milan
Ok, officially Milan is not a city of Piedmont but of the neighboring province, Lombardia. Because Milan is easy to visit in one day and is a particularly nice city, I will share our favorites with you here.
Going to Milan by car is a bit more complicated than going to Turin, where you can park in the center without a vignette. In Milan your car must meet certain conditions (in terms of emissions) and you have to pay some kind of toll to enter. Quickly too complicated for me, so I usually park at one of the parking lots around the San Siro football stadium, east of the center. From here you can take the metro to the center. E voila, within a few minutes you will be at Il Duomo!
Explore the city by bike
There is so much to see and discover in this cosmopolitan city! For a first, good impression, we previously opted for a bicycle tour guided by the Dutch guide Inge de Boer. She has been organizing Dutch-language tours in Milan for several years, under the name 'Milan with Local'. She has various city walks and cycle tours to choose from, suitable from 4 years old, and can also put together a tailor-made tour. We were enthusiastic about Inge and will go out with her again next time! More info can be found here.
Navigli
We know Milan from its fashion shops and the Cathedral. Just within the city limits lies the charming neighborhood of Navigli, with the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals. The city's harbor used to be here. Now you will find terraces, restaurants and lively markets along the water. Every last Sunday of the month there is a flea and antique market here. There are studios of artists and craftsmen. Very charming.
Starbucks
You would think we know Starbucks by now. However, a few years ago the company has opened a great business in Milan in the old post office, where they roast different types of coffee beans and you can, as it were, experience the entire production process from bean to coffee. It is one of the 'reserve roasteries', and an absolute must for young and old!
Il Duomo
Il Duomo, or Milan Cathedral, is a must see. What is special to do, with or without children, is climbing to the roof of the Cathedral. Special rooftop evenings are held where you can enjoy the beautiful lights in the city and music. Check the website in advance for the options.
Rooftop bar Il Rinascente
Speaking of rooftop bars: next to the Cathedral is the chic Italian department store Il Rinascente. Just walk inside. I personally love the food department, especially around the holidays. What you will also find here on the seventh floor is the rooftop bar. With spectacular views over the city and the Cathedral, which you can practically touch so close.
Gallery
Milan's most famous covered shopping street is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The gallery is named after the Italian king Victor Emmanuel II and was built in the 19th century. You will find the most luxurious fashion brands there and, okay, also the MC Donalds. The gallery is located between Il Duomo and La Scala. Not to be missed!
La Scala
La Scala is Milan's world-famous opera theater. It opened in 1778. Tickets for the performances are often sold out months in advance. If you still want to visit this special building, take a look behind the scenes. La Scala has several workshops that they open to the public. Look here for more info.
