Milan is not really a vacation spot but I wouldn't miss the sights and the food as well as the superior quality shopping.
by Julie Hood on July 24, 2000
The magnificence of the Duomo must be added to your itinerary. Quality shopping but expensive. Of course, La Scala, a must-see. ${QuickSuggestions} Watch out for pickpockets. Only use marked taxis. Be prepared for expensive dining whatever your taste may be.${BestWay} There is plenty of public transportation in the city, including street-cars and regular buses. I would only walk in the daytime as this city is a playground for thieves at night.
This is a small hotel with a friendly staff. The rooms are very ordinary but pleasant and full of light. Noise of traffic at night is a problem. The hotel houses a very cozy English style bar with reasoably priced drinks, a rarity in this city.
This restaurant is always busy but worth it. The Pizza menu is long and full of different delights. The pizza ovens are blazing, the pizzaiolos doing their acrobatics and from there the best pizza that ever touched my lips hailed. Old and family owned, the service is excellent. Price is high but that is the norm in Milan.
The center of tourism in Milan, the Duomo stands majestically spiking the sky with its many spires. Here, there are over three thousand statues to view amidst its fifty two giant columns and five aisles. The cathedral terraces can be reached by lift for a small fee. Next door to the Duomo is its museum, don't miss it.
La Scala, the most famous opera house in the world has its premier annual performance in December. A tour of its 4 tiers of boxes and two galleries are a must if you can't catch a performance.
I lived and worked in Milan, Italy for three years. Although not my favorite destination there, the Duomo and La Scala alone are a good reason to visit. The shopping is superior with classic Italian leather items and high fashion. Expect to pay the price though, it doesn't come cheap. Wherever you dine here, you are sure to be satisfied with your meal. I ate out a lot in the three years I was there and was never disappointed. If you are on a budget, you must avoid the larger hotels, rates are outrageous. Stick to a small out-of-the-way pensione to save money. Driving is chaotic here during the day. Drivers are impatient and impulsive which creates lots of fender-benders. I used the taxi services which were reasonably priced. I wouldn't recommend getting into an unmarked taxi. It could get you into trouble. There is plenty of public transportation to make use of and if you study the city's layout, which is simple, you shouldn't get lost.
http://www.igougo.com/journal-j712-Milan-MEETING_MILAN.html
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