The city was sunny and warm with smiley locals everywhere we turned. Milan is beautiful and cris-crossed with trams making exploring the city’s attractions fairly easy but I still cannot put my finger on why I wasn’t too impressed. Perhaps, visiting Lake Garda a few days before might have something to do with it. I was spoiled in the one of Italy’s riviera region, with great lake views within a few steps from my hotel. Relaxing surrounds and fresh food and not the kind that i passed up as fresh just to fool tourists. If you havent been to any of the towns around Lake Garda then you need to contact EasyJet, BA, RyanAir or whichever airline takes your fancy as this place is stunning! Anyway that’s my next post.
My 48 hours in Milan. The city named as the fashion capital of Italy. I might be in the minority here, but I wasn’t that impressed with Milan. Sure they have the imposing Duomo with an amazing 3000 statues and 135 spires as the city’s focal point. It also didnt help that there were lots of pigeons and people relentlessly offering you bird seeds to feed the pigeons. I still was not getting that wow factor having walked around the city.
I was exploring the city limits with my sister. Walking around the Parco Sempion, Milan’s large park with lots of landmarks around the greenery. One of these that cannot be missed is the Porta Sempione, the city gate of Milan. Walking through the park we wondered back to Sforza Castle or Castello Sforzesco if you prefer the Italian reference. This also used to be one of Europe’s largest Citadels but now houses museums. Built in the 15th century by Franceso Sforzfa(Duke of Milan).
So have you been to Milan, what was your impression of the city?
Amazing shots as always, the duoma facade is a standout!
Rachel@safari254
I have heard lots of mixed reviews of Milan… I have yet to visit myself though! So funny, I felt like that about Strasbourg – I guess you can't like everywhere! 😀 Great photos! 🙂
I know what you mean about Milan but there are lots of great things about it (as with any Italian city of course!). I love the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and there is a good place to eat in there (can't remember it's name but it has lots of tables and chairs outside). Did you walk on the roof of the cathedral?
I didnt get a chance to get on the roof but will have to go back for that maybe next year.
Nice architecture and great shots
Kept thinking it was just me but Milan wasn't my favorite either…
Oh Bianca, I am from Milan, give us a shout next time! There's so much more to see and do here beyond the unfriendly surface, and the food is so good. So, when are you coming back?
Haha, You know what I may just have to come back again. I realise that maybe I didnt give it enough of a chance having been spoiled while visiting Desenzano. I also havent been on the Duomo roof so thats something to look forward too 😀
Never been, but the Generali building at the end of your photo essay looks very cool. Sorry to hear the food was disappointing! That was one of my favorite things about Italy, wish Milan had better options for you.
Your pictures are beautiful. Can´t believe you couldn´t find decent food in Milan. When I´m in Italy I don´t go to crowded streets or where all the tourists eat I try to find some "hidden" restaurants in streets off the main and crowded streets. You will find great food and if there are mainly Italians/locals in it you know it must be good. 😉
That's great advice! Thanks
Haven't been to Milan yet, but too bad you didn't get the WOW-factor! That's always a great feeling when you visit a place ;)! Anyway, on the photographs it looks beautiful :)!
Such beautiful buildings! I really want to visit Milan, it looks so pretty! I agree with City Sea County´s advice – always choose a restaurant that´s full of locals!!
It looks beautiful! Milan is on my Bucket list and now I want to go there even more.:) Very nice shots, too 🙂
I really like the architecture – from what you've shown on the pictures – but I've never been to Milan so I have no opinion about the city. But it looks nice 😀
OMG beautiful photos!!!!!!!
xo, N
http://www.natashasolae.com
Great photos, Bee! We hitch-hiked Italy last year but we didn't have enough time to go to Milan, such a shame! We love your photos and would like to invite you to participate in the next edition of our Travel Photography Competition. Every week we publish 3 winning shots on our website and write a nice bio with a link to the photographers' websites/FB/Flickr pages.
Find more details here: http://hitchhikershandbook.com/your-contributions/travel-photography/
Happy travels!
Thanks! I will be checking it out and join in the fun.
Thanks so much for a breathtaking beautiful landscape pictures. I felt like I was there for a few mins! Love your outfit as well, red/white, such classic!
Love,
My-Linh
http://www.stylemylinh.com
Milan sure does look stunning, so I'm surprised that you weren't impressed. I guess that's just how some destinations are. I'd still love to visit. Looking forward to your Lake Garda post.
I have a few friends who live there and they always try to convince me to move. The more photos like these I see, the more I feel the pull of fate.. lol
Nice photographs 😀 It is interesting to hear a different perspective on Milan and I am interested to see how I will feel about the city during my visit this summer 😀
Thanks, I certainly hope you enjoy your visit. I look forward to hearing about your thoughts on it.
You are one of the few people that think that locals are friendly in Milan, or they might just have been tourists. I only find grumpy faces when I go back home. Glad you had that impression. I feel a little relieved in a way:) )