What should 4 active people, who like walking and experiencing local transportation do in Milan on a Monday in July when most Institutions on popular Tours are closed? Outside, inside, eclectic, whimsical and historic places/activities are appreciated! We noticed one guided tour of La Scala Opera House on Mondays but it gets mixed reviews, is it worth it? In gratitude for your help!
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1079 posts
I have not toured the La Scala Opera House, but I would strongly recommend that you visit the Duomo and go up on the roof. Also, be sure to spend time at the Galleria.
Posted by
169 posts
You don't mention if this is your only day in Milan. However, if you do only have a day, hopefully the weather will be nice (not too hot) for you to be spending the day walking. However, if the day is all you have, head to the Duomo and spend sometime there and explore the neighborhood. I would then head towards Sforzesco Castle which is amazing. We kind of found it accidentally, and there are museums within the complex, but even if they aren't open, the grounds are amazing to explore as is that neighborhood. There is also a metro stop nearby if you don't feel like walking. Anyway, there was an incredible fountain just outside, which might be nice on a hot summers day. You might also want to pick up some food and have a picnic, there are lots of trees and shady areas.
Milan is a very walkable and compact place, so if you enjoy walking explore the city.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Not far from the Duomo is the little church of San Satiro, with Bramante's trompe l'oeil in the apse using perspective to distort reality.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_presso_San_Satiro
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you. We arrive Sunday lunchtime and so far have the Last Supper and Panacotera di Brera booked for Tuesday morning then leave for Lake Como. So if there are additional suggestions for Sunday afternooon/evening they would be appreciated!
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1773 posts
It looks that the Poldi Pezzoli museum is open on Monday, it is a relatively little private collection, it is usually overlooked by tourists but a real gem.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Poldi_Pezzoli
(For those of you that are into modern art, a major bank has opened their private collection of artworks under the name "Gallerie d'Italia" at Piazza della Scala. This being a recent opening, it has still not made its way into guides. Not open on Monday, however.)