4 Days in Milan, Italy

DO NOT MISS

Castello Sforzesco, Canals in Navigli, Duomo, San Bernadino alle Ossa

ITINERARY

Instead of listing a day-by-day itinerary I am just going to list some interesting attractions since Milan center is small and it takes only minutes to get to places. Walk when you can instead of taking the underground  likelihood you will stumble upon a church, garden, curio shop is 100%

Duomo (http://www.duomomilano.it/?lang=en)

The church is free to enter but it costs money to go see the crypt and to go up to the roof. The main spire is being restore right now so there goes the main attraction but  there are still lots of statues and carvings to see up there and the view of the city.

San Bernadion alle Ossa (aka bone church)

Open Saturday 7:30-12, Sunday 9-12

The attraction of this church is their ossuary (Ossario), located not in the main church but the building to the left. There is an estimated 1000+ skulls and bones arranged artistically in a small chapel.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Passione

The highlight of this church is it has not one but two organs. Occasionally they offer free organ concerts.

Santa Maria delle Grazie 

This is where the famous Last Supper is located. However tickets are reserved online and via phone and sold out months a head of time

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

This is a shopping center on the left of Duomo, a great place to marvel at the architecture and take a Spin on the Bull’s Balls

Castello Sforesco Museums (http://www.milanocastello.it)

There are several small museums in Castello Sforesco, one of the more interesting ones is the museum of instruments. In the museum of ancient art there is an unfinished statue by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Pietà Rondanini, tucked away in a corner but looks important (sorry! not an art major) On Fridays from 2-5:30 pm and the last hour daily the entrance fee is free. On weekends there are often impromptu drum circles in the park behind the castle.

Milan Aquarium

Located in the park behind the castle. It is small but it’s free. You can finish the exhibit in about an hour.

Sant’ Ambrogio, Science and Technology National Museum

There is a fantastic collection of Leonardo Da Vinci’s machines and sketches here. If you aren’t able to see the Last Supper, there is a replica here.

Navigli Canals

There are Saturday markets here and restaurants all along the canal. a nice area to take a stroll.

Museum at La Scala (http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/index.html)

Other helpful info:

There is an an offer called “AmaMi” card where for 48 hours you can unlimited ride on public transportation and free or discounted entrance to many museums. Check the tourism site for details. (http://www.turismo.milano.it/)

 

FOOD

Panifico Luini – located on a small street next to Duomo, this is where you can taste their famous Panzerotto. it was on every guidebook so we had to try, not bad, and cheap!

Uragano (Navigli) – we were actually on our way to Slice for some Aperitivo but their buffet spread stopped us. For 8 euros you get a very alcoholic drink and an all you can eat buffet

TRAVELING WITH LESS TIME…

See Duomo, and depending on your interested, pick 2-3 museums or churches you like. With a carefully planned route, it is possible to see most of the major attractions in 2 days.

TRAVELING WITH MORE TIME…

• Take your time at each museum.
• Go see Lake Como: take a day trip to Como, or spend a few days in Bellagio or other towns along the lake.

Note: Although Milan is synonymous to fashion, unfortunately my personal insterest is more in achitecture, history and food so I don’t have any information on shopping. I apologize.