Stop two of my August trip was Milan, the train from Lugano to Milano Centrale was so easy and cheap! Approx €20, great value. Similar to the Zurich-Lugano route, the views from the trains at times were beautiful..
I got off the train at Milano Centrale, it was around 33 degrees, I had to get rid of my backpack so I agreed to tie up with my Air Bnb host. I had a place near Garibaldi Station, and my host spoke pretty much zero English. I loved this. I had to learn Italian phrases so I could speak to her, and she really did appreciate I was trying!
The View from my Air Bnb, perfect
Such a perfect little find on Air BnB, Corsa Como was the best location
Duomo di Milano (Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy)
I walked from my Air BnB into the city, of course headed for the Duomo. Firstly, I probably saw 5 or 6 people getting pick pocketed. You’ll see guys handing out bracelets, once given one you’ll be followed around. From what I could tell; people with decent cameras were being targeted.. anyway enough of the negatives.
The Duomo is amazing. It’s not quite as immense as the Duomo in Florence, but non the less, this place is incredible.. tips for the Duomo.. Book your tickets in advance. I queued for about 40 mins to get tickets to the stair climb to the roof terrace..
If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know I fly drones for photography. Flying over any of the ‘Art Cities’ is illegal. I was desperate to fly in Milan but couldn’t arrange a permit quick enough. I did see two P4Ps fly over the Duomo. Word of warning, you’ll get caught.. I watched police detain a guy for flying over the Duomo.. be careful and know the rules..
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy)
Stunning architecture I love, shopping I do not.. this is probably one of the only times you’ll see me enjoy a shopping experience. The Galleria has to be seen to be believed. Unique symmetry, perfect lines. It’s beautiful.
This is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall, built between 1865-1867, named after the first King of the Kingdom of Italy.
The Statue of Leonardo di Vinci (Piazza della Scala, 20121 Milano MI, Italy)
Did you know this statue was created by a winner of a contest? Pietro Magni..
As beautiful as the Duomo is, I much prefer seeing epic landmarks at night. Lighting is everything. The warm tones which light the Duomo are pretty cool. Generally at meeting place at night, and very busy, not that the photo really looks busy!
The San Siro (Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI, Italy)
Football stadiums my not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the top off my trips, even if I don’t see a game. I just love to see and experience the venues. The San Siro is a beast. I’ve wanted to come here for probably 19 years, yes since around Fifa 99 came out. Just over 80,000 seater stadium, it really makes you realise how HUGE football is in Milan..
I could not imagine the likes of Man Utd and Man City sharing a Stadium, yet these clubs do and it works for them. Whether you support the famous Rossonero or I Nerazzurri, any football fan must visit here..
Cimitero Monumentale (Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy)
Now this was unexpected… and amazing..
The Cemetery of Monumentale is known for it’s stunning sculptures and garden grounds.
The Marzoni Tomb is, well, crazy. Manzoni was a famous novelist, and o me of Milans most honoured citizens..
Lievità Pizza (Porta Garibaldi, 20121 Milano MI, Italy)
Lievità Pizza was some of the best I’ve eaten.. hands down. No review rewired. This place was amazing. 6 minutes for a pizza to arrive, fresh as fresh could have been.. Wow.
A couple of other spots worth a visit..
Sforzinda (Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy)
The grounds and park at Sforzinda are beautiful. You can walk from the Arco della Pace through the park, often live bands are playing. A really cool castle and a relaxing place to hang out.
Built between 1807-1838, this monument was formed in dedication to peace amongst European Nations. A quick stop of on the way through the park!
Bosco Verticale (20124 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy)
Bosco Verticale, a stone’s throw from Garibaldi Station and the new hub at Porto Garibaldi. Really cool apartment blocks which stand out a mile on the Milan skyline. They may only be apartment blocks, but there are a must see spot..
Milano, done. Next up Venezia…
@darrens_visuals 