So, do to booking mistakes on connecting fr Paris - Milan - Rome, we have only few hrs in Milan, as appose to one full day (didn't account for overnight train fr paris, ugh).
Any suggestions on making few hours the best hrs for my mom's first trip to Milan, before we get to Rome?
Thank you.
How many hours?
There is a (usually) quiet cafe, Panzera at the southeastern side of the station on the ground floor. We have enjoyed a between trains pastry or lunch there, away from the madness upstairs.
If you have more than a couple of hours, hop on the Metro to the Piazza del Duomo and see the cathedral.
The Milano Centrale station is an amazing sight in itself, you could easily spend an hour at the huge station checking out the architectural detail, watching the hustle and bustle of passangers and trains. It's one of the grandest stations of the world.
https://retours.eu/en/29-milano-centrale/#
Should you decide to head into downtown to the cathedral square you should take tramway 1 instead of the metro(=subway) at least for the trip into town. You'll get to see more of the city and the last time I was there(3 years ago) the trams on the line 1 were still the very old type which was a great experience(like a heritage tram in regular service, complete with the original "No spitting!" signs and wooden benches.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATM_Class_1500
You need to walk away a bit from the station to find the tram stop, than alight at the stop in front of La Scala and walk through the Galleria to the Dome Square. I think this is the best introduction to Milano.
We bought some REALLY yummy gelato from the Antica Gelateria Sartori stand outside Centrale (on the right side as you're facing the station). It came recommended and I will admit to being skeptical of this tiny stand snuggled up to a nondescript station wall but we were very pleasantly surprised!
Looks like they don't open until 11:00 so not sure if your timing will allow you to make breakfast out of a dish (or cone) of frozen heaven. 🍨. Nope, there is no wrong time for good gelato in THIS girl's world!
http://www.gelateriasartori.it
Piazza Luigi di Savoia | Angolo Via Pergolesi,
20124 Milano,
I'll agree with Marduk about spending some time admiring Centrale's interesting architecture too. It really is quite a place.
ange,
There are lots of places to eat in and near Milano Centrale. There are the usual fast food restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King), several small coffee bars that sell pastries, etc. and the Roadhouse Grill for sit down meals. There are also lots of shops there for browsing. If you've only got a few hours, you may be a bit tired after an overnight train, so I wouldn't venture too far from the station.
Thank you all for all the considerate tips. And I agree, real gelato has no time limits. Safe travels everyone, xoxo.
