I’ve lived in Milan for 25 years and I can definitely confirm that if you want to have a quintessential Milanese experience, you should definitely go to a bar for an aperitivo milanese. It’s a very common way for people to meet up with friends after work, since it’s less of a commitment and less expensive than dinner. It’s often a fixed price and typically includes a buffet with things like focaccia or mini pizzas and usually cold pasta or rice salad etc., and you can have one or two drinks. Even if there isn’t a buffet, you can at the very least expect a bowl of chips and some olives. If you go to a place that puts on a big buffet, it’s a great way to save on dinner, but not so great if you want more than a couple of drinks. Some bars are really proud of their aperitivi and put out amazing food like fresh oysters, but others just serve large bowls of bland pasta salad. In any case, it’s an experience worth trying if you’re in Milan 🙂
@@TheThirdAgeIsHere They don’t specifically cater to kids, but a lot of places have outdoor seating and in places like that, it’s pretty common to see kids running around, and people don’t seem to mind at all
Have you any recommendations for an aperitivo place in Milan that does the buffet style? I have been keen to try this enhanced aperitivo during my Italian travels, but always seem to find the crisps and olives instead! Anywhere near Navigili but I will be travelling all around. Thanks
@@SuperJezza2009 Here are a couple of places known for their aperitivi: Officina Milano in the Navigli neighborhood, and Frida in the Isola neighborhood. In general you’re more likely to find more elaborate aperitivo spreads in trendy neighborhoods, so Navigli, Isola and Corso Como which are known for their nightlife are all good areas to explore
Wow that is great to know and looking forward to try, but how should I know the snack is included or extra? For example I heard stories when they sit down to a table had grissini on the table already, they ordered drinks and ate few grissini sticks thinking it's included to the service later on the bill they suprised the grissini costed more than the drinks 😂 I would like to avoid situations like that okay you can ask always but what if we get misinformed (maybe some tourist traps doing like that) or hard to communicate in English (I will try to learn some Italian but in few months I can't wait wonders)
I was in Milan last week. One tip from me, don't buy one way tickets (2.20 €), buy 24 hour tickets (7.60 €) which works in metro, trams, and busses. I used historic trams to get around and it was lovely. Also duomo tickets are not cheap, look for combi tickets or Milan cards for best price for value.
Buy from the official Duomo Milano website and consider the combo as it’s cost effective than individual visits. And yes, the metro €2.20 is more expensive than Rome but 24hr, 48hr etc passes.
I just went there about a week ago. Even though I grew up watching AC Milan dominating Europe at one point, the stadium is just old and I felt like not taken care of. The museum is old, the field and the tunnel were under reconstruction. None of this was on their website when we bought the tickets. So we left really disappointed after paying 30 euro for a ticket.
I grew up in a typical Catholic/Eastern European family and the last supper was in our kitchen and in all of my aunts/uncles' kitchens etc. ... seeing The Last Supper in person literally moved me to tears and I am neither an emotional nor religious person. It is absolutely worth booking that slot.
@@mrtomkat9579 Alas, too true. Most Milanese have not even seen it, maybe because it was closed for so long in their youth... The controversial restoration effort lasted 20 years (until 1999) and failed to create a surge of enthusiasm, even though long-denied access should have boosted demand. One could blame the gradual phasing out of art appreciation in the state school curriculum, too, I suppose. The new conservation regime makes the experience claustrophobic and far too expeditive to be pleasurable while the price and availability of tickets are unattractive.
I disagree with not putting Milan in the top 5, I was not expecting to like Milan at all because of these types of comments but I was blown away by the culture and beauty. I liked Milan MUCH better than Rome and plan to return for a solid visit. All of us lie different things, so give Milan a chance.
It was the opposite for me. I was excited to see Milan despite friends saying it was not at the top of their list. I was disappointed in Milan. I found it dirty and hated the graffiti. Incredibly noisy and loud. Yes I know cities are but the honking and police cars were constant. I loved Rome and have been three times.
Milan is better than Rome for sure...Rome is like Calcutta in India... Milan is more friendly and organized for tourists and people are classy and less rude than in Rome... Rome is more exotic for sure...but is definitely on another plan
@@mmzt-x6b Milán its Great, beatiful a and classy, modern and diverse, but Rome , is Rome, no place in the world can put in its shoes, no City is More impresive, histórical and beautyful than Rome.❤️
Excellent tips. Milan is absolutely beautiful during the Christmas season. I will add one that I learned from you and used there. don’t let the atm convert, let your bank make the conversion “. Huge savings
I went to Milan at the end of a Naples, Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Venice, Milan trip and loved it precisely because it is so very different from the other cities. It has a more modern vibe, very clean and upscale. The Chiefs di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore was a hidden gem that rivaled the Last Supper and right next door to the Civic Archaeological Museum. And the Leanardo3 Museum at the end of the Galleria should not be missed. It provides an excellent overview of Da Vinci’s engineering marvels. Seeing what he did with wood and rope, I could not help wondering what he might have accomplished with modern materials. I stayed in the Portello district near the City Life mall which is walking distance to the Duomo (if you really like to walk) and the architecture both old and new was very impressive. It was also very easy to do a quick overnight to Varenna on Lake Como which became one of my new favorite places.
Great Vid! Visited Italy in Oct 2023. Flew into and out of Milan. Great city! Took Malpensa Express from airport to Milano Centrale. Your prior vid on this was most helpful...BUT... could NOT figure out how to take it back to airport from Centrale at all. Took taxi. Last day in MIlan we planned a trip to Lake Como. Was cold and rainy, and concierge recommended against it. Went anyway...and the weather became beautiful just as we arrived!
