Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - luxury hotel rome

I don't understand why, every time someone says they're spending time in Milan, it's necessary to question their choice. Even without the Expo and day trips, it's a wonderful, vibrant city with a lot to see and do. We've stayed there twice, four nights each stay, plus another few times just one night passing through. We never run out of things to see and do there.

Friends and relatives of ours who have visited the Expo say that it's hard to see it in one day. The more popular pavilions have long waits to get in. However, I wouldn't suggest spending most of your time at the Expo. Some other things you might enjoy in Milan are:

The Grande Naviglio, a canal with lots of lively bars on the canal path, and with (mostly short) rides on canal boats.

The Castello Sforzesco, a huge castle, with many courtyards and gates, where there are numerous museums of all types.

The Duomo, one of the few great Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Be sure to go up to the terraces, full of fantastic gothic sculptures.

The Scala, Italy's premier opera house, is worth seeing even if you can't make it to a performance. There is also a Scala museum, which I haven't visited.

The Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, built in the 4th century, but largely rebuilt in the 11th century. It's a beautiful church with a harmonious exterior and interior in Romanesque style.

Da Vinci's Last Supper, although it hasn't survived the centuries very well, is still something you shouldn't miss if you can manage to get tickets. They are snapped up almost as soon as they go on sale, but you can always get in by signing on for an overpriced guided tour. We managed to get in, after failing to get tickets, by lining up very early in the morning of the Feast of Sant'Ambrogio, when entry is free and there are no reservations. They do still limit the number of people allowed in. Small groups can enter and stay for a very limited time.

Besides all this, there are other museums, medieval churches, theatres, and musical events. Friends of ours who live there told us we shouldn't miss the Cimetero Monumentale (monumental cemetery). We seen it from the street, but haven't had time to get there.