Reading time: 3min

Last visit: October 2022

Milan, the world-famous Italian city best known for the majestic Duomo Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Arcade, the mediaeval Sforza Castle and the extraordinary fashion and culinary scenes.

HOW TO GET TO THE CENTRE FROM THE AIRPORT?

We flew into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Walking straight out of the arrivals terminal, you have the bus terminal, from where you can catch a bus to Milan city centre for €10 per person. The buses go approximately every 20 min and the ride takes about 50 min 🚌

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) facts

• It’s located about 50 km from Milan
• It’s the largest international airport in northern Italy
• Between 1958 and 1962 it had the longest runway in Europe (3.915m)

MILAN CENTRAL TRAIN STATION

We wandered through the centre to the central station. One of those places with a New York vibe to it, reminding one of the Grand Central Station with its high ceilings, massive stairs and marble everywhere.

Recommendation: make sure to go with plenty of time, if you are taking the buss from the Central Station to Milan Malpensa Airport, as the queue for the buses is loooooooong. Better to have extra time in the airport than to miss your flight ✈️

HOW DID WE MOVE AROUND?

Mostly walking 👟 I believe it’s one of the best ways to explore and experience a new place – especially in big cities. We jumped on an electric scooter twice or so, which is always fun 🛴

As a big fan of trams, I was stoked to find that Milan’s Tram Line 1 is the oldest tram still running in the world. Milan has a total of 17 tram lines, spreading over 181km, making it the 6th largest tram network in the entire world. Tram rides are a great way to explore a new city – especially if the weather is a bit wet 🚃

WHAT DID WE SEE IN MILAN?

Naviglio

Ever wondered what a mix of Amsterdam and Venice would look like? Well, say hello to Naviglio 👋 This is one of those charming areas to take a walk in and indulge in yummy Italian food in one of the many, many restaurants along the canal.  

From Naviglio, we walked through the historic centre to the heart of Milan and the majestic Duomo Cathedral.

Tip: In Naviglio there’s a market on Saturday mornings.

Duomo Cathedral

The Duomo Cathedral in Milan is Italy’s largest church and the centrepiece of the entire city. It’s the fifth largest Christian church in the world. It has 3.400 statues, 135 gargoyles AND 700 figures. No wonder it’s one of the must-sees when visiting Milan 😉

Recommendation: Visit the Duomo and the Piazza both during day time and night time – it’s two different experiences, both absolutely beautiful.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right next to the Duomo Cathedral, you will find the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Home to some of the most famous luxury fashion brands in the world, like Armani and Versace. Make sure to look up when you’re inside the arcade 😉

Sforza Castle

Are you also a fan of Assassin’s Creed? If so, Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) will make you feel like you’ve entered the world of Assassin’s Creed 🎮

It was built during the fourteenth century and is now one of the most famous landmarks in Milan. This fortress houses several museums and art galleries.

Fun fact: Leonardo da Vinci worked as a military, civil engineer and later on as an artist at the Sforza Castle.

Recommendation: take a stroll through the park down to the Arch of Peace, located at Piazza Sempione – it’s only a 10 minute walk from the Sforza Castle. It gives you a New York Central Park vibe – and if you’re lucky, you might just bump into police patrolling on horseback 🐴

WHAT DID WE EAT IN MILAN?

Terrazza Duomo 21

A recommendation given to us from a friend, which we can now recommend as well 😍

Terrazza Duomo 21 is a rooftop lounge/cocktail bar/restaurant, located in the heart of the city. The terrace offers stunning views to the piazza and the Duomo cathedral. 

Ciacco 

Known to be the best ice cream of all Milan. The hazelnut flavour definitely conquered my heart🍦

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milan

Shoutout to all Starbucks lovers 👋 Be prepared to stand in line to enter a world of coffee, where you get to watch every step of the coffee roasting process from bean to cup. Make sure to take a moment to take in the interiors; the marble bars, twisting copper pipes, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and much more 😉 

Fun fact: There are currently only six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world (Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Chicago).

Pasticceria (any or all of the ones you find on your way)

This is an absolutely must stop on your walk through Milan. We tried a whole selection of yummy sweets; cannoli with different flavours, different cakes and panna cotta de pistachio, which is my absolute favourite so far.

Milan can easily be seen in a day, and we originally planned on spending just 1 day in Milan and catching the train to Bergamo the next day. But as a train strike just so happened to be on the weekend we went, we had 48 hours to enjoy Milan.