So this time we decided to visit a new city and a new country and we decided Milan was the one! We took an early flight with easyjet. I was my normal nervous self but the flight was absolutely peaceful, NO TURBULENCE!
We took the bus from the Malpensa airport to Milan central station and from there to our lovely airbnb. We just dropped of our bags and freshened up and off we went to explore but first we had to fill our tummies. We went to eat at this lovely restaurante and the prices were excellent for the quality and amount of food
We then spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the canals at Alzaia naviglio grande. Everything looks so charming as all the christmas decorations and lights are up.
Enjoy the photos of our 1st day in Milam. But before a little about Milan. Milan is a vibrant city in northern Italy, known as a global fashion and design capital. Milan is also a financial hub and home to impressive museums, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera. The city is renowned for its high-end shopping districts, like Via della Moscova and Via Montenapoleone. Additionally, Milan is a culinary delight, offering a diverse range of Italian cuisine.
The very best hot chocolate can be found here.
Our home away from home, thanks to Richard and Luísa.
Porta Ticinese is a historic gate in Milan, Italy, located in the southern part of the city along the Via Ticinensis. Built in the 16th century, it has Roman origins but underwent renovations during the Spanish domination. The gate is known for its distinctive brick and stone design and serves as a symbol of Milan's history. It provides access to the vibrant Navigli district, famous for its canals, trendy shops, and nightlife. Porta Ticinese is not only a historical landmark but also a gateway to the dynamic cultural and entertainment offerings in its surrounding area.
2nd day in Milano
Our day started at 8h30 by catching the metro to the Piazza del Duomo and then visiting the following; Milan Cathedral, Royal Palace ,Teatro alla Scala, the gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele we also went to look at the famous shops on via Manzoni and via Sant'Andrea
Next we took the bus to Isola and walked around their street market and also went to look at the Bosco Vertical. Next stop was at the San Sírio Stadium were AC MILAN are playing against Dortmund. Before calling it a day we stopped off at our favourite café for some hot chocolate and beer. The place being close to the canal was buzzing with both Milan and Dortmund fans and naturally their were polizia everywhere!
So now enjoy the photos.
Alzaia Naviglio Grande is a street in Milan, Italy, located along the banks of the Naviglio Grande canal. Here's a brief overview:
Location: Alzaia Naviglio Grande runs parallel to the Naviglio Grande canal in the Navigli district of Milan. The Navigli district is known for its picturesque canals and vibrant atmosphere.
Naviglio Grande Canal: The Naviglio Grande is one of the oldest canals in Milan, originally designed in the 12th century. Alzaia Naviglio Grande follows the path of this canal.
Scenery: The street offers a charming setting with historic buildings, restaurants, cafes, and shops along the canal. It's a popular area for both locals and tourists to stroll and enjoy the scenery.
Cultural and Social Hub: Alzaia Naviglio Grande is a lively area, especially in the evenings, with numerous bars and restaurants offering outdoor seating along the canal. It has a vibrant nightlife and is a hub for socializing.
Events and Markets: The street hosts various events and markets throughout the year. One notable event is the Navigli Antique Market, where visitors can find a variety of antiques and vintage items.
Art and Culture: The Navigli district, including Alzaia Naviglio Grande, is known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. It attracts artists, musicians, and those interested in the creative scene.
Canal Views: The street provides beautiful views of the Naviglio Grande canal, and many establishments take advantage of the waterfront location with outdoor seating areas.
Alzaia Naviglio Grande is a key part of the Navigli district's charm, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and contemporary urban life along the picturesque canal. It's a recommended area for those looking to experience the unique character of Milan.
The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is a renowned Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Milan, Italy. Construction began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete. Known for its elaborate marble facade, numerous spires, and statues, the cathedral is one of the largest in the world. The interior features a spacious nave and stunning stained glass windows. The iconic Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, crowns the highest spire. Visitors can ascend to the terraces for panoramic views of Milan. Beyond its religious significance, the Duomo is a symbol of Milan's rich history and artistic heritage.The Statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II is located in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy. It stands in the center of the square and honors Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy. The statue is a prominent landmark in Milan and contributes to the historic and cultural significance of Piazza del Duomo.The Royal Palace of Milan, or Palazzo Reale, is a historic palace adjacent to Piazza del Duomo. Originally a medieval fortress, it became a royal residence during the 18th century. The neoclassical facade reflects its various architectural styles. Today, the palace hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and showcases historical displays, making it a key attraction in Milan's city center.The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a historic shopping gallery in Milan, Italy, located next to the Milan Cathedral. Known for its elegant architecture, luxury shops, and restaurants, it's one of the world's oldest shopping malls. The Galleria is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of retail, dining, and architectural beauty.The Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, is a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, known for their innovative and eco-friendly design. Completed in 2014, these high-rises are covered with vegetation, including trees and shrubs, creating a vertical forest effect. The Bosco Verticale is not only aesthetically striking but also contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting green spaces within an urban setting and improving air quality.San Siro Stadium is one of the most famous football stadiums in Italy and is located in Milan. It is the home stadium for both A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, two of Italy's top football clubs. The stadium is officially named Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, in honor of the legendary Italian footballer Giuseppe Meazza.
