Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - MILAN

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MILAN - Did you like it?

The wife and I are considering flying in to Milan in late March. Time only permits a week. Would you stay in Milan? Any not too expensive hotels you like in the center? Maybe go north toward the mountains? It looks like there are lots of small towns close by. We appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Happy New Year

Did I like Milan? No.

My husband & I loved Milan - perhaps because we had heard so many negatives and we had no great expectations. We enjoy art museums, cathedrals and I am a shopper. There were several fine museums, the duomo was outstanding (and you must go on the roof) and apparel shopping was world class. Our hotel was an easy walk to almost everything, offered fine service and comfortable, well decorated rooms. I can't remember the name, but I think it was the Duc de ? We chose it for it's location - it's just around the corner from the Duomo, Galleria, etc. I wouldn't spend the entire week in Milan. Four days was enough for us and if you haven't seen much of Italy, then I wouldn't give it more than two, depending on your interests. Hope this helps.

Milan is great for shopping. The Duomo is impressive and it has several other nice things to see, but in my opinion it really lacks of charme compared to the standard italian cities. Actually it cannot even be compared with Rome, Florence or Venice. If you're planning to stay in nothern Italy I wouldn't give Milan more than one day for the shopping and the Duomo, go to Venice and to the lake of Como. If you have already done that, you should consider other nothern italians treasures such as Verona, Padova or Mantova. Another option is of course the Riviera (Portofino+CT).

Todd, Milan is worth a day, probably at the end of your week. Get a car at Malpensa and drive to your next destination---a ton of good options--and then end up in Milan at the end. North: Lugano and other Swiss venues South: The Ligurian coast--Portofino East: Lake Garda, Verona, Dolomites Milan is # 23 on my list of Italy sites. Good luck !

Bob, Do you actually have a list and is it on this forum. I'd be interested in seeing it.

Hello Vita, I knew that would get a rise from someone. I do have a top ten list, but the #23 thing was somewhat tongue in cheek. Here is a list that I often send to potential clients to help them to narrow their choices. I have done this before on the forum but here goes again for Vita. SO, YOU WANT TO SEE ITALY ! FIRST, GET A GOOD MAP ! Having planned more then sixty personalized itineraries to southern Europe and Italy, I have learned that the best trip plans start with a good map. It takes about six weeks to see most of Italy, and that does not include Sicily. So, any typical two week sojourn requires a geographic orientation and thoughtful planning to optimize the total experience. The temptation is to try to see too much, and that is a big mistake. My advice is to limit yourself to FIVE DESTINATIONS OR LESS for any two week itinerary. Perceive Italy as geographic regions and plan accordingly. Here is a menu to help you to plan well. Let your total time in Italy, and a good map, determine your feasible choices ! THE BEST DESTINATIONS IN ITALY---BY CATEGORY---NORTH TO SOUTH REGIONS OF NATURAL SPLENDOR: 1. The Lakes of Lombardy/Piedmonte [ Maggiore, Como, Lugano, Orta] 2. The Dolomites/Lake Garda [ Cortina, Ortisei, Merano, Riva del Garda] 3. The Ligurian Coast [ Portofino, Cinque Terre, Portovenere] 4. Tuscany/ Umbria [ quaint and historic hill towns] 5. The Amalfi Coast [ Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Capri] THE HISTORICAL ART CITIES: 1. Venice & Veneto [ allow 3 days---more if you include Vicenza, Verona et al] 2. Florence [ it all happened here--plan for 2 days just in Florence] 3. Siena [ deserves a full day, perhaps as a day trip from Florence] 4. Rome [ the Eternal City demands 5 days---some would say two weeks] ROMANTIC RESORT DESTINATIONS: 1. Bellagio [ the best of Lago Como] 2. Cortina [ the Vail of Italy--ski resort in heart of the Dolomites] 3. Portofino/ Santa Margherita [ splendid sea-side venue] 4. Positano [ the best location to explore the Amalfi coast] 5. Taormina [ fabulous sea-side location in Sicily] 6. Ravello [ la dolce vita above the Amalfi coast]

