Over the weekend, I took a short train ride from Florence to Milan. I’ve been to Milan a few times, but since moving to Italy, I’ve wanted to visit again. From Florence, the train to Milan takes about an hour and a half so a quick day trip is possible. Milan is a diverse city that is home to many museums and galleries, which is why it is known as the design and fashion capital of the world. Although Milan may seem like a typical urban industrial place inside the center and the streets surrounding, there is a sweet and inspiring city waiting to be explored.

Milan Eats & Treats:

Coffee: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Lunch: Obicà Mozzarella Bar

Treats: Marchesi 1824

Dinner: Piz Pizzeria

Milan Things to Do:

• Climb to the top of the Milan Cathedral. This was the number one thing I wanted to do in Milan. The rooftop of the stunning Cathedral is an incredible experience. There are so many great angles to view Milan from above and the architecture up close is breathtaking and picture worthy as well.
• Walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping mall definitely belongs in the fashion capital of the world. Majority of the shops are luxury brands, but it’s still fun to window shop and spend time in the interior. This is another stunning piece of architecture in Milan.
• Walk outside the city center. Milan is a huge city, which I tend to forget every time I visit. There are several areas surrounding the center that make for an enjoyable walk.
• Enjoy Milan from a rooftop. There are many rooftop restaurants and bars surrounding the Cathedral. I enjoyed lunch at Obicà which was on a rooftop right next to the Cathedral.

Milan Tips:

• If you take the train into Milan, I would suggest taking the metro into the city center. There are clearly marked signs on what metro to take (M3 takes you straight to the Duomo) and it’s only three stops away from the central train station. Otherwise, it is about a forty minute walk.
• If interested in viewing “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci, be sure to book tickets in advance. It is impossible to book tickets the day of at the ticket office.
• Also book tickets in advance for the Cathedral rooftop. During high season, this books up fast and this is a must while in Milan.
• If interested in viewing the inside of the Cathedral be sure to wear proper clothing in order to be respectful–covered knees and shoulders.