A few hours in Milan

Posted by osbornc01 on 02/19/18 07:20 PM

My boyfriend and I have a trip planned in April, in which we will spend time in London, Venice, and Rome. I had considered spending a day in Milan between our time in Venice and Rome. The plan was to take the earliest train from Venice to Milan, spend a few hours in Milan, and take the latest train to Rome.

My question to you all would be, is it worth it? We aren't big on the shopping/fashion scene, but I am sure that isn't all that Milan has to offer. Should we plan on stopping in Milan for a few hours or should we skip it this trip and plan to return later?

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

02/19/18 10:31 PM

16895 posts

The main sights that most people want to see on a short visit like this are 1) Da Vinci's Last Supper, for which you need a reserved ticket (check now for your dates) and 2) the very pretty late-Gothic cathedral, with the unusual option of taking an elevator to the roof, and then 3) it's easy to walk across the street to the Galleria (for architecture and window shopping). And you have to eat.

But Milan is a detour from the fastest train route. One could similarly plan a short stop in Padua (reserve for the Scrovegni Chapel), or Bologna, Florence, or Orvieto (on a slower train line).

The main question is: Do you have enough time budgeted in Venice and Rome for all that you want to see there?

Posted by osbornc01 OP

02/19/18 11:40 PM

2 posts

We have two full days in Venice (and one half day) and about the same amount of time in Rome. We have already been to Rome, and are going back because we missed a couple things when we were there last year. We also spent some time in Florence last year. I think we should be okay for the time that we currently have planned. I’m just second guessing my plan to stop over in Milan on this trip.

Posted by epltd

02/20/18 12:36 AM

3124 posts

If I were you I would not bother with Milan on this trip. If you want a stop to see a bit of Italy other than Venice and Rome, I'd suggest one of the interesting cities/towns along the train route such as Bologna, Florence (obviously much more to see than can fit into a few hours) or Arezzo.