Plaza del Duomo - The heart of Milan
The square is vastly dominated by Duomo di Milano - the gothic cathedral of Milan. The largest church in Italy, constructed over six centuries, is a must-see for every tourist. On the left side of the cathedral, you can find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a multistory shopping center with luxorious brands and restaurants. On the right side there is Palazzo Reale - the royal palace of Milan and the Museo del Novecento - a museum of contemporary art. Turning around, you can see the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on a horse. The square is the most crowded place in Milan, with many tourists, locals and street artists.
The ticket to the cathedral and the roof costs a lot of money, and the queue is very long. The best way to avoid loads of people is to book a ticket online, and come early in the morning. At the time of my stay the cathedral was closing for tourists at 19:00, which seems a little bit out of place for a city known for its nightlife.
Museo del Novecento - The museum of contemporary art
Right next to the cathedral, the museum is a tiny gem of modern art. It presents a well curated collection of paintings, sculptures and installations. The entrance fee is very inexpensive and the museum is not crowded. On the top floor there is a terrace with a view on the square. You could also do a photo session with a grand piano, unfortunately without being able to play it. The visit should take about half an hour, there is a toilet, a cloakroom and a place to leave your luggage.
Castello Sforzesco - The castle of Milan
Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the castle is a symbol of military power and medieval architecture. Surrounded by a dried moat and a spacious park, the castle provides a nice walk and a lot of free space. Inside the castle there are some museums and exhibitions. The park is a nice place to relax and enjoy the sun.
There are a lot of beggars and scammers around the castle, I was approached by a strange group of immigrants selling cheap bracelets. They were very persistent with their offer. I would recommend to avoid them and not to engage in any conversation, as they can be very annoying and possibly pickpockets.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio - The church of Saint Ambrose
The church is a very old Romanesque basilica, built in the 4th century. It was named after Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. The entrance is free, inside you can see the altar in the middle, surrounded by a lot of frescoes and sculptures. Directly under the altar there is a crypt with the relics and the tomb of Saint Ambrose. The church is a very quiet place, with a very small number of tourists. The atmosphere is spiritual and calming. There is a small shop with religious souvenirs, which I did not visit. Instead I lit a candle for my deceased relative and said a prayer.
Teatro alla Scala - The opera house of Milan
The most famous opera house in Italy, with a museum inside. The student entrance fee to the museum was 8€, and just in time I entered the last available booth with a view on the stage. On their website you can check whether there are any rehearsals or performances, during which the view on the stage is limited and the photo session is not allowed. The few story exhibition is very interesting, with a lot of noble items, instruments and costumes. There are video projections and contemporary art installations, and a small terrace without a significant view.
Navigli - The canals of Milan
The canals of Milan are sort of a hidden gem, away from the very center of the city. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are both surrounded by restaurants, shops and market stalls with street vendors. The area is lively and does not seem as posh as the city center. Originally a transportation system, the canals now provide symmetrical views from countless bridges.
Boconi University - The university of Milan
One of the most renowned business schools in Europe, boasting a lot of famous alumni. On the campuse there are a lot of modern buildings, a series of which is connected together leaving a quasi courtyard in the middle. On the elevation the university boasts itself with a large message saying World’s 3rd best MBA. The campus is very clean and everybody seems to be well dressed, well mannered and very busy. The atmosphere was very serious and professional. With my casual clothes and a backpack I felt a little bit out of place, but nobody seemed to care, as most of the students were interested in their smartphones or math notes.
The metro system
It is by far one of the most efficient public transportation systems I have ever witnessed. Throughout my stay I have never waited more than 3 minutes for a train. The one fare ticket costs 2.50€ and is valid for 90 minutes. The metro is very clean and well connceted. Our hotel was located a street away from the red line, which was very convenient as the same one passes through the cathedral. The ticket machines are very easy to use, support multiple languages and accept both cash and card payments. It was refreshing to cool down in the air conditioned station after a long stay at the hot and crowded square.
Personal impressions
Out of many cities I have been to I must clearly state that Milan is generally a rather uninteresting city. The city is clean and safe, but absurdly expensive. The historical heritage is not as rich as in Rome, or even Berlin. The city itself being a paradise for excessive consumption is not an ideal tourist destination. Many architecture pearls are hidden inside a private courtyards and the city with its high number of people is not easily walkable. There are many people in suits, possibly taking a break from work and occupying the restaurants and bars. Apart from the Sforzesco castle park there are almost no lovely green areas. A lot of stone, a lot of concrete and a lot of glass.