Hahahahahaaaaaaa I never would have thought to hear from "Milanese imbruttito" and Giargiana in a foreign video 😂 I am one of those 2% Milanese through and through. Actually the Imbruttito type (a really funny character created by a local comedian) is a very business/money driven guy, more Brianzolo we would think. The true Milanese's mantra is understatement: do not disturb, don't be flashy (because you can disturb others) and, yes, probably because it will distract you from "el laurà" (= work) which, very much like our brothers and sisters in Milan Chinatown, is always on our minds, and never enough. I agree, if you're coming to Italy for the natural sights, Tuscany landscapes and southern (or Ligurian) sea, you'll be disappointed in Milano. Also, I agree 200% eat local, anywhere in Italy, and you'll enjoy our diversity. Milan has some great churches, a bit of roman ruins (but not too much) and a couple really great museums like Museo del Novecento and Poldi Pezzoli. Edit: I forgot Pinacoteca di Brera and Ambrosiana... And public transportation is, in my opinion, the best, most reasonably priced, and most exhaustive in Italy. Another little edit: if by chance you arrive at Bergamo (Orio al Serio) and you have time, Bergamo is a very beautiful city for a short visit, and really near Milano. It was so great to have your perspective on my hometown!
Hi, as a proud Milanese, I would say that all your advices are very good and pertinent, but one. I traveled a lot in all the Country, I know Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and other smallest towns, definitely worth a visit. But I reallly would place my City in the first three to see! And another advice: during the Fashion Week ( and also the Design Week) prices are skyrocketing. Hotel and AirBnB easily double their prices. Enjoy your visit, then. You won't be deceived! 😊
Always a pleasure to listen to you talking about Italy. And yeah, if you go to Milan, do get something from Luini. The place has legendary status even well outside Milan.
OMG I was in Milan and La Scala was not having any operas for the nights I was there. I got a tour and couldn't help myself... I sang a few notes so Incan sang I sang in La Scala. 🤣 The Duomo is amazing. It's the most majestic one in Italy as far as I'm concerned. (from the outside anyway). My favorite places are in Tuscany but Milan is pretty awesome too. Negroni is the best drink I had in Italy. They had free potato chips too. I think we had 3 bowls of chips.
I am suprised you do not have video about Turin. It such an amazing place, great people, a lot of culture and history (the Savoyard kings, Vittorio Emmanuel II, the Turin shroud, etc.), amazing views of the Alps, not too touristy, safe, great food and low prices (3 euros for a cappucino and a croissant, 35 euros for a single private room near the historic center, etc.)
@@missj.4760 Yeah, we keep trying to stay and experience other smaller cities and use them as a hub to explore: Bologna (my fav so far), Parma, Verona, Padua.
@@joecowan3719 I would recommend the regions of the lakes in the North (Stresa, Como, Bellagio, etc) if you have not visited yet. With Turin and Milan, it was my favorite part. It is touristic for a reason, but it is not insanely touristic like Rome and Venice can be (at least when I was there). Some nearby places in Switzerland seems to be quite interesting too and relatively affordable given how expensive is Switzerland. Trento and the region near Austria are in my bucket list too.
ahahahaha great people ? amazing place? "Piemontesi falsi cortesi " Torino is just a big factory city, just the city center is quite pretty that can be seen i 2 ours
Good point about not including Milan on a first trip...we found Rome, Venice, and Florence to be better choices for a typical visitor with limited time. Add Naples and the Amalfi Coast if a little longer time available. You are spot on about the public transit...clean, quick, affordable, and easy to navigate for visitors. The scammers with the bracelets / flowers / cd's / petitions...they are everywhere in Italy :(
One thing you shouldn't pass up on: You finde the old Lisboa tram cars quaint and nostalgic? Well, Milan has even older ones still in service. They run on regular lines within the normal schedule, so they are not museum cars like in other cities.
Actually, the city of Lisbon recently bought several retired wooden tram cars from ATM, the Milan Transport Authority. So has San Francisco in the past, I think.
Excellent advice on the Last Supper. I lived in Milan for 18 months and did not see it because it was always sold out. We visited last year and booked the ticket months in advance. It was amazing so I really recommend seeing the Last Supper
@@JaimeRodriguez-nq1on well of course not, but if you look for deals you can find them. We flew from Vancouver, BC Canada to Heathrow, London for $61. No points, no plans, just booking 8 months in advance. We travel the world full time. That was 6 weeks ago. Book flight and apartments up to a year in advance, you can get some amazing deals. The same flight the guy beside me paid $1200
Another DON’T: 2021 I came in by train from Switzerland. Figured it would be easier to rent a car from near the main rail station (heading up to Ortisei). DON’T DO THAT!!! Take that extra train out to the international airport and rent one from there. Your Heart (Driving in Milan is CRAZY), AND your wallet will thank you (2 months after I got back a traffic ticket arrive in the mail for something I had no idea what it was for, since it was in Italian).
Great video, great advice! I have lived in Milano for 15 years (so Giargiana, my bad :-) ) and I would suggest the same things! Maybe another one: skip all the tourist restaurant near Duomo and find some old "trattoria" like Trattoria San Filippo Neri, to taste traditional dishes and enjoy your staying in Milan!
I highly recommend the mia aparthotel! It's more in the university area but has a neighborhood feel. A supermarket in walking distance and a gelato place almost across the street.
There visit of a very old church (Cripta Santo Sepulcro) included with the ticket of the Pinoteca Ambrosina is quite interesting. There were also cool outdoors activities for kids at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
Can I add that if you miss out on tickets to see the Last Supper you can book through Get Your Guide or Viator and yes it's more expensive but if you are only in Milan once in your life and really want to see the Last Supper you do have another option.
The flower people upset me in Venice. They just kept on trying to give me a flower after I said no grazie. I finally took and walked off...that man chased after me...😂😅.
I had the privilege of seeing the Last Supper, the Atellani House (where DaVinci lived while working on the painting), the Vineyard, and a tour of the Palazzo of the family who commissioned him. I bought my ticket to that guided tour from a guide company on Trip Advisor. Great way to get last minute (~6 weeks ahead) tickets.
yeah when I went to Milan, the braclet people grabbed my arm/wrist when I was walking outside of Sforzesco (I'm a kinda short woman) luckily I was walking fast but still scary and made me uncomfortable for the rest of the day since no clue where their hands have been
Thanks for the video. I’d be arriving in Milan in September. It will be my fourth time in Italy 🇮🇹 and the second time in Milan after 14 years. I went there back in April 2010 while staying in a non touristy area called Varese. I visited Lake Como and Milan Central only in the morning and didn’t get to see the Duomo or anything like that. I look forward to my trip
This is an actual useful video. I don't know why I'm watching this since I've lived in Milan for 7 years now haha But the line for the ticket at the metro! OMG, it's something that I really would love all the tourists to know. I feel so bad for them when they line for half an hour when they can just tap their card!
