Visiting Milan, Italy
Although we did visit Milan during a pandemic, we still had the best time. It was probably quieter than what it would be like normally. But we still got to experience the city and what it had the offer. Italy are handling the pandemic quite well, and everyone we encountered was sticking to the rules. Everyone in Italy wears masks, so visiting Milan during a pandemic was fine! I also wrote about our experience of Italy during Coronavirus.
Milan was somewhere I hadn’t really considered visiting before. We ended up here last minute really. Milan was the place we could all fly to quite locally, so meant we didn’t have to travel far to get there. I flew from Edinburgh Airport as Newcastle Airport weren’t flying there. We booked last minute budget flights and ourselves an Airbnb, we spent around £180 each for 5 days in Italy all in. Bargain!
Things to do
Milan is a fab city for a day or so, however I couldn’t stay there for more than 3 days. The city is beautiful, and there is so many amazing restaurants to try out. But there isn’t a wide range of other activities, unless you’re very interested in fashion!
Milan Cathedral
The cathedral itself is amazing. It’s so detailed and beautiful to see in person. With us visiting during a pandemic it was really quiet outside. However I can imagine how busy it would be usually! We couldn’t go inside, but I wish we could’ve been able to.
Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
I loved walking around this area, the building itself is so grand. But it is also full of amazing designer shops and restaurants. It reminded me of when we visited Brussels. We opted for food on our visit here, mostly as I don’t think I’m buying a Prada bag any time soon.
Castello Sforzesco
Who knew there was a castle in the middle of Milan, we found this by accident after grabbing gelato. You walk through the two huge guard tower to get into the grounds for a walk around. There is usually museums open here but they’re closed at the moment.
Piazza del Duomo
This is the plaza outside the cathedral, which when it’s busy you probably won’t even notice it! From here you see the cathedral, lots of amazing restaurants, the galleria and well, pigeons. Here is where you get the classic pigeon shot. There is loads of men around feeding the pigeons to help you get ‘that’ shot.
Parco Sempione
This is a huge park area behind the castle. There is also an Arch of Peace in the middle. Which when we were there, was the go-to for your PT to take you to work out apparently.
Visiting other cities
We were lucky enough to get to visit Venice and Lake Como whilst we visited, which I would recommend! Lake Garda is also nearby, which I wish we had enough time to go to as well. Milan has so many train routes, so it’s really easy to get around to different cities!
Food and drinks of Milan
So when you’re here you need an Aperol. We did go to the Aperol Bar, which wasn’t amazing. However the views from here and the amazing Giacomo Milano! However, the best place I’ve eaten ever was El Carnicero Milano. Such good service and the nicest food!
Getting around Milan
Getting around Milan was easy, as usual with the Citymapper app. There was buses every 10 minutes, trams or a simple Uber. There is also trains depending on how far you’re going. Getting around on foot is my favourite though. The city is beautiful!
Have you ever thought of visiting Milan?
