Milan

CuriosityKilled

Going to Milan on a short break (Fri to Mon), anyone got any recomendations on where to stay/what to do. Flying into Bergamo with Ryanair, how far out is this from Milan, train/bus into Milan???

Thanks.

RedorDead

Was there in March for 3 days for a champs league match. Way overpriced (worse than dublin)

Not a whole lot to do after the first day. We stayed well outside the centre of the city for €100 for a double room per night. Hotel Berlin i think - very average and a bit far from the action.

Dont go to any pubs near the main sq - way overpriced - €8 a beer.

Not sure about where Bergamo is - we flew linate with aer fungus.

In short - i wouldnt go back.

RustySpoon

Am flying into Bergamo in a fortnight myself. It is about 30 mins north of Milan.
I am renting a car and driving up to lake como and garda and staying away from the city.

This thread might give you a bit more info..

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=238404

Hope this helps.

jrey1981

I was in Milan for a business meeting last November and had a day to wonder around the city centre before an evening meeting and heading back the next morning.

I'd recommend a wonder around the Duomo cathedral...I think the La Scala opera house is closed again, it was still under renovation when I was there. If you're into shopping and labels then you might like wondering around the chic shops and people-watching in a cafe or the square. I'd try and get away to the country / lakes somewhere if you can as you can do the above on Friday afternoon if you have time.

Ivan E

It's a city that tends to split people on whether they like it or not. There is a lot of graffiti about and that can put a lot of people off initially. It is expensive, like any other major European city, but looking beyond that, you can enjoy the place.

I lived there for a couple of months a few years back and had probably the best year of my life having previously spent a few months in Turin. There are a lot of hotels around the main railway station so that might be the best place to find value but I can't really tell you where the best hotels are.

Its not actually a big city so as long as you're staying anywhere within the city limits you should be fine. I wouldn't say its bigger than Dublin but there might be more surrounding areas and suburbs.

The metro or subway is excellant and was cheap enough back then so presume its the same. So if you can stay near a station then it will make finding your way about much easier. Beer is expensive, Italians don't drink very much so you will find prices high in that respect. However the alc content is more at 5.5%.

Duomo is right in the centre and has a lot surrounding it so that's always a good place to start. Its well linked with the subways. The city has has a tram system in place. Taxi's work off GPS so you're always able to get one quickly if you can ask someone to ring for one.

As pointed out, you're probably better off not eating around Duomo especially if you are on a budget. There are a lot of cafes knocking about, no harm sitting out for a beer but I wouldn't go too overboard around there.

No doubt a lot has changed since I was last there with regards pubs and restaurants. I stayed in an area known as Porto Genova. Its on the green metro line. Very close to the metro station there is a canal area that is surrounded by pizzerias. Well worth checking out. Prices are very good and the food is fantastic. Go for the house wine also and you won't feel hard done by but with the Euro you should know the story.

Not to far away, on the yellow line is Porto Romano. I am bringing up the dreaded Irish pub scenario now but that's where one of the more popular bars is, Pog Mahones is how they spell it I think. If you're around that area, there usually is some good atmosphere in there if that's what you're looking for although the place is a bit of a kip as are all good bars there. There are plenty of other nicer bars where you can sit down, a lot with seating outside etc. They tend to be quieter and more civilised.

A good thing to look out for when you're there is a free newspaper called 'Hello Milano'. Its basically a guide to what's on for English speakers. It will detail all things that are happening and also give brief guides on other things like art etc that may be of help.

Trains are very cheap too so hopping on a train and going to Lake Garda or another city like Verona (90 mins away I think) is also an option to do during one of the days. Beware of Sundays as a lot of places close down outside the centre of Milan, well they used to. As for shopping, the department stores around Duomo can be good and are not too expensive.

http://www.hellomilano.it/