Milan or Rome? Simple as that!

Old Nov 15th, 2012, 04:47 AM
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Milan or Rome? Simple as that!

Commonly asked question, which I thought I'd ask again for some new input!!

This would be 4 luxurious nights, no expense spared. Interests are fine dining, some nightlife, some sightseeing, nice local cafes, parks and the less tourists the better.

It would be next September.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

pg
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 04:56 AM
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Without question, Rome. However, if you are interested in a major city in Europe in September with all of the interests you list and without loads of tourists - Lots of luck. No such thing.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 06:02 AM
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>>>4 luxurious nights, no expense spared>>Interests are fine dining>>some nightlife>>some sightseeing>>nice local cafes, parks>>the less tourists the better
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 07:05 AM
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If you really decide where to be a tourist on the basis no-one else wants to look at it, Milan wins hands down.

No contest, end of story.

If your other criteria are only as stated, the two net out 50/50. So overall Milan wins. But most people would regard your criteria as bonkers.

Rome's one of the most visited cities on the planet because it's absolutely central to Western history, has some of the world's greatest museums (including, in the Vatican, the world's greatest museum complex) and it remains the centre of the world's most influential cultural institution.

Milan's a provincial business centre, with a handful of pleasant ways for businesspeople to pass their time, one of the world's great opera houses and some of Europe's most hideous modern buildings. Apart from its inhabitants, people changing planes there, foreign football fans (Milan's are a great deal less murderous to visitors, and less racist than Rome's), business visitors and Italians "doing" their own country no-one ever bothers with the place
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 07:10 AM
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Rome, Rome, Rome.

however, Turin features very highly on the "increasingly popular" list.

just saying.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 07:44 AM
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Milan can be booked up some weeks in September with fashion events.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 08:43 AM
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Milan is primarily a business city (much of it fashion) - and that is the only reason I would go there.

Rome has an incredible number of sights - but in Sept - or almsot any other time - will be crowded - as will any other major city inItaly.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 08:58 AM
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Pick the number one favorite flight crew layover city in the world-ROME!!!!!
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 09:55 AM
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Rome. As it's as simple as that.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 01:14 PM
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Rome!
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 01:29 PM
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All roads lead to Rome!
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 05:12 PM
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I have been to both cities multiple times, and my vote would be for Rome. So much more to do and see -- Colosseum, Vatican, many interesting churches, the Forum. I believe that you could see all of Milan (and I dread the possible heat that I will take for my attitude) in one day....the Galleria, the Last Supper, and the Duomo. If you have time to take in an opera, perhaps La Scala could be added to your itinerary, but I would opt to spend my time and $$ in Rome.

The Fodorites can recommend many good restaurants there.

Again, just my opinion; I like Milan, but given the choice, Rome would be my preference.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 06:14 PM
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Rome - jaw-dropping sights everywhere you turn! Never gets old.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 07:46 PM
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I like MIlan (have only visited once and I did enjoy it), but for me, Rome wins hands-down. I never tire of Rome. It is a stunning and sexy city.

As far as "the fewer tourists the better," I suppose Milan wins this one.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 08:40 PM
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Earlier this year in Rome a tour guide told me the number of tourists had increased threefold in the past five years. There's a reason for this: it's astonishing. Get a good guide to show you around. I recommend Context Travel as a high quality operator, who know their stuff inside out, and know how to navigate you through the crowds to best advantage. Maximum group size is six people or so, and the guides are all PhDs or similar in their field, and that's what makes the whole thing so special. Massive tourism is a given now so go in a philosophical frame of mind and enjoy yourself.
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Old Nov 15th, 2012, 11:03 PM
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Have you been to Italy previously?
By " some sightseeing", do you have in mind walking to major, famous sights; or hopping into your car ( or having your driver collect you) for some day trips?

I'm sure you know that there will be fewer tourists in Milan - but are you not also a tourist? With "no expense spared" budget, you will be able to escape many of the madding crowd.

The obvious answer is, Rome - but perhaps you are looking beyond the obvious?
Yes, I really like Milan ( and Rome). - but this is your trip, so let's see if we can't find something just perfect for you?
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Old Nov 20th, 2012, 07:41 AM
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Thanks everyone for the replies, looks like Rome is an overwhelming winner (not too surprising really).

@ Bokhara - yes, I've been to Liguria a few months ago and actually Rome a long time ago. That is the extent of my Italy travels. We would not plan on doing any day trips, just stuff around the city.
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Old Nov 20th, 2012, 08:56 AM
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Depending on your age and interests, Milan will offer you much more in the way of world class nightlife and fine dining, and much better wine, and obviously fewer tourists.

Rome is usually the winner in polls like this, but most people don't come to Italy with your interests.
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