Grande Milano Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and accommodations in Grande Milano, Italy with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Grande Milano

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is a bustling city hub for fashion, culture, and commerce and is often referred to as “Grande Milano” because it includes many surrounding suburbs. Grande Milano is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience Italy’s blend of ancient history, fashion-forward modernity, and gastronomic delights. This guide will take you on a journey through the top attractions and must-visit places in Grande Milano.

List of Places to Visit in Grande Milano

Here are some of the most popular and culturally significant attractions of Grande Milano:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Last Supper: No trip to Grande Milano is complete without visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. Visitors must reserve a spot in advance because the preservation of the painting limits access to a select number of patrons at a time.

  2. Duomo di Milano: The largest church of Italy, Duomo di Milano, is a powerful symbol of the city. Climb to the roof to experience unforgettable views of the city and its skyline.

  3. Sforza Castle: This fortress dates back to the 15th century and is an iconic sight in the city. It houses several art museum collections, including works by Michelangelo and da Vinci.

Natural Attractions of Grande Milano: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Como: A serene lake that operates as a natural border between Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Como is the perfect place to hike, bike, swim, and relax. Take a ferry to enjoy the best views or head towards Brunate to get a bird’s eye view of the lake.

  2. Milan’s Navigli District: One of the most colorful and picturesque areas in Milan, the Navigli District houses a network of interconnected canals and draws many artists, musicians, and photographers. This area is also home to numerous bars and restaurants.

  3. San Siro Stadium: A dream destination for football fans. This stadium can hold up to 80,000 people and is home to Milan’s two biggest football teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Grande Milano

  1. Alta Valtellina Trekking: This famous hike route spans over 90 km and offers panoramic views of the Alps, quaint villages, and dense forests. This hike is renowned for its strenuous climbs and physical challenges.

  2. Biking along the Martesana Canal: A relaxing route that starts from Milan and stretches towards Trezzo sull’Adda. On this journey, you will be taken through fields, gardens, and parks, offering a glimpse of rural Italian life.

Best Things to Do in Grande Milano: Activities and Tours

  1. Shopping in Milan: Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, and its shopping districts cater to high-end fashion boutiques, luxury accessory stores, and designer outlets.

  2. Touring Milan on a Segway: A fun and unique way to explore Milan, this guided Segway tour takes you to some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

  3. Cooking Class in Milan: Italian cuisine is world-renowned and Milan is no exception. Take a cooking class to learn first-hand about Italian gastronomy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Grande Milano

Day 1: The Last Supper and Milan Cathedral visit Day 2: Tour of the Sforza Castle and Pinacoteca of Brera Day 3: Explore the Navigli District and indulge in Italian food and drinks Day 4: Visit Lake Como and nearby Villa del Balbianello Day 5: Take a day trip to Bergamo or Brescia Day 6: Explore the San Siro Stadium Day 7: Biking along the Martesana Canal

Food and Drink Scene of Grande Milano

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Risotto alla Milanese: This hearty and creamy dish includes saffron and is often served alongside ossobuco (veal shanks).

  2. Cotoletta alla Milanese: One of the city’s most traditional dishes, a breaded cutlet of veal that is delicious when paired with roasted potatoes and a nice glass of red wine.

Local Beverages

  1. Negroni Sbagliato: This classic cocktail is made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine.

  2. Amaro: A bitter Italian herb liqueur enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.

Where to Stay in Grande Milano: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Bulgari Hotel Milan: A luxurious five-star hotel with contemporary design elements.

  2. Brera Apartments: A comfortable, cozy, and highly-rated apartment complex that is located in Brera and provides easy access to various restaurants and museums.

  3. RossoVino Hotel: A charming boutique hotel located in the Porta Romana area that delights visitors with a minimalist interior design.

What to Buy in Grande Milano: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Italian Leather Products: Milan is famous for its leatherwork, and items like wallets, belts, and bags make for unique souvenirs.

  2. Fine Italian Wines: Lombardy is known for its rich wine culture, and selecting a few unique bottles as gifts or keepsakes is always a wise decision.

Local Culture and Customs of Grande Milano

When travelling in Grande Milano, it is essential to be aware of local customs. Italians are usually polite and friendly, but you should avoid speaking loudly in public transportation, and do not forget to greet people with a simple “buongiorno” or “buonasera” (depending on the time of day).

Best Time to Visit Grande Milano

The most popular time to visit Grande Milano is during the summer months (June to August), but the city can be crowded. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are also good times to visit, as the weather is mild and you can avoid the crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Grande Milano

Do:

  • Dress modestly inside churches and other religious sites.
  • Greet people with a smile and a friendly “bounjorno” or “buonasera”.
  • Try to pick up some Italian phrases before visiting the country, as this will help in communicating with locals.

Don’t:

  • Do not tip unless service is extraordinary.
  • Do not take photos of locals without their permission.
  • Do not litter in public places or on public transportation.

Safety and Health

Safety in Grande Milano

Grande Milano is a safe travel destination, but it is vital to take precautions to keep valuables and belongings secure. Car thefts and pickpocketing are common; keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave anything valuable in the car.

Health in Grande Milano

Italy has a world-class healthcare system, but healthcare is expensive for tourists without medical insurance. Ensure that you have comprehensive medical insurance before your trip and carry relevant documents with you.

Getting to Grande Milano: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Grande Milano

Milan has two international airports: Malpensa Airport and Linate Airport. Malpensa is further away from the city, and Linate is the closest to the city center.

Bus Stations Near Grande Milano

There are several bus stations in and around Milan that can take you to other parts of Italy or neighboring countries.

Other Options

Renting a car is also a great option if you’re planning to travel around Grande Milano.

How to Get Around in Grande Milano

Milan has an excellent public transportation system. The Milan Metro is the most convenient way to get around the city. The Metro system comprises four lines that cover most of the city’s districts, with tickets costing around €1.50. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available options for getting around the city.

Where to Go Next from Grande Milano: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Grande Milano serves as a perfect base camp for day trips and excursions to other destinations near Lombardy. Here are some essential suggestions:

  1. Lake Maggiore: This lake is located to the north of Milan and is known for its clear waters and picturesque views.

  2. Monza: Just northeast of Milan, Monza is a charming, historic city known for its racetrack and Royal Villa.

  3. Bergamo: Bergamo is an Italian city located around 35 kilometres northeast of Milan, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

With its rich history, culture, fashion, and Italian cuisine, Grande Milano is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Italy. From hiking in the Alps and exploring the city’s museums to indulging in Italian gastronomy or attending a football match, there’s something for everyone in Grande Milano. We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to plan your visit to Grande Milano.

Abbey of Viboldone Abbey of Viboldone


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