In early 2022, I visited the Italian city of Milan. The city, known for its high fashion, rich history, and iconic landmarks, quickly became one of my favourite European destinations. From exploring the stunning Duomo to taking a day trip to Lake Como, the trip was filled with unforgettable moments. With the perfect mix of city and nature, Milan gave a little bit of everything and I long the day I get to return to this amazing city once again.
ACTIVITES
Milan is home to some of Italy’s most famous landmarks, and we made sure to visit the highlights. At the top of the list was the Duomo di Milano. This iconic cathedral is just as stunning as you’d imagine — the intricate Gothic architecture and towering spires are breath-taking. We took some time to explore both inside and outside the cathedral, and the views from the top were absolutely worth the climb. Looking over the city from the Duomo’s terraces was one of the highlights of our trip. In addition, we also did a sightseeing bus tour, which was perfect for taking in the city at a relaxed pace. Milan is compact yet filled with historic spots, so the bus gave us a great overview without feeling rushed. Furthermore, the bus did include earphones which allowed us to listen to a tour guide onboard and learn about the sights we were looking at.
Possibly the most memorable part of the trip was venturing out to Lake Como for a day. The train ride from Milan was scenic, and once we arrived, the lake’s beauty blew us away. The crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains and charming lakeside towns made it feel like a world away from the bustling city. We spent the day strolling along the lake, enjoying the views, and taking tons of photos. In order to to see town better, we took a boat trip which took us out into the lake and provided incredible views of the landscape and water, despite the weather being somewhat overcast. The train ride out to Lake Como was fully worth it and I would 100% recommend including a stop here when visiting Milan.
No trip to Milan would be complete without some shopping. Known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan’s shopping scene was on another level. We visited Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful shopping arcade with luxury shops, cafes, and impressive architecture. While we mostly window-shopped (it’s not exactly a budget-friendly spot), the experience was worth it just to take in the style and elegance of Milan’s fashion scene. I would advise dedicating 1 day of your trip to shopping as the city has endless streets filled with stores.
ACCOMODATION
We stayed at the Ramada Plaza which I would recommend, The location was good as it was just a 7 minute walk to the nearby metro station and was in area where there were plenty of supermarkets and shops. The hotel itself was clean and comfortable and it wasn't overly expensive.
FOOD
One of the best parts of our Milan trip was definitely the food. We dove into Italian classics and were not disappointed! Of course, we couldn’t resist trying Italian gelato, and it was amazing — creamy, flavourful, and the perfect treat after a day of sightseeing. We also enjoyed some fresh pizza that was as delicious as you’d imagine, with a thin, crispy crust and toppings that tasted straight from the market. One evening, we found a cosy local restaurant where we tried pasta dishes, including carbonara and bolognese, and it felt like authentic Italian home-cooking. Each meal was a highlight in itself, and the mix of classic Italian flavours and Milan’s lively atmosphere made every bite memorable. One thing I would advise is to avoid the tourist areas of Milan when looking for food as they are generally less authentic and more expensive. Small side streets with local menus are usually more enjoyable and provide better quality meals.
COST
While Milan has a reputation for luxury, we found plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending excessively. The Duomo tour was around €15 for basic entry, but if you wanted to access the rooftop terraces, it was closer to €25. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour was around €20 per person, which was well worth it for the convenience and the chance to see all the main attractions at our own pace. Getting around Milan was also easy and affordable. The metro system had single tickets for €2, or you could get a day pass for €7, which was perfect for days packed with sightseeing. For our day trip to Lake Como, the train from Milan cost about €5 each way, and once we got there, we took a boat ride on the lake that was roughly €10 per person for a basic sightseeing route.
CONCLUSION
Reflecting on my time in Milan, I can’t recommend visiting this captivating city enough. From the breath-taking Duomo to the serene beauty of Lake Como, Milan is a place that truly has something for everyone. Each moment felt like a new discovery, whether we were marvelling at historic landmarks, exploring hidden streets, or tasting authentic Italian dishes. Milan’s unique blend of history, culture, and style makes it an unforgettable destination, and I’d encourage anyone planning a trip to Europe to add this city to their itinerary. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression, and I know I’ll return one day to experience its magic all over again.
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