You do read that other cities are more beautiful in Italy and from my own experiences traveling in Italy this is true. …BUT SOME FACTS REMAIN. There are no American cities that I can think of that rival cities in Europe in terms of beauty, history and cleanliness,. If you are coming from the U.S this means that you are highly likely to be impressed with Milan. Thanksgiving 00 I had an opportunity to take a 4 day jaunt from NYC to Milan. I went expecting a boring city I had been when I was in college but only for a few hours this time I thought I would shop, eat then come home. The Duomo in Milan took my breath away literally. I had to sit down I was so overwhelmed but it's beauty and magnificence. I think you feel the history, workmanship. Don't want to bore you but I love Milan, extremely easy to navigate by cab I felt like I was in NYC for this reason. The food was wonderful. The different areas mentioned here like the Galleria, the castle, the Brerra (sp) are all great to stroll by (Galleria, Brerra great at night). You also have great day trips to Como. Italy will knock your socks off at least it did for me. But less is more do not try to see too many places at once. Yes there are more beautiful cities in Europe but this not a reason to ditch this wonderful city. Shop till you drop Italy great book and more than just a bargain finder. If we also tell you which stores to walk into if only to look

While Milan is not up there with Rome, Florence and Venice, there are sites/sights worth your time, as have previously been mentioned. I'd spend a day or two in Milan and then head for either Venice or the Lake Como area for the rest of your week's visit in Northern Italy.

You have to be a certain type of person to appreciate Milan. If you love shopping, fashion, people watching, sitting at cafes next to "fashionistas," etc., you will love Milan. It is the type of place that has a "scene." If you are the "homey" type who does not like crowds, is worried about expense, and couldn't care less about leather pants, you probably won't like Milan. However, I personally love Milan because it is better than watching any opera, play, or TV drama. Where else can you see 19-year-old models in mink mini-skirts and thigh-high leather boots sitting next to grandmothers in Sable coats on a public bus talking about a soccer match?? Unbelievable. Milan is a gem, you just have to open your eyes a bit to understand it all.

10 responses and still no one has mentioned Da Vinci's "The Last Supper"? It's located at the Convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Thank you all for your knowledge and opinions. Another question or two if you dont mind... Do the trains reach interesting areas or is a car essential? Lake Como or the Dolomites if you had to pick one? Any of the towns to the Southeast worth a look, or are the lakes and mountains where it's at? Thanks again.

Rent a car - - necessary? well, maybe not - - but I wouldn't travel in this part of Italy any other way. Lake Como over the Dolomites, perhaps - - though the votes might get split 51 to 49 by those who have been to both (I have not - - unless Trento counts). And in response to your e-mail to me - - Villa Balbianello is way at the top of my "don't miss" list. Best wishes, Rex

Sorry, Mary, did not mention the LAST SUPPER because I was answering Todd's question on whether or not I liked Milan. Mea culpa. Todd, you might try taking a train to Parma for a day trip. You can get there in about an hour and a half. It really is a must if you are an art lover. It is the city of Corregio, and the Duomo and Battistero are filled with his great art.

JohnG No need to apologize to me. I wasn't attacking anyone personally. I was just amazed. By the way, JohnG, I've decided that I like you after your very arrogant, yet incredibly honest, reply on another thread. : ) Friends, darling?!

Todd, from Milan you can easily train to Como or Stresa or Lugano to the north and on the Lakes. You can also train to Santa Margherita to the south and on the coast. The Dolomites, no way. Remember, Malpensa is 30 miles ourside of Milan. If you do drive do it at the first and save Milan for last.

Thanks again friends. Enjoy you travels.

personally i would allocate 1 day to milan. a worthwhile side trip for a day is north 45 minutes to BERGAMO go to the upper town the old ancient part the cita alta. its full of shops and wonderful views. they observe the mid day siesta but this is a wonderful time for a long extended lunch at one of the many great restraunts. if you are short on time try going north to the lakes. milan is an italian nyc eccpet for the duomo. last supper, and the galleria. we did not dislike milano but there are so many other wonderful places in italy to see that its a shame to miss them

No one mentioned La Scala either, and it is one of the most famous, if not THE most famous, opera house in the world. Also there is that massive cathedral that looks to me like a giant birthday cake with candles. The Last Supper to me was more of a shrine. It has deteriorated in the intensity of the colors, although there have been efforts to restore it. Anybody have an opinion on how it has looked with the last 4 or 5 years??