June 19-22, 2019

I literally ran to make it to my Flixbus on time from Venice to Milan ($18.99). Thankfully, Queen Hostel in Milan (€27.77/night) gave me excellent directions on how to take the metro, as Google Maps was little to no help for public transportation. A short trip, but probably one of my favorite stays so far.

Things to do:

• See the Last Supper at the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, which tickets sell out quickly, so here’s a guide to help if you didn’t think ahead.
• Eat pasta, pizza, and gelato along Naviglio Pavese and Naviglio Grande.
• Go shopping! The vintage shops Pourquoi Moi, Bivio, and Cavalli e Nastri were my favorites.
• With a capacity of 40,000, Milan’s landmark Duomo is the world’s fourth largest church.  
• Right next to it is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which has some of the most expensive and elegant shops and restaurants in the city. I went to Marchesi myself for a pricey coffee break. Also, have a Campari drink, standing with unlimited snacks, at Camparino.
• The churches of San Maurizio and San Satiro aren’t impressive on the outside but the fresco art inside is great. 
• From the 13th century, Milan flourished under the rule of two powerful families, the Visconti and the Sforza. Be sure to check out Sforza Castle!
• The Cattelan’s provocative L.O.V.E (“The Finger”) is a funny thing to see. 
• Visit the park, Biblioteca degli Alberi to see the apartments covered in plants (Bosco Verticale).
• A day trip to Lake Como is really easy. Buy a €4.80 one-way train ticket from Milano Cadorna to Como Nord Lago, and you’ll be there in one hour to walk around. I followed these instructions.
• Other awesome day trips include Bergamo (€5.50, 50 minutes), Bologna (€9 bus or €16.80 train, 60 minutes), Turin (€9 bus or €12 train, 90-120 minutes), Lake Maggiore (€10, 120 minutes), and Lake Garda (€9, 75 minutes).