Milan is the fashion capital of the world for a reason. It is really inspiring to see style both in the architecture and in dress. Everywhere you turn there are people with vibrant attire juxtaposed against gray marble. Besides taking photos, my only agenda was letting my Italian friends allow me to eat my way through this metropolis city.
Milan is formed in a circular formation and the center ring includes the top sights such as the Duomo, Vittorio Emanuele Monument, Royal Palace, The opera house- Teatro alla Scala and at the very edge, Castle- Castello which continues on to Sempione park.
My home base was near the Duomo, so heading south down Corso di porta Ticiense was our regular strolling route. On the weekends, this area comes alive with a sea of people hanging out in the area of Colonne di San Lorenzo all the way up to the square of Porta Ticinese. Pro tip: give your self time to wander in and out of the boutiques that line the streets or a long lunch.
My four days in Milan wasn’t enough because there is true intimacy that Italians offer. After my first lunch service lasted two hours, I decided I would return, which made my experience less focused on checking off a list of to do’s. My advice, let your own agenda melt away. Commit to conversations, ask questions and you will end up learning more about wine, winemakers, food and other parts of Italy during four hour meals.
The city from the ground is breathtaking, but I highly recommend going to the top of the Duomo. Plan ahead by buying your ticket(s) at the booth one day prior, the only wait you will have is up the steps or the elevator ride. I purchased a non-elevator ticket because the line is shorter and the price slightly cheaper. If you’re fortunate to be above the city on a sunny day and you can see Milan for miles, but no matter the weather, you will have an up close introduction to the painfully detailed architecture that took six centuries to complete. Its truly awe impressing.
My favorite’s list:
as we venture 