Only one day in Milan?
Don't lose heart! Here our tips for the best itinerary to visit Milan in 24 hours with the must see places to enjoy the capital of Lombardy, famous for fashion, design, food, and museums.
We are on the Navigli district, then let start form here taking tram number 3 in San Gottardo street which brings you
directly to Duomo square.
It’s a nice route which allows you to admire the new 24 Maggio
square with its monumental arch and further ahead one of the most ancient areas in Milan
with Sant Eustorgio church (IV century) and the San Lorenzo columns (III century).
Upon arrival in Duomo square, you are in the heart of the city, the exact center on the map
which expands in concentric circles.
After admiring the cathedral from the outside, with its impressive collection of statues adorning
the marble structure, go inside to absorb the atmosphere of semi-darkness broken up by the
light filtering through the stained glass. Then it’s absolutely worth it going up the 300 steps
which lead to the terraces. (entrance )
From the Duomo roof, in addition to seeing the famous ‘madonnina’ (completely made of gold)
up close, surrounded by the cathedral spires you can behold a breathtaking 360 degree bird’s-
eye view of Milan: the city with its churches, historical residences and, looking north the
skyline of the new city with the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and, on clear days, the mountains
which decorate the horizon.
If you love shopping you can’t miss stopping by the Rinascente, full of high quality brand name
clothing. Or pay a visit to C.so Vittorio Emanuele which is full of attractive storefronts.
Otherwise you can go in the opposite direction towards the west side of the square to reach the
merchants gallery, to admire medieval Milan.
For a coffee or an aperitif go to Camparino, historic cafè in Duomo square (at the entrance of
the Galleria) characterized by the beautiful liberty mosaic. House speciality shaken Campari,
famous milanese vermouth, and shaken zucca, (less strong), to accompany with olives and
snacks offered by the bar.
From her you can continue the tour admiring the galleria Vittorio Emanuele, affectionately
called ‘the lounge’, with a beautiful mosaic floor and the big glass dome, full of people and nice
stores. A rite of passage is that of stepping on the painted bull’s balls at the west end of the
Gallery.
Further along you can find the tourist office to take a free map or ask for information.
Crossing the Galleria, you’ll find Scala square with Palazzo Marino, 16th century building which
houses the city council, on the right, and on your left the famous lyric theatre, the Scala.
In the center of the square is the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, surrounded by a small forest of
linden tress and stone benches where you can take a relaxing break.
If you are passionate about art you can take advantage of the free entrance to the Scala
Galleries with its wonderful collection of 19th century paintings (among which the large
tapestries of Risorgimento battles) and amazing Canova’s basso rilievi.
For a quick lunch close by I highly recommend Luini, the legendary panzerotti bakery. There’s
always a queue (which goes to show how delicious these calzones are), but it moves fast.
From Scala square you can decide to venture into the ‘quadrilateral of fashion’ formed by via
Manzoni, via Montenapoleaone and via della Spiga, where you can feast your eyes on the
greatest designers of italian style (at Armani there’s also a well stocked library with volumes
about the history of fashion).
Or you can take via Verdi (next to the Scala) and head towards Brera, the artistic
neighborhood where you’ll find the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most important art galleries
in Italy, with masterpieces like Cristo morto of Mantegna or the famous kiss of Hayez.
For a break go to bar Jamaika, historic place frequented by bohemian artists once upon a time.
From via Fiori Chiari, walking alone this picturesque little street, you can reach via Borgognone
and from here another destination not to miss: the 14th century castle Sforzesco with its
unmistakable tower and the embattled walls which look over the medieval moat. In the
courtyards there are various civic museums (the egyptian,la Pietà Rondanini, etc...) Crossing
through the castle you’ll arrive at Sempione park - the most beautiful park in Milan - in which you
can admire the amazing view of the arch of Peace and relax for a while in the grass.
It’s time to return to home base.
From the Castle go to Cadorna square and take the bus which will take you to C.so di Porta
Ticinese.
it’s perfect to pass late afternoons by the Navigli and enjoy the sunset on the canals with an
aperitif or a typical italian dinner (see my tips about restaurants in this neighborhood).
Not tired yet?
The night is young and if you want to stay out late the destination is Le Trottoir in 24 Maggio
square which offers live music until 3am (2am on week days).
Claudia Emilitri
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