Great video! Do you think it would be better to buy a tour to lake como, varenna, bellagio or take the trains and explore ourselves? First time visitors going to November!!
Поздравления за точния и задълбочен коментар. Той се покрива с моите впечатления от града. Наистина не заслужава да се посети като топдестинация №1 в Италия, освен ако сте дошли на шопинг. Интериорът на Миланската катедрала малко ме разочарова, въпрос на вкус. Благодаря ви за видеото!
Milan is not just the fashion capital but it’s also the financial hub and the melting pot of all of Italy. There are many people from all over Italy that go to Milan to find work.
Good call on checking which airport you're coming in to. I had a holiday at Lake Garda - Malpensa might be the biggest airport, but it's completely on the wrong side of the city. Bergamo would have ben better. And also the terminals at Malpensa are a long way apart and not every hire car company has an office in both termini. So I arrived at one terminal but my hire car company was based in the other....
Milan has a third airport, Linate, from this year minutes away on the MM4 metro line, but it is used only for European short-haul traffic and domestic flights.
@@jellyrcw12 ah ok, the classic tour. Next time i suggest to visit also "less" touristic cities like Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Bologna, Assisi and other closest cities. But do not forget Roma
0:13 Don't wait to book your last supper tickets 0:33 Don't expect more than 15 minutes with the last supper 1:18 Don't get harassed by the overly aggressive street seller 1:47 Don't be lackadaisical with your safety 2:08 Don't forget to follow the Italians 2:38 Don't forget to spin on the bull's you know what 3:05 Don't think shopping is going to be cheap 3:18 Don't expect Milan to be cheap 3:39 Don't wait to book your accommodation 4:05 Don't think you have to stay by the galleria or Duomo 4:21 Don't pass up the public transportation here in milan 4:42 Don't pass up the Duomo or go to the roof 5:14 Don't forget to check your airport 6:01 Don't wait in the line to buy ticket to take to Malpensa express 6:44 Don't freak out with the bumpy flights 7:19 Don't forget the churches, castles, and museums 7:46 Don't pass up a chance to see an opera at la scala 8:07 Don't let the line scare you off of Luini's 8:55 Don't forget that they like rice here in Milan 9:25 Don't forget to make reservation for some places to eat dinner 9:36 Don't forget to get the name sake Milanese when you are here 10:16 Don't skip aperitivo time 11:01 Don't rent the moped 11:29 Don't be surprised about the weather here in Milan 11:56 Don't miss out on fashion week 12:15 Don't think everybody that looks like a model, is actually a model 12:59 Don't confuse Milanese imbruttito with giargiana 14:12 Don't think Milan should be a top 3 destination in Italy (but it is fun to visit)
Grazie(Grah-zee-eh not grab-zee). 2 years to the Milano Olympics. I’m not taken a plane or taxi or train. I’m going to take a tour from Genova with lunch from cruise ship from my 30th in 2026.
Hello: Planning on traveling to Italy in November for 8 days. Positano, Amalfi, Rome, Napoli, etc... Is it ok to leave Milan for another trip, or it has to be a MUST to visit Milan?
It's certainly OK for a weekend, but giving it a miss altogether won't ruin your holiday either. Once you've seen the truly wonderful Duomo and overpaid for a glimpse of the Last Supper, what are you going to see here that isn't inferior in artistry and authenticity to the masterpieces of Florence, Rome, Venice or Naples? if you have no interest in the development of Italian architecture, or in visiting more churches, even the four (n = 4) truly world-class museums may be disappointing. The nightlife is overcrowded, overrated, and not overcheap. There are a few spots where screaming kids gather in their droves and mill about aimlessly with a beer bottle in their hand until very late, and two dingy canal streets with crowds of foreign tourists which locals out of their teens avoid like the plague, but 'that' can be had in any other European city. It can't compare with the London or Paris partying atmosphere, even if also overrated and overpriced. The fact of the matter is that the Milanese do not go out much in the evening and outside these 'ragazzerie' and tourist traps, of which there isn't enough to create a club or pub culture, when the shops close the city mostly sleeps. If you don't want to go out for drinks or eats, the best you can do after dark is wander through streets remarkable only for their quiet and overbearing façades. There are some rough areas, too, outside the city centre, but Milan is generally safer at night, when the traffic is down to a trickle. Muggers would starve with the footfall the 'quartieri' get.
Seems to be spot on. Have been to Milano twice, and even it is an interesting city it is not among the top five aitalian towns. But renting a scooter or moped sounds fun. I am nearly every day driving scooter here in Bangkok, and I think Milano should be a more relaxing place to drive compared to Bangkok. 😂
@@pippidimerlo6751 ciao, a mio parere un ottimo panzerotto lo trovi alla Pucceria di Mary e Vito in zona Baggio (decentrata ma ne vale la pena) oppure in viale Monza dalla Sciura Maria Panzerotti.
I always find it funny how Americans think we “dress to impress” in Milan, like, for us is just everyday attire. I wonder what you guys wear when you go outside.
If you are a tourist with Italian heritage and looks/dresses Italian, it works to keep them off of you. They don’t seem to mess with the locals as much. I’ve had to do it a few times in Rome last time I was there. But, the best things to do is keep a lookout for them, you know who there are and where they will be and just don’t go near them. It’s actually pretty easy not to have to deal with their bs if you are aware of your surroundings.
@@juliewillard1367 in Northern Italy there are a lot of blonde people 😜. The problem is that these scammers are not Italians and our law are so lax, so they know that they can go pretty much freely about it. The safety Is now a big problem in Italy, exacerbated by the refugees crisis we have.
I think back to my first European trip. I was taking a train from Rome to Zurich and it was supposed to have a stop in Milan. About 30 minutes before we were supposed to arrive in Milan they made an announcement that the train was going to skirt Milan because of some type of communist demonstration that had led to sporadic gunfire. This was 1973 and after that I never made any journeys that included Milan as either a destination or intermediate stop. Also, how come you didn't mention eating horse?
