Travel Diaries: Milan 2019
After a few months of further studying in London, we were nearing our Easter Holiday, which in essence was the equivalent to spring break in the U.S. However, unlike a week-long spring break we had almost three weeks off! It was an exciting time, and as most study abroad student were, we were all planning on where we were going to go travel next. My friend and I decided to travel to Italy for our last true holiday abroad! Follow along as I recommend the top places to visit in fabulous Milan, Italy.
Top Places to Visit in Milan:
Duomo di Milano- Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. It is the most iconic figure in central Milan, and a historical site. It is a breathtaking architectural landmark… just be aware of all the pigeons in the center!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II- literally right next to the Duomo di Milano is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy's oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, Italy. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the center of town. Here you will find all the major luxury houses home of: Prada, Versace, & Gucci!
Sempione Park- Parco Sempione is a large city park in Milan, Italy. Established in 1888, it has an overall area of 38.6 hectares, and it is located in the historic centre of the city,
Arch of Peace- The Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), located at the entrance to Parco Sempione in Milan, is a neoclassical arch begun by Napoleon during the early 19th century to honor his military victories. Made of marble from the Swiss Alps, the triumphal arch marks the beginning of the road that connects Milan and Paris.
Sforzesco Castle- The Castello Sforzesco is in Milan, northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.
Navigli Canal- The navigli are a system of interconnected canals in and around Milan, in the Italian region of Lombardy. It is a vibrant neighborhood full of bright shops and restaurants. This area of Milan is artistic and a more bohemian side of the city.
Milan Central Station- Milano Centrale is the main railway station of the city of Milan, Italy, and is the largest railway station in Europe by volume. The station is a terminus and located at the northern end of central Milan.
Leonardo Da Vinci- you can find Da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan. Against all odds, the painting still lingers on the wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Da Vinci began the work in 1495 or 1496 and completed it around 1498.
Porta Venezia- is one of the historical gates of the city of Milan, Italy. In Porta Venezia, part of the Centro Storico area, chain stores fill neoclassical buildings on the main shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires.
Montanelli Park- Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, formerly known as Giardini Pubblici and Giardini di Porta Venezia are a major and historic city park in Milan, Italy. It’s a beautiful park where you can have a nice picnic, ~Italian style, fully equipped with wine, cheese & foccacia!
Porta Garibaldi- is a stylish area with upscale bars, independent fashion shops and glitzy clubs frequented by Milan’s rich and famous.
Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo- More than just a drink, the aperitivo is a moment of the day, a recurrent feature of the daily or weekly life in Italy. Quintessential of the Italian lifestyle, the aperitif time is a friendly moment spent in good company to chill over a drink and a snack after work or during the weekend. Now’s the time to enjoy Aperol Spritz all day everyday!
Traveling around Milan is really easy and you will find great shops and restaurants. You can easily retrieve a Metro card and ride the underground Metro train to go from one place to another. I also remember taking street cars or trams especially when you are in the Navigli area. Milan is the best city to experience history, fashion, and food! Be prepared to indulge in Aperol Spritz, pizza, pasta and lots of gelato!