Tomorrow we're off to somewhere else, so don't miss the next chapter.
Day 3 and also our wedding anniversary!
Got up at the crack of dawn to get to Milano Centrale FS to catch our train to Venice. Cold weather -1° but it felt colder yesterday.
Venice Mestre and Venice Santa Lucia are two important railway stations in Venice, Italy, serving different parts of the city.
Venice Mestre:
- Located on the mainland, Venice Mestre is the primary railway station for Venice.
- It serves as a major transportation hub for the city and the surrounding region.
- Trains from various Italian and international destinations arrive and depart from Venice Mestre.
- While Mestre is not in the historic center of Venice, it provides a convenient gateway for visitors traveling to the main islands.
Venice Santa Lucia:
- Situated in the historic center of Venice on the Grand Canal, Santa Lucia is the main railway station for Venice's city center.
- This station is particularly important for visitors arriving in Venice by train, as it is centrally located and provides easy access to the main attractions of the city.
- Venice Santa Lucia is known for its picturesque setting along the Grand Canal, offering a captivating first impression for those arriving by train.
What can I say Venice is just unique!
When buying the tickets I made a mistake and bought for Venice Mestre instead of Venice S.L so beware when purchasing the tickets. You'll still get there but you'll need to waste more money 😉
Onde there we went to see the normal touristy places but I highly recommend getting lost amongst the tiny streets and bridges. Don't miss going to take very different photos at the Libraria Aqua Alta, it's truely amazing.
Now enjoy our photos of Venice to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary.
Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore in Venice, Italy, known for its creative approach to flooding. Books are stored in bathtubs, waterproof containers, and a gondola to protect them from high water. The store's whimsical setting, including a staircase of books leading to a canal view, attracts visitors seeking a charming and unconventional book-browsing experience.
4th day in Milan
Today due to the drizzle we had to change plans slightly and I'm so glad we did because we got to see the very best Museum yet. I didn't have the Museu Cívico di Storia Naturale because I imagined that if you've seen one you've seen them all. Well I was totally wrong! The detail that was put into each exibition is excepcional!
Prepare yourself for a spam of animal photos
The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano, located in the Indro Montanelli Gardens, is a natural history museum in Milan, Italy. Established in 1838, it houses diverse exhibits in paleontology, mineralogy, zoology, and anthropology. The museum, with a planetarium on-site, offers educational programs and frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore a rich collection of specimens and artifacts, making it a significant destination for those interested in natural sciences. For the latest information, it's recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly.
From here we crossed the Porta Venezia and saw the Indro Montanelli Gardens, located in the heart of Milan, Italy, provide a peaceful green space with walking paths and a pond. Named after journalist Indro Montanelli, the gardens feature monuments and cultural institutions, including the Civic Museum of Natural History. It's a tranquil escape in the midst of the city.
Next we went off to see the Basílica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, the Santuário di S. Bernardino, the Chiesa di S. Bernardino alle Ossa. From here we went eye shopping aha at the magical La Rinascente, obviously during the day we made various pit-stops to eat and drink. To end off the day we took a trip to China Town.
Now enjoy the rest of the photos.
The Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa is a chapel in Milan, Italy, known for its unique and macabre decoration. Located near the Church of San Marco, the chapel's interior is adorned with human skulls and bones. It was created in the 17th century as a memorial to the victims of the plague. The chapel is a fascinating and somewhat eerie historical site, attracting visitors interested in its peculiar and somber atmosphere.
And so it comes to our final day in Milano. It's bitter sweet because I miss the kids and the pets but sad to be ending such a fantastic holiday!
Arriving in Portugal.
CAIO Milano
My Reflections and tips:-
- Milanese do not respect queues, be it bus, tram, train or metro!
- I thought the Portuguese were rowdy but Italians take the cup.
- Most Italians on public transport do not stand up for the elderly or even the pregnant, they'll just carry on fiddling on their mobiles.
- They have absolutely no problems in speaking loudly on their mobiles when on public transport so that you'll be put up to date on their affairs even if you´re not interested aha
- most of the time public transport is on time
- found everyone very helpful, even-though their English is not the best
- Found the prices in Venice very similar to Milan, which was a nice surprise
- When booking train tickets for Venice book for Venice S.L. instead of Venice Mestre because most of the attractions are on the Sant Lucia side. But if like me you make a mistake don't worry just buy a train ticket from Mestre to Sant Lucia and you'll be there in no time :)
- Most attractions in Milan are paid so book online where possible to save time in the queues
- Dress warmly if you're going in November it gets really cold!