Malpensa e Bergamo sono distanti uguale da Milano, entrambi non sono nella provincia di Milano. Linate è il vero aeroporto di Milano, da poco servito con la metropolitana. Orio al Serio a Bergamo è più piccolo e meno alienante di Malpensa. Milano è ricca di specialità culinarie, forse la città italiana con più specialità. Oltre al Risotto ( di cui ci sono centinaia di versioni) , alla cotoletta, non dimenticate l'ossobuco, che oltretutto in USA è molto famoso, poi consiglio la Cassoeula. Non potete tornare a casa senza aver comprato il famoso Panettone, e poi non dimenticate i salami e i formaggi, di cui Milano è ricca. Gorgonzola sopra tutti. Ma ne abbiamo a dozzine, taleggio, crescenza, quartirolo, robiola, stracchino ecc ecc. Abbiamo anche la pizza alla milanese, di cui Spontini è la marca più famosa. una pizza alta al trancio che sinceramente preferisco alla napoletana. Una volta si mangiava sul legno in tavolacci tipici, ora hanno vietato anche questo. Una capatina alla chiesa di s.Satiro di cui avete mostrato l'abside, con il famoso trompe d'oile del Bramante, uno spazio immaginario creato con un effetto scenografico. Saluti da un "milanese Imbruttito".... PS: i "giargiana"per noi sono soprattutto le persone del sud Italia, che non sono per nulla gentili, li troverete alle Poste e negli uffici pubblici, se avrete la malaugurata sorte di incrociarli.
I have been to several cities in Italy but if I had visited Milan first I may not have come back to Italy in a hurry. Don’t get me wrong there are some fantastic sights to see like the Duomo, Last Supper, the science museum (this was fab) and great bars and restaurants. However the graffiti ruined it for me swathes of it all over shops, restaurants etc. I don’t mean Banksy type graffiti I mean just scrawl. It makes the place look run down. I definitely don’t get a huge Italian vibe from Milan it has Swiss and German influences. I also did not feel that safe. After visiting Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice, Genoa and several more places in Italy, Milan is bottom of my list. One thing I will say everybody smells wonderful and you can see some beautifully dressed men and women. After visiting Vienna last which was so clean and beautiful I was sadly disappointed in Milan. If you want to go to Lake Como, Switzerland, Verona it is an excellent base.
Yes, unfortunately graffiti are everywhere. It wasn't like that in the past. We can't blame the city itself. There are gangs that come from elsewhere and deface houses. They aren't even creative: just letters.
@@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505 Gangs from elsewhere? It must be a phase in adolescent development, I think. Just look at the façades near the best schools in the city!
Seriously, Milan was almost as expensive as Paris. As I was only there for a few hour, I kept it simple and lunched at the McDo near the Duomo (which has interesting non-gendered toilets btw).
To be honest: Milan was a disappointment for me. The castle was ok to do, but the Duomo was just... dark and empty. Also, I had a group that wanted to go shopping in Milan... AT THE H&M! Stay at home then, if that's your wish. The city itself feels too dull to be honest. The fashion status is surely earned for a reason, but it doesn't add up in total. The Galleria is impressive, but not that large. For me it's a one time only to be honest. It was not the people, the city just lacked the plus for travels.
I’ve lived in Milan for 25 years and I can definitely confirm that if you want to have a quintessential Milanese experience, you should definitely go to a bar for an aperitivo milanese. It’s a very common way for people to meet up with friends after work, since it’s less of a commitment and less expensive than dinner. It’s often a fixed price and typically includes a buffet with things like focaccia or mini pizzas and usually cold pasta or rice salad etc., and you can have one or two drinks. Even if there isn’t a buffet, you can at the very least expect a bowl of chips and some olives. If you go to a place that puts on a big buffet, it’s a great way to save on dinner, but not so great if you want more than a couple of drinks. Some bars are really proud of their aperitivi and put out amazing food like fresh oysters, but others just serve large bowls of bland pasta salad. In any case, it’s an experience worth trying if you’re in Milan 🙂
I lived in central Italy as a kid and we went everywhere. How do Milanese treat kids in bars and aperitivo ?
@@TheThirdAgeIsHere They don’t specifically cater to kids, but a lot of places have outdoor seating and in places like that, it’s pretty common to see kids running around, and people don’t seem to mind at all
Have you any recommendations for an aperitivo place in Milan that does the buffet style? I have been keen to try this enhanced aperitivo during my Italian travels, but always seem to find the crisps and olives instead! Anywhere near Navigili but I will be travelling all around. Thanks
@@SuperJezza2009 Here are a couple of places known for their aperitivi:
Officina Milano in the Navigli neighborhood, and
Frida in the Isola neighborhood.
In general you’re more likely to find more elaborate aperitivo spreads in trendy neighborhoods, so Navigli, Isola and Corso Como which are known for their nightlife are all good areas to explore
Wow that is great to know and looking forward to try, but how should I know the snack is included or extra?
For example I heard stories when they sit down to a table had grissini on the table already, they ordered drinks and ate few grissini sticks thinking it's included to the service later on the bill they suprised the grissini costed more than the drinks 😂 I would like to avoid situations like that okay you can ask always but what if we get misinformed (maybe some tourist traps doing like that) or hard to communicate in English (I will try to learn some Italian but in few months I can't wait wonders)
Probably the best travel advice channel on UA-cam
I was in Milan last week. One tip from me, don't buy one way tickets (2.20 €), buy 24 hour tickets (7.60 €) which works in metro, trams, and busses. I used historic trams to get around and it was lovely. Also duomo tickets are not cheap, look for combi tickets or Milan cards for best price for value.
which app can i use to buy te 24hours ticket?
Hi
Where can I buy all day tickets? I'm going to Milan soon.
Totally agree!
Buy from the official Duomo Milano website and consider the combo as it’s cost effective than individual visits. And yes, the metro €2.20 is more expensive than Rome but 24hr, 48hr etc passes.
If you’re catholic you get inside duomo for free with no queue
Don't skip the San Siro stadium. It is amazing. It's shared by to teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan It's really cool
I just went there about a week ago.
Even though I grew up watching AC Milan dominating Europe at one point, the stadium is just old and I felt like not taken care of.
The museum is old, the field and the tunnel were under reconstruction. None of this was on their website when we bought the tickets. So we left really disappointed after paying 30 euro for a ticket.
