Two Days in Milan

Of course, the Last Supper and the Duomo and the Galleria.

Quick Tips:

Don't expect good weather. Twice I have been to Milan and I only got one sunny day. But weather is not the focal point here. A cloudy day is part of the atmosphere of this northern Italian city. The biggest tip is, DO CALL IN ADVANCE to reserve your ticket for the Last Supper.

Best Way To Get Around:

Metro is a great way to get around. However, walking is the most enjoyable way to get a feel for the city. People don't stroll here-they walk with a destination in mind. But it's all part of the experience. Take the metro to the area you want to explore, and go from there. Taxi's are reasonably priced. There are stands in many parts of the city, as well as numbers to call. They arrive within 5 minutes at most.

Website: http://web.tiscalinet.it/hotel_gran_sasso. OK, this was the only decent hotel available during our search on the internet-there are many trade shows in Milan and of course, a huge computer show was going on the same days we would be in town. This is in a somewhat residential area with many hotels on the same street. It is close to 2 subway lines, no. 1 and 2. It's close to Buenes Aires, the major shopping street, plus it's close to the Central Station. Our taxi ride was about 10,000 including luggage. The hotel is very basic and has no elevator. Luckily, we stayed on the first floor, but still had two flights of stairs. Our room a good size, with 2 large windows and bright light. Bathroom was modern and very clean. Good towels. Many Italians were also staying there, I think in town to attend the trade show. The benefit of staying in this neighbourhood is, you get to interact with local residents. We bought fruits at the local stands, as well as made a quick meal from proscuitto and salami and chocolate purchased at the supermarket.

Spectacular...take the subway to Duomo, find the correct exit (it's called...Duomo!) and as you walk up the stairs, gasp at the sight. This is the ultimate Gothic church, taking hundreds of years to complete. You have to marvel at all the marble spires and statues. Go inside and you get a sense of how big this cathedral is. The stained glass windows are so vibrant in colors and detail-I have been inside on both visits to Milan and I still spend time admiring the beauty. Don't miss the roof-not only do you get a great view of the city (well, when the weather cooperates, but you get a sense of how big Milan is even on a grey day), but you also can walk around and get close-ups of the spires and statues. Some parts are a little scary if you are afraid of heights, and the marble can be slippery-don't wear your new leather-soled shoes!

After you come down from the roof of the Duomo, stroll over to the Galleria. I love this space, take a good look at the mosaics of gold at each corner under the roof. This is the glass-topped tunnel-a shopping mall! Even on a grey day, the light is spectacular. There is a Prada store that tourists raid as well as pens, jewelry and other stores. I personally go see the Galleria and perhaps just window shop. The stores are expensive. Unless you want to spend top dollars admiring the space while sipping coffee, I would also miss the restaurants. Afterwards, cross over to La Scala, the famous opera house. Unless you can get in for a tour, there really is nothing special about the facade.

This bus leaves from Central Station (the bus stop is at the side of the station at Piazza Luigi di Savoia) every 20 minutes from 5.20 to 22.30. It costs 13,000 lire, and it takes about 50 minutes. It is like a taxi service as it drops you right in front of the terminal (most international flights leave from Terminal 2, the second stop). Malpensa airport is really far, so this is a cheap way to get there. There are also trains as well as service to Linate, which is very close to the city. But if you leave from Linate and have alot of luggage, I suggest you take a cab (around 25,000 lire)

Buenos Aires: This main street starts not far from the train station and extends right through to the heart of Milan. This is the street filled with local boutiques, Benetton's and Stefanel's, and cafes and fast food. I always start here first, and manage to find good prices for clothes and shoes.

Monte Napoleane: This is the famous street where expensive name-brands such as Gucci and Versace reside. There is also a brand new Armani store which fills up the whole block. I personally would stay away, it's a disappointment. It is nothing more than a small street with big names. I would venture to the surrounding areas instead, where you can still find high quality but more interesting items.

Piazza Cinque Giornate: This is where a huge Coin department store resides. Have a veal milanese for lunch at the top floor-there are many local Italians dining there, not a tourist in sight. The streets surrounding the piazza offers many shops.

This is one of the best Tourist Information offices I have come across in Italy. It's right next to the Duomo at Office 1, Via Marconi, tel: 02-725-24301, email: apt.info@libero.it. The woman at the counter gave me specific information on where to go, tours, public transportation and airport transfers. I would stop by here first to compile information and plan your itiniery.Also, it is right next to the Duomo and the Galleria, so you get to sightsee at the same time. This is a great start to your day.