Italy is one of the most beautiful places in the world – no matter when or where you go, you won’t be disappointed by the breathtaking sights, unforgettable cuisine and friendly locals.
Milan is one of the most popular Italian cities, and for good reason – its history and old-world glamor are a must-see whether it’s your first time in Italy or you’ve been a handful of times. But before you head out, it’s important to do a bit of pre-planning and make sure all your bases are covered.
From fun activities like city tours, shopping and dining to logistical things like making time to stop at Milano Centrale luggage storage, it’s a good idea to get a feel for the city and your essential stops before you hop on the plane (or Vespa!) and head over to this dream land.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Milan, though the climate you encounter will generally depend on the month and time you go. For instance, September in Milan tends to remain temperate, with average daytime temperatures in the 70s, whereas November sees a steady high of the low 50s. Nevertheless, there is always something to do and somewhere magical to discover in this beautiful city.
If you’re not sure where to begin your trip planning with so many options, here are a few great places to start:
Historic Sights You Can’t Miss
No matter where your Italian adventures take you in Milan, gorgeous sights are a given. From historic buildings to ancient art and incredible natural landscapes, there’s something for everybody to ogle.
The Duomo is one of the world’s most infamous cathedrals, and for good reason – this amazing landmark was built in the 14th century and boasts breathtaking views of the Milan skyline, so don’t forget to visit the very top. If historic churches and cathedrals top your list, don’t forget to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is home to the one and only Last Supper painting.
Sforzesco Castle is another place that must top your list if you’re looking to be blown away by magnificent, sprawling architecture. Spend an afternoon or late morning strolling through the Castle’s many museums and relics, and finish off your visit with a picnic at Parco Sempione, one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
Food You’ll Be Thinking About Forever
Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without indulging in all the food your heart desires. Like any other country, each region of Italy has super unique dishes and delicacies, and Milanese food is no exception. If you’ve ever had ossobuco, panettone, or michetta, guess what? You’ve already had Milanese classics!
When visiting a place like Italy, there’s not necessarily a need to pre-plan each and every meal – you can’t go wrong wandering around and spontaneously choosing a quaint cafe or bakery to pop into along your journey. However, if you’re looking to play a little Italian food bingo, there are a few amazing dishes that you must try when in Milan.
As previously mentioned, ossobuco is a staple that’s worth the wait. While it takes a while to prepare, you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to try it if you eat meat. Risotto alla Milanese is another can’t-miss, as well as mondeghili and minestrone Milanese.
Of course, you can’t go to Italy without indulging in classic beverages, like barbajada and limoncello.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, so don’t be surprised by the amount of well-dressed locals you see strutting their stuff down the street.
But don’t stress if you’re shopping on a budget – you don’t need to hit the top designer stores to be as chic as the locals. Gorgeous handmade garments, accessories and knick-knacks can be found anywhere, from tiny shops tucked into quiet street corners to street vendors you pass on your way to your next glass of wine or art museum.
When it comes to shopping in Milan, you don’t need to limit yourself to only runway-ready looks. Italian streetwear is just as common and unique, and you can find it in places like Slam Jam or Antonioli. If one-of-a-kind, eccentric pieces are calling your name, head to Wait and See, L’Arabesque, or Cavalli e Nastri.
Go Where Your Curiosity Leads You
People travel in different ways: some like to plan every moment and create full itineraries every day, and some prefer to go with the flow and choose activities in the moment. Milan is the perfect place to be spontaneous and let yourself naturally be drawn to the places, people, meals and paths that excite you the most in the moment. After all, you’re getting ready to go to one of the most romantic places in the world – living in the moment and letting your heart lead the way is all part of the Italian way.