I grew up in a typical Catholic/Eastern European family and the last supper was in our kitchen and in all of my aunts/uncles' kitchens etc. ... seeing The Last Supper in person literally moved me to tears and I am neither an emotional nor religious person. It is absolutely worth booking that slot.
The fun part is no one in Italy cares for Da Vinci's last supper, only Americans mostly because of the DaVinci Code
@@EGOCOGITOSUM This is absolutely, completely totally not true !!!!!
@@mrtomkat9579 Alas, too true. Most Milanese have not even seen it, maybe because it was closed for so long in their youth... The controversial restoration effort lasted 20 years (until 1999) and failed to create a surge of enthusiasm, even though long-denied access should have boosted demand. One could blame the gradual phasing out of art appreciation in the state school curriculum, too, I suppose. The new conservation regime makes the experience claustrophobic and far too expeditive to be pleasurable while the price and availability of tickets are unattractive.
Ciao a tutti da Milano 🇮🇹🎉
I disagree with not putting Milan in the top 5, I was not expecting to like Milan at all because of these types of comments but I was blown away by the culture and beauty. I liked Milan MUCH better than Rome and plan to return for a solid visit. All of us lie different things, so give Milan a chance.
It was the opposite for me. I was excited to see Milan despite friends saying it was not at the top of their list. I was disappointed in Milan. I found it dirty and hated the graffiti. Incredibly noisy and loud. Yes I know cities are but the honking and police cars were constant. I loved Rome and have been three times.
Milan is better than Rome for sure...Rome is like Calcutta in India... Milan is more friendly and organized for tourists and people are classy and less rude than in Rome... Rome is more exotic for sure...but is definitely on another plan
Quite a few things to see and enjoy in Milan but not comparable to the abundance of Rome.
@@mmzt-x6b Milán its Great, beatiful a and classy, modern and diverse, but Rome , is Rome, no place in the world can put in its shoes, no City is More impresive, histórical and beautyful than Rome.❤️
Excellent tips. Milan is absolutely beautiful during the Christmas season. I will add one that I learned from you and used there. don’t let the atm convert, let your bank make the conversion “. Huge savings
I went to Milan at the end of a Naples, Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Venice, Milan trip and loved it precisely because it is so very different from the other cities. It has a more modern vibe, very clean and upscale. The Chiefs di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore was a hidden gem that rivaled the Last Supper and right next door to the Civic Archaeological Museum. And the Leanardo3 Museum at the end of the Galleria should not be missed. It provides an excellent overview of Da Vinci’s engineering marvels. Seeing what he did with wood and rope, I could not help wondering what he might have accomplished with modern materials. I stayed in the Portello district near the City Life mall which is walking distance to the Duomo (if you really like to walk) and the architecture both old and new was very impressive. It was also very easy to do a quick overnight to Varenna on Lake Como which became one of my new favorite places.
Great Vid! Visited Italy in Oct 2023. Flew into and out of Milan. Great city! Took Malpensa Express from airport to Milano Centrale. Your prior vid on this was most helpful...BUT... could NOT figure out how to take it back to airport from Centrale at all. Took taxi. Last day in MIlan we planned a trip to Lake Como. Was cold and rainy, and concierge recommended against it. Went anyway...and the weather became beautiful just as we arrived!
Hahahahahaaaaaaa I never would have thought to hear from "Milanese imbruttito" and Giargiana in a foreign video 😂
I am one of those 2% Milanese through and through. Actually the Imbruttito type (a really funny character created by a local comedian) is a very business/money driven guy, more Brianzolo we would think.
The true Milanese's mantra is understatement: do not disturb, don't be flashy (because you can disturb others) and, yes, probably because it will distract you from "el laurà" (= work) which, very much like our brothers and sisters in Milan Chinatown, is always on our minds, and never enough.
I agree, if you're coming to Italy for the natural sights, Tuscany landscapes and southern (or Ligurian) sea, you'll be disappointed in Milano. Also, I agree 200% eat local, anywhere in Italy, and you'll enjoy our diversity.
Milan has some great churches, a bit of roman ruins (but not too much) and a couple really great museums like Museo del Novecento and Poldi Pezzoli. Edit: I forgot Pinacoteca di Brera and Ambrosiana...
And public transportation is, in my opinion, the best, most reasonably priced, and most exhaustive in Italy.
Another little edit: if by chance you arrive at Bergamo (Orio al Serio) and you have time, Bergamo is a very beautiful city for a short visit, and really near Milano.
It was so great to have your perspective on my hometown!
Same, I was so surprised!
Hi, as a proud Milanese, I would say that all your advices are very good and pertinent, but one. I traveled a lot in all the Country, I know Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and other smallest towns, definitely worth a visit. But I reallly would place my City in the first three to see! And another advice: during the Fashion Week ( and also the Design Week) prices are skyrocketing. Hotel and AirBnB easily double their prices. Enjoy your visit, then. You won't be deceived! 😊
Always a pleasure to listen to you talking about Italy. And yeah, if you go to Milan, do get something from Luini. The place has legendary status even well outside Milan.
Awe you just made miss Italy so bad, you helped me so much when I visited. Always with the best advice thanks.
OMG I was in Milan and La Scala was not having any operas for the nights I was there. I got a tour and couldn't help myself... I sang a few notes so Incan sang I sang in La Scala. 🤣 The Duomo is amazing. It's the most majestic one in Italy as far as I'm concerned. (from the outside anyway). My favorite places are in Tuscany but Milan is pretty awesome too. Negroni is the best drink I had in Italy. They had free potato chips too. I think we had 3 bowls of chips.
Great call on Panzerotti Luigi! It’s one of my favorite food I’ve had anywhere in the world!
I am suprised you do not have video about Turin. It such an amazing place, great people, a lot of culture and history (the Savoyard kings, Vittorio Emmanuel II, the Turin shroud, etc.), amazing views of the Alps, not too touristy, safe, great food and low prices (3 euros for a cappucino and a croissant, 35 euros for a single private room near the historic center, etc.)
Underrated city! We went on a day trip from Milan and loved it so much we are staying for 5 days this July.
@@joecowan3719 I agree. Actually, it is not such a bad thing as there are less tourists.
