Milan - my first big love! (Milan (Italy))

Member Name: sun-is-shining

Product:	Milan (Italy)
Date:	28/05/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Culture, lifestyle, shopping, food and Italians :-)

Disadvantages: expensive, lots of pigeons on Piazza Doumo

Milan was my first big love, the first city I lived in after finishing school. Many Milanesi dislike the city with a passion but I instantly fell in love with its amazing architecture, the hectic Italian lifestyle, the great nightlife and the Doumo!
If you have the chance to go there DO IT! Milan may offers less culture than Rome but it has this great feeling that makes everyone welcome.

Come here and you'll love it too!

How to go there:
Milan has 3 Airports; Linate is close to the city centre (10min by bus), Malpensa is to the west (45min by bus) and Orio al Serio which is actually in Bergamo but used from Ryanair as their Milan airport (50min by bus).
The saying goes that all roads lead to Rome but in Italy all motorways go to Milan. Italian motorways can be quite confusing. I avoided driving there whenever I could. If you go by car leave it on one of the many Park&Ride places, NEVER take your car to the city centre with you!

Sights:

- The Duomo is Milan's main cathedral, a massive Gothic church. The marble is so bright that the whole building seems to glow. Inside however it is dark and atmospheric. Climb up to the roof (or go by escalator) and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy sitting down and relaxing, bring a book with you and stay away from the hectic lifestyle on the ground. Roof open daily 9 am - 5.30 am No entrance fee for the church but 3 Euro to climb to the roof

- Castello Sforzesco: Situated 5min walking from il Doumo is the castello that houses several exhibitions. For some entrance fees apply.

- Parco Sempione: A huge park in the heart of the city. A wonderful place for a pick nick. Right behind the Castello.

- La Scala, the world famous opera. Go through 'the Galleria' to Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci. Don't miss it - the atmosphere in la Scala is unimaginable!

- San Siro - the famous Stadium of Inter and AC, go there on a Sunday and you can get tickets for the match on the same day. Well, not when it's AC against Inter (I made the mistake and tried it, the vendors had a lot of fun laughing about me :-) )

- Santa Maria delle Grazie -- See the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Book your tickets at least 2 months in advance! I'm not joking, there's no way to get in without reservation. They do sell cancelled reservations at 8 in the morning but you shouldn't count on that.

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Food:

Milan is not only the capital of fashion but also offers great food and lombardian wine! The red, strong lombardian wine is a must and consumed in vast numbers during an Italian dinner.
Try a Risotto alla Milanese (cooked rice with saffron) followed by Ossobuco (braised veal shanks with vegetable) with a good read wine.

Of course there's nothing better than Pizza and Pasta and I strongly suggest you the Pizza Margarita, a classic pizza with tomato, basil and mozzarella. As all the ingredients are fresh and intense in flavour you don't need anything else.
Restaurants in Milan are quite expensive when you only look around Piaazza Doumo. Have a look in the surrounding areas or as someone working in your Hotel/Hostel for suggestions.

Panini and slices of Pizza are everywhere cheaply available as is Mc Donalds and Spzzico (a fast food pizza store).

Italy is of course the country of ice cream. My favourite shop is 'Io Voglio' between doumo and the Castello. It's on a corner and you'll recognise it by the huge queue of people waiting for their ice cream. It's well worth the wait - the best ice cream I ever had!

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Going out:

If you are looking for nice bars and decent clubs go to Corso Como (green metro line - Porta Garibaldi)
Yes, it is pricey but you get nice cocktails and good music. You can get a drink in a bar and drink it outside - the whole street is a unique party zone. My favourites are Novecento (Bar, no entrance fee) and Casa Blanca (Club, 10 Euro 1 drink included)

Naviglio is a nice area for a more relaxed evening. 20min by foot from Doumo in the direction of the river (nicknamed the Venice of Milan). It's cheaper than Corso Como but you cannot dance there.
Ask for Porta Ticinese to get the right directions.

My favourite bar: Frida! I spend so many happy nights in this relaxed bar where everyone drinks beer and listens to alternative music. If that's your thing go with the yellow metro line to Zara, get off and everyone can point you in the right direction.

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Shopping:

Well, if you are super rich have a look at La Galleria , you'll find LV Prada and Gucci all next to each other. For all other (that includes myself) have a look at via Torino. When you stand with your back to the front entrance of the Doumo walk straight and then a bit to the left. There are well known shops like H&M but also smaller Italian brands. My highlight is Bersca (I hope that's how you write it) a stylish shop with good prices (10 - 15 Pound a shirt)

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Metro and tram:

The Metro consists of 3 lines, red, yellow and green. 1 ticket costs 1 Euro. Dayticket is 3.50 and two days 5 Euro.
There are lots of tram lines but they can be quite confusing so I'd suggest you to go by metro if you can. You can use the same tickets for the tram. They are valid for 75min. You have to buy them at a tabac shop and validate them in the Tram. If you fail to show a valid ticket on request you have to pay 30 Euros - there aren't many controls so it's your risk :-)

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General tips&hints:

- Most people speak English but a few Italian words are everywhere appreciated. Have a look at the link for free Italian lessons. It's just the basics like "Hello" and Thank you" : http://rlnvault.com/rln09/shows/italian/

- Take sunblock and cooling spray with you - the city heats up during the day and the nights can be really stuffy

- There are tons of mosquitoes in May/June/July - be prepared

- Fall in Love with the city - I certainly did!

Summary: For me the most diverse and beautiful city in Italy