Going to Milan

[dave1606]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 10:32am

Does anyone have any opinions on what to do in Milan? I got the crazy Emirates deal flying from NYC to there for $399!

I'm using it to hop over to London to see some shows, but before I do that I will have three days in Milan. Any thoughts or recommendations of what to see/do there? Or the best day trips from there? It isn't a really long trip to go traveling through all of Italy, but I figured it might be fun to get to know the city and maybe do a day trip somewhere.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 11:24am

To bad it is not next year. You could visit the World Expo than

[SNAFU]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 12:00pm

"than what?"

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 12:10pm

Fisherman Bob? You're needed again.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 3:26pm

The big tourist attraction there is the Last Supper. To protect its fragile fresco status--and the restoration, which took from 1978 to 1999--the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie only allows a small number of people in at a time, and you have to go through an intense series of climate-controlling entryways. At certain times of year, you have to arrange weeks in advance to see it.

We were there in the spring, which is high tourist season, so someone suggested that we book one of the bus tours that end with a visit to the Last Supper. They prearrange with the church for set blocks of time.

Now I'm much too proud an independent traveler to EVER take a bus tour, but it was the only way, so we did it. The guide ended up being lovely, and we got our 15 minutes with the Last Supper.

There's another church, called San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, that has lesser known frescoes that have also been restored.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 3:44pm

Yes! The Last Supper is a must see! I was there in '92 and it was being restored. Truly awe inspiring to see it in real life. The Duomo is not too far from there and well worth the visit. I LOVE Milano!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 9:24pm

^^^^^ agree about The Last Supper.
Castle Sforza is the remains of a great fortress built by the Dukes of Sforza. Gives you an appreciation of how these castles really were towns within towns.( esp if u watch Game of Thrones)
There is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II- the worlds first undercover shopping arcade.On the ground of the central octagonal, there are four mosaics portraying the Coat of Arms of the three Capitals of the Kingdom of Italy, w beautiful vaulting glass ceilings/roof and of course, luxury shopping. There is also the Duomo- but I prefered Florences'. And of course La Scala.I don't know if tours are still given, but a short pilgrimage would not be a trial.

The thing I found about Milan is its a much more industrial city than many of the other historical places. Lots of shopping, restaurants & cafes. Lots of places to met and mingle.

[dave1606]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 10:13pm

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm going in April. I've been checking the Last Supper website every day, ad it looks like they aren't selling out that far yet. But it is definitely the top of my list.

I'm staying in the city center for a day, and then in an Airbnb for two days. It seems like a very walkable city from what I can tell.

I definitely will be planning on the Duomo and the Castle, and certainly some shopping! I also have been eyeing La Scala Ballet tickets (sadly no opera playing while I am there). It is definitely a space I would love to see.

Does anyone recommend any day trips? I have been thinking of going to either one of the Lake Towns nearby or being very ambitious and taking a train to Venice.

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 10:18pm

Here's the way to really enjoy Milan's Duomo: skip touring the main church interior, and go around the left side of the church (if you face the church with your back to the Piazza). Find the entry door that leads to the staircase to the roof. Believe me, walking around on the white marble slabs that make up the Duomo's roof, surrounded by the BACKS of all those amazing sculptures that line the parapets, and looking out over historic Milan from that high vantage point will be the most memorable hour you spend in your 3 days there.

We learned about this alternative out of necessity back in '94 when we showed up at the entrance to the cathedral wearing shorts. Shorts were a no-go for touring the main interior, but a kindly entry guard suggested our rooftop option. Favorite Milanese we met on that visit!

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 10:25pm

A day trip to Venice would be insanely frustrating-- aside from the hassle, you'd be utterly exhausted trying to see all that Venice has to offer in a day. If you can sacrifice a night in Milan and spend 2 days and a night in Venice, THEN you'd have an exciting plan. The most magical time in Venice is at night anyway.

For other more doable day-trips, consider a day in Verona, or even Vicenza and Padua on the Veneto (the mainland near Venice). Each of those towns can be appreciated in a day if you're an efficient traveler.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 10:56pm

Definitely La Scala!

There was only a recital playing there when we were there--a soprano, a mezzo and a piano. But we bought box seats in the first ring (they were very cheap, given the low profile nature of the concert) and arrived early to take advantage of the lobbies and public spaces--which are beyond grand and glamorous!

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 11:19pm

La Scala's guided tour is swell too, if that's the only way you can get inside that lovely dainty theater space. It includes views of some terrific set models from the past (which makes any tour a success in this little set designer's heart).

[After Eight]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 11:49pm

Both Lake Como and Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands are well worth seeing.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/28/15 at 11:57pm

Oh, and if you see "Risotto Con Barolo" on a menu, order it!

Apparently, only in the Piemonte region do they mix in a large around of good red wine with the risotto, butter, olive oil, onion and Parmesan. Nowhere else in Italy would they think of making the pasta purple. Only in Piemonte.

But it is so simple and so, so good.



And it comes out purple!