@@missj.4760 Yeah, we keep trying to stay and experience other smaller cities and use them as a hub to explore: Bologna (my fav so far), Parma, Verona, Padua.
@@joecowan3719 I would recommend the regions of the lakes in the North (Stresa, Como, Bellagio, etc) if you have not visited yet. With Turin and Milan, it was my favorite part. It is touristic for a reason, but it is not insanely touristic like Rome and Venice can be (at least when I was there). Some nearby places in Switzerland seems to be quite interesting too and relatively affordable given how expensive is Switzerland. Trento and the region near Austria are in my bucket list too.
ahahahaha great people ? amazing place? "Piemontesi falsi cortesi " Torino is just a big factory city, just the city center is quite pretty that can be seen i 2 ours
Great information. Stay awesome. 💯
Good point about not including Milan on a first trip...we found Rome, Venice, and Florence to be better choices for a typical visitor with limited time. Add Naples and the Amalfi Coast if a little longer time available.
You are spot on about the public transit...clean, quick, affordable, and easy to navigate for visitors.
The scammers with the bracelets / flowers / cd's / petitions...they are everywhere in Italy :(
I agree on all of that. Taormini, Sicily is also worth a visit.
I agree. There are nicer places in Italy than Milan. I enjoyed my visit but probably would not come again.
What a lovely scarf. Amazing video! Thank you
One thing you shouldn't pass up on: You finde the old Lisboa tram cars quaint and nostalgic? Well, Milan has even older ones still in service. They run on regular lines within the normal schedule, so they are not museum cars like in other cities.
Actually, the city of Lisbon recently bought several retired wooden tram cars from ATM, the Milan Transport Authority. So has San Francisco in the past, I think.
I love Milano!
Next week 3 days in milano❤
Excellent advice on the Last Supper. I lived in Milan for 18 months and did not see it because it was always sold out. We visited last year and booked the ticket months in advance. It was amazing so I really recommend seeing the Last Supper
Perfect timing! We’re are flying into Milan in a few months!
We are going next month. The flight cost is $12 euros.
@@JayandSarah Not from the US 😆
@@JaimeRodriguez-nq1on well of course not, but if you look for deals you can find them. We flew from Vancouver, BC Canada to Heathrow, London for $61. No points, no plans, just booking 8 months in advance. We travel the world full time. That was 6 weeks ago. Book flight and apartments up to a year in advance, you can get some amazing deals. The same flight the guy beside me paid $1200
Thanks for mentioning the rain, which wasn't bad. I has an umbrella, but I just went into a coffee shop until it stopped
Luini ❤❤❤ My favorite for the past 50 years!!!!
The drivers in Italy really scare me LOL. I really enjoyed Florence and this next holiday coming up, I am going to Rome
Roman drivers are the scariest, all my cousins from Milan and Verona de ide to park in the outskirts and take the metro,
can you suggest a place to stay out of town for a base point, if I want to go expler lake como/garda maybe verona as well?
thanks for the advice on the turbulence. I get super nervous about it but knowing that is coming will help me prepare for it.
Another DON’T: 2021 I came in by train from Switzerland. Figured it would be easier to rent a car from near the main rail station (heading up to Ortisei). DON’T DO THAT!!! Take that extra train out to the international airport and rent one from there. Your Heart (Driving in Milan is CRAZY), AND your wallet will thank you (2 months after I got back a traffic ticket arrive in the mail for something I had no idea what it was for, since it was in Italian).
Non pagarla! Impossible che riescano a riscuoterla.
Great video, great advice! I have lived in Milano for 15 years (so Giargiana, my bad :-) ) and I would suggest the same things! Maybe another one: skip all the tourist restaurant near Duomo and find some old "trattoria" like Trattoria San Filippo Neri, to taste traditional dishes and enjoy your staying in Milan!
Hey Mark, awesome video
I highly recommend the mia aparthotel! It's more in the university area but has a neighborhood feel. A supermarket in walking distance and a gelato place almost across the street.
There visit of a very old church (Cripta Santo Sepulcro) included with the ticket of the Pinoteca Ambrosina is quite interesting. There were also cool outdoors activities for kids at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
When I flew to Italy from Manchester (MAN) I landed in Lamezia Terme (SUF)
Luini- I didn't explore properly around the corner at 17, went back at 29 and took advantage of the food!
2:37 that’s a very Giargiana thing to do, everybody around you will instantly know you are a tourist
Can I add that if you miss out on tickets to see the Last Supper you can book through Get Your Guide or Viator and yes it's more expensive but if you are only in Milan once in your life and really want to see the Last Supper you do have another option.
The flower people upset me in Venice. They just kept on trying to give me a flower after I said no grazie. I finally took and walked off...that man chased after me...😂😅.
I had the privilege of seeing the Last Supper, the Atellani House (where DaVinci lived while working on the painting), the Vineyard, and a tour of the Palazzo of the family who commissioned him. I bought my ticket to that guided tour from a guide company on Trip Advisor. Great way to get last minute (~6 weeks ahead) tickets.
Thank you for the v practical hints
yeah when I went to Milan, the braclet people grabbed my arm/wrist when I was walking outside of Sforzesco (I'm a kinda short woman) luckily I was walking fast but still scary and made me uncomfortable for the rest of the day since no clue where their hands have been
Thanks for the video. I’d be arriving in Milan in September. It will be my fourth time in Italy 🇮🇹 and the second time in Milan after 14 years. I went there back in April 2010 while staying in a non touristy area called Varese. I visited Lake Como and Milan Central only in the morning and didn’t get to see the Duomo or anything like that. I look forward to my trip
This is an actual useful video. I don't know why I'm watching this since I've lived in Milan for 7 years now haha But the line for the ticket at the metro! OMG, it's something that I really would love all the tourists to know. I feel so bad for them when they line for half an hour when they can just tap their card!
Great video! Do you think it would be better to buy a tour to lake como, varenna, bellagio or take the trains and explore ourselves? First time visitors going to November!!
Поздравления за точния и задълбочен коментар. Той се покрива с моите впечатления от града. Наистина не заслужава да се посети като топдестинация №1 в Италия, освен ако сте дошли на шопинг. Интериорът на Миланската катедрала малко ме разочарова, въпрос на вкус. Благодаря ви за видеото!
