their bohemian stylist neighborhood or Via de la Spiga, the luxury fashion street in Milan. If you have half a day, check out the Serravalle Outlets just 1h away from Milan. There are lots of brands and quite good selection and collections.
Shopping around Milan. Milan has a lot of boutiques and famous brands all over really. I enjoyed visiting the Brera district – their bohemian stylist neighborhood or Via de la Spiga, the luxury fashion street in Milan. If you have half a day, check out the Serravalle Outlets just 1h away from Milan. There are lots of brands and quite good selection and collections.
Flea markets finds. The most famous spot for finding good quality resale goods is in Fiera di Senigallia, the most popular flea market in Milan. Also check out Papiniano, which is close by, for a large variety for shoes and household items. Milan also has great antiques, in the famous Antiquariato sul Naviglio. Vintage Delirium is also a great vintage destination. It is the place where you can probably find many Italian brands and international designers.
10 Corso Como. This store is definitely worth a visit as it has one of the coolest brands, amazing design and a cafe and garden within.
Where to stay
I recommend staying in the center as you can basically walk anywhere. Milan also has a metro, so anywhere around a metro stop is also ok. I stayed at The Square Milano Duomo (highly recommending it) and it was just a few minutes away from the Duomo.
Stay Tuned for Part 2 of my Italian summer adventure. Como Lake Guide Coming Soon!
xx, Liza
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