One day in Milano
 

Any suggestions as to what to see and do? We will have one day and the prior afternoon.

Portion of trip report follows:-<BR><BR>Next day we drove up to Milan and checked into the Tulip Arizona, near the slip road for the airport, own parking, on a tram route to the city centre.&pound;40 per person per night, clean and airconditioned.<BR><BR>Caught a tram into the town- tickets are bought from shops and cafes which display a badge and are dirt cheap. They are time stamped when you get on the tram and valid for 90 minutes. <BR><BR>Had an adequate lunch in a sidestreet near the castle (an Osteria- unfortunately I can’t remember the name, but it’s the closest there is to the American Bookstore). Good wine. I had spicy pasta. The food police wouldn’t let me put parmesan on it. Ah well, when in Rome….<BR><BR>Walked to Santa Maria delle Grazie on the off chance we could get into the Last Supper. We couldn’t. Book in advance, peeps. I saw it in 1975, and I suspect it hasn’t changed much anyway. Walked (taxi driver wouldn’t take us-“E vicina Signora”-to Pinoteca Brera (recommended by Italian friend- did you know about it?). Gem of an Art Gallery. Well worth a visit. Walked to the Duomo-past La Scala, through the Victor Emmanuel galleries- couldn’t get in because I was wearing shorts. Walked to the Castle. (Have you got the theme of this particular afternoon yet?- Lord, I was hot). Headed back over to Brera to try to find somewhere for supper. Found a stunning little “Formaggio e Salume” where Olive Oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan was bulk bought for the return trip. Then they recommended a restaurant round the corner “Trattoria Torre di Pisa” for a last meal. Terrific.<BR><BR>

See if you can get tickets to something at La Scala or take the tour. It is magnificent. The Duomo is breathtaking - go inside for the most fabulous stained glass windows - sit outside and just gaze at it. The people-watching is fabulous - especially at lunch when all the business people are out and about in their fabulous Italian suits and teeny cell phones. The Galleria is another great place to people watch. Spend an afternoon window shopping (Via della Spiga) - I was too bashful to go in to those designer shops but if you aren't, give it a go.<BR><BR>The area behind the Galleria and next to the Duomo was buzzing with people in the evening. We had a fabulous dinner there - sorry can't remember the name.<BR><BR>Castello Sforzesco - we stumbled upon this castle, didn't go inside, but strolled the perimeter and the park behind. It's breathtaking.

Go up to the TOP of the Duomo and walk all around and look at all the details of the architecture; really amazing!

-<BR>See the Duomo<BR>Stroll thru Galleria<BR>Visit Castello Sforezco<BR>Eat gelato ! Good gelateria across the street (on the corner) from Sforzco Castle.<BR>If you want to see the "Last Supper", you'll need to book tickets in advance. I didn't get there on my last pass thru Milan --- I think there's been recent suggestions on the forum on how to go able getting reservations.<BR><BR>The La Scala opera house is closed for renovations, so you won't be able to take in an opera/concert there.

Agree with others to see Duomo(use audio guide) and go to top, make reservations to see the last supper(religous experience), and go inside the castello sforzesco for the free and excellent museum. Hold on to your valuables tightly due to pickpockets.

Get a reservation to see the Last Supper, see the Duomo, take the elevator to the roof, and see the Galleria.

Two-cent comment: In mid-October, we got in to see the Last Supper without a reservation. We waited in the "hopefuls" line for about 30 minutes starting at 6:00 p.m.