Milan is not just the fashion capital but it’s also the financial hub and the melting pot of all of Italy. There are many people from all over Italy that go to Milan to find work.
Just a little correction: negroni was born in Florence, sbagliato and Milano-Torino are from Milan
Bella Milano 🙂
Great advice as usual
A way to get last minute last supper tickets is to book a tour that includes it
Grazie
I flew with TUI to Italy
Good call on checking which airport you're coming in to. I had a holiday at Lake Garda - Malpensa might be the biggest airport, but it's completely on the wrong side of the city. Bergamo would have ben better. And also the terminals at Malpensa are a long way apart and not every hire car company has an office in both termini. So I arrived at one terminal but my hire car company was based in the other....
Milan has a third airport, Linate, from this year minutes away on the MM4 metro line, but it is used only for European short-haul traffic and domestic flights.
Nice video man 👍 i wish i would go travel there one day😢
My boyfriend and I are going next month! We are so excited. Thank you for sharing. We will absolutely make some reservations
How was your trip here?
@@andre3424 Incredible! Surprisingly very clean and of course stunning food. I loved the Duomo, I want to visit again for that alone.
@@jellyrcw12 good to read that..did you do a trip of italy or just Milano?
@@andre3424 We visited Florence and Venice as well
@@jellyrcw12 ah ok, the classic tour. Next time i suggest to visit also "less" touristic cities like Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Bologna, Assisi and other closest cities. But do not forget Roma
0:13 Don't wait to book your last supper tickets
0:33 Don't expect more than 15 minutes with the last supper
1:18 Don't get harassed by the overly aggressive street seller
1:47 Don't be lackadaisical with your safety
2:08 Don't forget to follow the Italians
2:38 Don't forget to spin on the bull's you know what
3:05 Don't think shopping is going to be cheap
3:18 Don't expect Milan to be cheap
3:39 Don't wait to book your accommodation
4:05 Don't think you have to stay by the galleria or Duomo
4:21 Don't pass up the public transportation here in milan
4:42 Don't pass up the Duomo or go to the roof
5:14 Don't forget to check your airport
6:01 Don't wait in the line to buy ticket to take to Malpensa express
6:44 Don't freak out with the bumpy flights
7:19 Don't forget the churches, castles, and museums
7:46 Don't pass up a chance to see an opera at la scala
8:07 Don't let the line scare you off of Luini's
8:55 Don't forget that they like rice here in Milan
9:25 Don't forget to make reservation for some places to eat dinner
9:36 Don't forget to get the name sake Milanese when you are here
10:16 Don't skip aperitivo time
11:01 Don't rent the moped
11:29 Don't be surprised about the weather here in Milan
11:56 Don't miss out on fashion week
12:15 Don't think everybody that looks like a model, is actually a model
12:59 Don't confuse Milanese imbruttito with giargiana
14:12 Don't think Milan should be a top 3 destination in Italy (but it is fun to visit)
Grazie mille ancora!
How much does it cost a family of 5 to visit Milano in 3 days? Travel and accomodation were already booked. Thanks
Actually going from Bergamo and Malpensa to Milan is about one hour for both. It's the same
San Siro, that's the main reason to visit Milan :)
Grazie(Grah-zee-eh not grab-zee). 2 years to the Milano Olympics. I’m not taken a plane or taxi or train. I’m going to take a tour from Genova with lunch from cruise ship from my 30th in 2026.
I love grab-zee, whatever it is! So genuine! It should be grab thee, but who cares?!
Hello: Planning on traveling to Italy in November for 8 days. Positano, Amalfi, Rome, Napoli, etc... Is it ok to leave Milan for another trip, or it has to be a MUST to visit Milan?
It's certainly OK for a weekend, but giving it a miss altogether won't ruin your holiday either. Once you've seen the truly wonderful Duomo and overpaid for a glimpse of the Last Supper, what are you going to see here that isn't inferior in artistry and authenticity to the masterpieces of Florence, Rome, Venice or Naples? if you have no interest in the development of Italian architecture, or in visiting more churches, even the four (n = 4) truly world-class museums may be disappointing. The nightlife is overcrowded, overrated, and not overcheap. There are a few spots where screaming kids gather in their droves and mill about aimlessly with a beer bottle in their hand until very late, and two dingy canal streets with crowds of foreign tourists which locals out of their teens avoid like the plague, but 'that' can be had in any other European city. It can't compare with the London or Paris partying atmosphere, even if also overrated and overpriced. The fact of the matter is that the Milanese do not go out much in the evening and outside these 'ragazzerie' and tourist traps, of which there isn't enough to create a club or pub culture, when the shops close the city mostly sleeps. If you don't want to go out for drinks or eats, the best you can do after dark is wander through streets remarkable only for their quiet and overbearing façades. There are some rough areas, too, outside the city centre, but Milan is generally safer at night, when the traffic is down to a trickle. Muggers would starve with the footfall the 'quartieri' get.
Hi Wolter, did you ever been to Romania or Serbia?
Life saver
Seems to be spot on. Have been to Milano twice, and even it is an interesting city it is not among the top five aitalian towns.
But renting a scooter or moped sounds fun. I am nearly every day driving scooter here in Bangkok, and I think Milano should be a more relaxing place to drive compared to Bangkok. 😂
I didn't expect the rule of the giargiana and the Milanese imbruttito 😂😂😂
love from a giargiana (who only went to school in Milan)❤
The locals are very nice.
First
I can advice you a guided tour at Teatro alla Scala in Milan
❤❤❤❤
*reservations
9:26
I'm a milanese, and trust me Luini doesn't have the good panzerotti, It is pretty much close to a turist trap.... There are better choices
Ci andavo da bambina. Sono negli US da anni, ora cosa suggerisci?
@@pippidimerlo6751 ciao, a mio parere un ottimo panzerotto lo trovi alla Pucceria di Mary e Vito in zona Baggio (decentrata ma ne vale la pena) oppure in viale Monza dalla Sciura Maria Panzerotti.
@@pippidimerlo6751 dimenticavo, all'isola da forse un anno c'è I love panzerotti... Degno di nota
@@jouls3 Grazie mille per tutti e tre i suggerimenti, buona giornata!🌞
@@pippidimerlo6751 a te! Spero ti piacciano
visit Brescia!
