A long weekend in...Milan!
A couple weeks ago, I visited Milan with my sister for a 4-day trip. Conveniently coinciding with my birthday, we both boarded the plane home in mutual agreement that it was one of our best holidays yet; and this is coming from a girl who's been lucky enough to visit Bali, Barbados and the Great Barrier Reef!
It only took us 2 hours to get to Milan, the weather was a little miserable on one of the days, and we stayed in a small Airbnb which was a 30 minute walk from the central city. However something about this trip, and this place, completely stole our hearts.
We'd been warned beforehand that there isn't a whole lot "to do" in Milan. However when you're with your best friend, I don't think that necessarily matters. Simply dipping in and out of small shops, strolling through a park, and dining at a family-owned pizzeria is enough when the conversation never stops.
We took so many photos, ate copious amounts of gelato, and vlogged our whole trip, resulting in a video that is also one of my favourites I've ever produced.
A highlight we both agreed upon was the day trip we took to Como, exploring the various side streets of this quiet city, marveling in the beauty of so many yellow and pink buildings, and even doing the most extra thing we've ever done for Instagram - purchasing a real sunflower for three euros to pose with!
After eating sweet cream-filled breads for a late breakfast and pizza slices soon after for lunch, we boarded a boat that would take us on a nearly 2-hour cruise on the lake and to Bellagio. This small village boasted cobbled streets, terraced gardens and even more amazing gelato. Other than that though, it was a sleepy little place, and yet provided us with a glorious few hours of wandering together.
Of course, visiting the Duomo Cathedral back in Milan was a major highlight too, walking up to the rooftop and basking in the glory of the stunning views this provided, whilst also being up close with the most intricate architectural design we've ever seen.
The last day of the trip also happened to fall on my birthday, which was an event we celebrated the only way I know how - food! Croissants by the canal, pink burgers from a small vegan cafe, and one last cream-topped gelato in the central square.
Milan, thank you for four wonderful days with my best friend, and for offering us a kind of magic that Epcot's Italy pavilion could never truly capture. On to the next one!
TOP TIPS:
- Sfroza Castle boasts various museums with free admission on the first Sunday of the month
- Visit Duomo early to get less crowded shots, but also come back late at night for the most stunning sunset
- Make use of the Metro - 1.50 euros gets you anywhere!
- Peperoni means peppers here, so vegetarians are safe ordering it!
My MUST DOs:
- Duomo Cathedral (get a ticket to the top!)
- Day trip to Lake Como (especially in the summertime)
- Visit some of the high fashion stores
- Bar Luce (it's a cafe, but a whole experience in itself located within the Fondazione Prada museum and designed by Wes Anderson)
My MUST EATs:
- Pizza. Obviously. But try to go somewhere out of the city centre (and preferably a place that doesn't have a photo menu)
- Gelato from Cioccolati Italiani - they fill the bottom of the cone with melted chocolate!
- Croissants from Mag Cafe (various flavours)
- Cherry Bomb burger from Flower Burger (vegan and pink!)
