Milan
Updated: Oct 17, 2019
Milan is recognized worldwide for being one of the designs and fashion capitals of the world. This is a major stop for people who visit Italy, thanks to it being in part the second biggest airport in the country behind Rome. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial place known for its high-end restaurants and shops. It’s a very glitzy city with more shopping stores than any place I have ever scene. If your thinking this is where I can get Louie Vuitton for cheaper well, you would be wrong just like I was. It’s even sometimes cheaper in America versus Italy, I know weird but true.
You have the beautiful Duomo and Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that now houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture. Then there’s Leonardo DaVinci’s The Last Supper, located inside Santa Maria Della Grazie church. Milan has no shortage of culture.
Places to Stay
Hostel world app to choose your Hostel, I always stay in 8 stars plus hostels. I book when I land because I never know how long I want to stay in one place. The Babila Hostel is a 9 star and runs $48 a night. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Duomo. The Meininger Milano Lambrate is $22 a night, 9 stars but it’s a 3 mile walk to town square.
Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t eat in Station Square – The restaurants around here are tourist traps and are vastly overpriced. Head about half a mile outside of this area for authentic and less expensive food. I had my first dinner in Station Square it was worth it just one time.
Avoid the taxis – Taxis are generally expensive and there is an additional surcharge at night (the minimum ride is €6.50 EUR/$7.30 USD as instead of the normal €3.30 EUR/$3.70 USD), so try to find alternative means of travel. I walked every where in this city so just have good walking shoes.
Take the Radio bus – Radio bus is an on-request bus network that runs from 8pm-2 am to provide safe and reliable night transportation. With tickets costing at most €3 EUR ($3.35 USD) plus a valid ATM ticket, are a good alternative to taxis after a night out.
Do some cheap shopping – If you don’t want to miss out on the fashion experience, head to the Brera District for some less expensive but trendy boutique stores.
Get a city pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, the Milano Card or the Milan Pass will give you discounts or free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions.
Pass on the bread – Some restaurants will charge you extra for bread or breadsticks on the table but not tell you about it until the check comes, and you’ve polished it off.
Drink the tap water – The water in Italy is safe to drink so avoid those expensive bottles of water and refill from the tap! Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
Take a free walking tour – A walking tour is the best way to get familiar with a new city while learning lots of interesting history in the process. Milan Free Tour is a great option.
How to Get Around Milan
Milan’s public transportation is run by the Azienda Transport Milanesi (ATM) and uses the same ticketing system across all modes of transportation: bus, tram, and subway. Each ticket costs €1.50 EUR ($1.70 USD) for 90 minutes. You can ride as many buses/trams/trains in that period as you like.
You can also purchase a 10-ride pass for €13.80 EUR ($15.50 USD) or a 24-hour pass for €4.50 EUR ($5 USD). A 48-hour pass is €8.25 EUR ($9.25 USD). There’s a week pass as well, but it doesn’t cover unlimited rides, so you’re better off with one of the options listed above.
Radio bus tickets (a night bus service) cost about €3 EUR ($3.35 USD) and runs from Milan to neighboring towns.
You can use the ATM app to purchase tickets or buy them at the metro station.
Milan’s subway system is the fastest and easiest way to get around town. There are four lines, and two of them stop at the Duomo. There are also easy connections to the Milan Central Station and other neighborhoods, like Porta Romana.
If you’re going to or from the airport, the Malpensa Express train is a great way to zip in and out of town to catch your flight. It costs just €13 EUR ($14.60 USD) from the airport to Milano Centrale, and a return ticket costs €20 EUR ($22.40 USD). Always avoid taking taxis they are overpriced.
Attractions
Duomo di Milano Milan cathedral is the church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Building started in1386, the cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It is the largest church in Italy. Ticket for the church plus roof top ticket is $18
Lake Como Lake Known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the southwest branch lies the city of Como. Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip is $100
Discover Milan 3 hour guided bike ride Tickets are $45 English speaking guide takes you beyond the typical sightseeing spots to experience a friendlier, greener, more relaxed version of the Italian city.
Hot tip: Use your Ticket Lens app to purchase your adventures.
Note: All prices may vary these are the prices of 2019