I always find it funny how Americans think we “dress to impress” in Milan, like, for us is just everyday attire. I wonder what you guys wear when you go outside.
@@VIVIEWHITE YOU’RE SO BLESSED TO LIVE THERE! It’s so beautiful 😭
Great place to visit, I can’t wait to go back!
Brenttube
You don't need to speak Italian to the scammers, since they are not Italians
If you are a tourist with Italian heritage and looks/dresses Italian, it works to keep them off of you. They don’t seem to mess with the locals as much. I’ve had to do it a few times in Rome last time I was there. But, the best things to do is keep a lookout for them, you know who there are and where they will be and just don’t go near them. It’s actually pretty easy not to have to deal with their bs if you are aware of your surroundings.
Yes this annoyed me a lot in Milan. Being blonde and blue eyed was fighting them off for a week.
@@juliewillard1367 in Northern Italy there are a lot of blonde people 😜. The problem is that these scammers are not Italians and our law are so lax, so they know that they can go pretty much freely about it.
The safety Is now a big problem in Italy, exacerbated by the refugees crisis we have.
*a ticket
6:06
❤❤
I think back to my first European trip. I was taking a train from Rome to Zurich and it was supposed to have a stop in Milan. About 30 minutes before we were supposed to arrive in Milan they made an announcement that the train was going to skirt Milan because of some type of communist demonstration that had led to sporadic gunfire. This was 1973 and after that I never made any journeys that included Milan as either a destination or intermediate stop. Also, how come you didn't mention eating horse?
As a milanese i confirm all, just to be annoying, Risotto alla milanese is the one with the Ossobuco, no Ossobuco no real recipe :)
“Milanese imbruttito” is not a compliment…😂 “imbruttito” in Italian literally means “who got ugly” in English. Don’t ask people which is which! 😂
I went to Florence and Milan recently. Florence was incredible. I absolutely hated Milan.
Don't look up, don't look around. Instead, look down to avoid stepping on the mines they've put on the pavement.
The Negroni is Florentine. Sbagliato is Milanese.
Scooters are not mopeds. Use the correct word
I want to to Milan so i can see well dressed people for once lol
Stepping on the bull’s balls is a gesture of spite towards Turin, which for some time was the Capital of Italy. The rest is tourist-fairy tales….
Malpensa e Bergamo sono distanti uguale da Milano, entrambi non sono nella provincia di Milano. Linate è il vero aeroporto di Milano, da poco servito con la metropolitana. Orio al Serio a Bergamo è più piccolo e meno alienante di Malpensa. Milano è ricca di specialità culinarie, forse la città italiana con più specialità. Oltre al Risotto ( di cui ci sono centinaia di versioni) , alla cotoletta, non dimenticate l'ossobuco, che oltretutto in USA è molto famoso, poi consiglio la Cassoeula. Non potete tornare a casa senza aver comprato il famoso Panettone, e poi non dimenticate i salami e i formaggi, di cui Milano è ricca. Gorgonzola sopra tutti. Ma ne abbiamo a dozzine, taleggio, crescenza, quartirolo, robiola, stracchino ecc ecc. Abbiamo anche la pizza alla milanese, di cui Spontini è la marca più famosa. una pizza alta al trancio che sinceramente preferisco alla napoletana. Una volta si mangiava sul legno in tavolacci tipici, ora hanno vietato anche questo. Una capatina alla chiesa di s.Satiro di cui avete mostrato l'abside, con il famoso trompe d'oile del Bramante, uno spazio immaginario creato con un effetto scenografico. Saluti da un "milanese Imbruttito".... PS: i "giargiana"per noi sono soprattutto le persone del sud Italia, che non sono per nulla gentili, li troverete alle Poste e negli uffici pubblici, se avrete la malaugurata sorte di incrociarli.
I have been to several cities in Italy but if I had visited Milan first I may not have come back to Italy in a hurry. Don’t get me wrong there are some fantastic sights to see like the Duomo, Last Supper, the science museum (this was fab) and great bars and restaurants. However the graffiti ruined it for me swathes of it all over shops, restaurants etc. I don’t mean Banksy type graffiti I mean just scrawl. It makes the place look run down. I definitely don’t get a huge Italian vibe from Milan it has Swiss and German influences. I also did not feel that safe. After visiting Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice, Genoa and several more places in Italy, Milan is bottom of my list. One thing I will say everybody smells wonderful and you can see some beautifully dressed men and women. After visiting Vienna last which was so clean and beautiful I was sadly disappointed in Milan. If you want to go to Lake Como, Switzerland, Verona it is an excellent base.
Yes, unfortunately graffiti are everywhere. It wasn't like that in the past. We can't blame the city itself. There are gangs that come from elsewhere and deface houses. They aren't even creative: just letters.
@@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505 Gangs from elsewhere? It must be a phase in adolescent development, I think. Just look at the façades near the best schools in the city!
Seriously, Milan was almost as expensive as Paris. As I was only there for a few hour, I kept it simple and lunched at the McDo near the Duomo (which has interesting non-gendered toilets btw).
It doesn't seem like a very attractive city
Don’t incorrectly pronounce Milan (Mee-lahn) as Mah-lahn
But it's the Milanese pronounciation, with the stress on the second syllable! Our friends went native...
The blue is distractng
The bull's balls 😛
Wolter is a dork
Che catzo ste dic
1:40 this guy cannot even pronounce "grazie" correctly
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 thanks for your valuable input
Well he's not italian! What a silly comment
To be honest: Milan was a disappointment for me. The castle was ok to do, but the Duomo was just... dark and empty. Also, I had a group that wanted to go shopping in Milan... AT THE H&M! Stay at home then, if that's your wish. The city itself feels too dull to be honest. The fashion status is surely earned for a reason, but it doesn't add up in total. The Galleria is impressive, but not that large. For me it's a one time only to be honest. It was not the people, the city just lacked the plus for travels.
What do you mean by "the Galleria is not THAT large" ? Is the central station at least big enough?
Well put, unexceptional on the whole. Like H&M! And the poseurs who confuse cash with elegance a liveable city do not make.