Christobel

This September, we're starting our trip with four days in the Cinque Terra area where we've never been. We have a 10:15 am flight from Milan to Vienna on the fifth day. Would it be smarter for us to drive to Milan on the fourth day, drop off our car, and see the sights in Milan before leaving the next day? I know the airport is an hour from the city center and in Cinque Terra area we'll be staying about 90 minutes from the airport so it isn't as much about convenience as it is about whether it is worth it to spend one day in Milan versus another day exploring the Ligurian coast. Any insights would be appreciated.

uhoh_busted

Having been to Cinque Terre just last September, I suggest NO!

gertie3751

No. As a sightseeing place Milano is not the best. It's fun if you have family and friends for eating and drinking etc but apart from the Leonardo (which is hard to get into these days I hear) and the Brera, there isn't a lot to see.

mamcalice

However, you should go to Milan the evening before to be sure you are there in time for your flight. It might make sensse to sstay near the airport.

charnees

I think you are not getting correct info about the time to drive from Cinque Terre (note spelling) to Milan Malpensa. It's 3 1/2 hours, not 90 minutes.

Drive to Milan the day before your flight!!

Jean

Not many fans of Milan here, but I'll recommend a half day to see the sights and be safely close to the airport for your flight.

The Duomo in Milan is the largest cathedral in Italy. Although the vast interior is interesting, the bigger appeal to me is the opportunity to walk on the roof to see aspects of the construction of the building up-close and for views of the city.

Da Vinci's 500-y.o. 'The Last Supper' is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It has survived surprising bad luck, from well-intentioned but damaging 'restorations,' to being used as target practice for Napolean's troops and being exposed to the elements for three years after WWII bombing blew off the roof. It's amazing there's anything left to see. Timed reservations are required.

Michelangelo's last (unfinished) sculpture, a pieta, is located in the Castello Sforzesco, and there are a few excellent art museums in the city. If you're interested in opera, go to the museum of La Scala.

Add to the list lots of shopping and dining opportunities.

Christobel

Thank you all for your suggestions (including spelling correction!). I will revisit the amount of driving time from the town in which I'm staying (not quite in the Cinque Terre). If it's really 3+ hours, then I agree, going to Milan the night before is a very good idea.

mscleo

I just came back from Milan, and after visiting, should have skipped it. Honestly, I was less than impressed with the city, after touring and comparing it with many other places in Italy. Outside of the Duomo (which did not flip my switch; I thought the Duomos in Tuscany were much better), LaScala, seeing the Last Supper, looking at the mall, and going to their local cemetery, if you're into that, there's not a lot to do. And all that can be done in a day, IMHO.

Whatever you decide, happy travels and have a safe trip!