What's Milan like?

[al1991]

I might have the chance to pop to Milan for a short(ish) break.

I know nothing about the place, so I'm interested to get some opinions.

Anyone been? Things worth doing? How expensive is it? Etc.

Any tips or info gratefully received

[itsnotarace]

I'd go elsewhere personally, I found it a bit of a sthole. In fact I'd rather go to Brussels, and I *really* hate Brussels.

[patmahe]

Its ok, fabulous square and cathedral. It is expensive though. If you've got a car or can get one a trip to lake como about 35 mins away would be well worth while.

[grumbledoak]

It's a dump. Pick somewhere else.

[al1991]

Ahh, was only really considering because me and the gf could get some cheap tickets but will give it a miss at that rate!

[Stablelad]

patmahe said:

Its ok, fabulous square and cathedral. It is expensive though. If you've got a car or can get one a trip to lake como about 35 mins away would be well worth while.

No need to hire a car. Get a train from Milan Central to Varenna (Sondrio train) and you're at the most beautiful part of Lake Como...takes an hour....don't drive it...st roads.

Milan is nice....vist the Museum's and Cathedral...Castle good too.

[Stablelad]

al1991 said:

Ahh, was only really considering because me and the gf could get some cheap tickets but will give it a miss at that rate!

Go to Lake Como though...........there's a reason many many people have fallen in love with it..(Clooney,Madonna,Branson,Versace,me )

[Rouleur]

I'm amazed that people are so down on Milan, I really liked it - some great buildings, streets and piazzas, very laid back atmosphere, people chilling out enjoying themselves rather than rushing around all the time, lots of beautiful women, good nightlife and Como to visit too.

Each to their own!

[Bonefish Blues]

I'm somewhat biased since I got royally shafted by a taxi driver from the airport to a city centre hotel, but there are much better places to go.

[Lastinclass]

Where do the cheap tickets fly to??? If it's to "Milan" Bergamo - stay in Bergamo and around that area (como etc). A day in Milan on the train from Bergamo is all you will need, apart from the Duomo and around that area it's as described above.

[Stablelad]

Bonefish Blues said:

I'm somewhat biased since I got royally shafted by a taxi driver from the airport to a city centre hotel, but there are much better places to go.

Show me a taxi driver based at any airport anywhere that doesn't take the piss....




(Far East doesn't count )

Edited by Stablelad on Friday 2nd July 09:44

[Murph7355]

Milan's OK, but just a "nice" city. There are many more places I'd visit in preference in Northern Italy.

As mentioned, the square, cathedral and castle are about the best bits.

If you're into football though, go during the season and get tickets for a game - a game at the San Siro is something else (even if you're not that into football!).

[grumbledoak]

Murph7355 said:

As mentioned, the square, cathedral and castle are about the best bits.

It is an industrial city, with some good bits. Rather like Coventry.

[OneDs]

Reiterating what others have said, it is a big industrial centre so anything outside the small historic city is particularly rancid and the transition from old to st is immediate. Areas around Como obviously are amazing.

Edited by OneDs on Friday 2nd July 13:58

[bennyboydurham]

Only saw a bit of it, but what I did see reminded me somewhat of Birmingham. And I HATE Birmingham.

[Heathwood]

I'd have to agree with the general opinion of Milan; nothing special at all. Just a stones throw from Monza however, which I did enjoy.

[joncon]

a friends son lives in milan, hes home for a wedding, we were talking yesterday and he said he had a travel guide on milan which was given him as a present when he moved there 3 years ago. in the list of things to do/see , number 3 said leave !!!!!!
personally , ithink its a good base to explore the area, lake maggiore is my favourite.

[frosted]

sthole AVOID


Actually I think I'm being too kind to it

I have wrote off italy forever from my experience in Milan . I would compare it to eastern European city , possibly Bucharest

[Progressive]

I can't believe how un-informed I was before I went there. What a dump the place really is. We stayed in a hotel near the main train station (big mistake). The centre was a 15 minute walk and then 10 minutes on the metro. I wasn't comfortable walking around during the day, never mind the night. There was me and a few blokes so we just kind of grinned and beared it. If I was with the missus I wouldn't have left the hotel or looked for an early flight home. The centre is OK to walk around but the novelty wore off straight away.