My wife and I are using Milan as a starting point for our trip in Italy this fall. Our goal was to arrive on a Friday morning (11a) and leave the following morning for other places higher on our list to see. We would like to see the Duomo, walk the city center and have a nice dinner before leaving the following morning. Is staying near the Duomo the best bet? I know the public transportation is great, but would love some input. We will be traveling light.
Patrick
Anywhere in the historical center is good and walking distance from everything. The Duomo area is great.
If you plan to fly in and out of Milan, it is best to leave Milan for your last day, rather than at the beginning of your trip. You would need to spend your last night there anyway and Milan makes a perfect place for shopping before coming home.
If you want to de-stress, spending the first night in Milano is a good idea. You will be able to buy train tickets online at a reduced rate (maybe, depending on your departure date) without worrying about missing a connection and having to buy a full-fare ticket.
Since you are leaving early the next day, I would stay near the train station. There are dozens of hotels within a couple of blocks - people here like Hotel Berna or Hotel Garda, a short walk to the train station and the Metro. The Metro will leave you at the Duomo's piazza, so you can walk around the historic center. Climb or take the elevator to the roof of the Duomo.
Also within walking distance are the Galleria, the La Scala opera house and museum, the Castello Sforzesco, the Brera Art Gallery.
I agree that you will probably want to spend your last night in Milano if you are flying out of Milano, but you didn't mention that.
Staying near the central train station is a good idea because then you don't have to schlep your bags on public transport or hire a taxi. Almost exactly one year ago we stayed at the Hotel Florida (its in the RS Italy book), just around the corner from Milano Centrale. The rate then was 100 euro for a double ensuite room including breakfast. From there its easy to get the subway to the Duomo, or walk part of the way to get a feel of the city. Have a great trip!
I always stay about a block or 2 from the main train station.
Hotel Garda or Hotel Berna are my choices. There is a metro station at the
corner and another block to the train station.
I have walked from this area through the park to the Duomo area too.
Hotel Garda is a bit less than Hotel Berna, but both are perfect for Milan.
Several folks on this forum have stayed at these hotels, and there are reviews on
tripadvisor.
I would also recommend sleeping near the train station. I did that myself last October and stayed at Hotel Florida. Easy location to see all the sights. Its right by the metro and the station for you to catch your next train or go between the airport. Its handy and easy, especially when you are jetlagged. One of my highlights was going up to the roof of the duomo. I feel that's a must.
I give a vote for Hotel Berna! We will stay there again in a few weeks.. i remember seeing the Hotel Garda, right across the street, I believe... If memory serves, it was Zoe that gave us this good advice on our first trip.
We stayed at the Hotel Berna three years ago and it was very nice.
I liked the Berna too- easy to take the metro to the Duomo and a lot less expensive. The lobby and breakfast room are nice and a good breakfast can be included -book it online.
