We woke up early, packed our luggage and prepared for the check out from Lake Como Peace Lodge and then start our trip to Milan. Next we will talk about our transfer from the village of Menaggio to the hotel in Milan, the fashion capital city of Italy, through Varenna. And then in the afternoon we will be visiting the buzzing city of Milan for our first time: Milan Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco and other landmarks.
We had our usual breakfast in the backyard. Moreover we had the chance to pet a nice cat that decided to spend its morning in the garden with us.
Morning Journey from Lake Como to the City of Milan, Italy
Then we went to the ferry terminal, bought our tickets to Varenna and waited for our ferry.
Lake Como Boat Tours
If you have extra time on Lake Como, a scenic boat tour is one of the best ways to admire the lakeside villages and elegant villas from the water.
Book a Boat Tour
On the ferry we enjoyed taking lots of pictures.
We arrived at Varenna Esino train station and had coffe at III Binario Bar before boarding our train to Milan.
Italy Rail Guide
Arrival and Check-In at Leonardo Hotel Milan City Center
After an hour, the train finally arrived at Milano Centrale. Then we took the subway to Milano Porta Garibaldi. Out of the train station, we turned right on Viale Luigi Sturzo. Then we took tram no. 10 from Garibaldi M2 M5 for 4 stops to Via Procaccini prima di Via Messina. The hotel was at a walking distance, so we turned left at the intersection on Via Messina and at the next intersection we arrived at Leonardo Hotel Milan City Center, situated on the left side. Check in at the hotel was at 2 pm, but they had our room ready when we arrived in Milan at around 11.30 am.
Milan Hotels
Looking for accommodation in Milan? Compare hotels near Milano Centrale, the Duomo, or Porta Garibaldi depending on your sightseeing plans.
Then we unpacked our luggage and changed clothes. As we had reservation for lunch at Vista Duomo restaurant, facing the famous Milan Duomo at 2.15 pm, we hurried and left the hotel and searched for suitable transportation to Duomo. So we asked around and we found out we had 2 options: tram no. 14 and tram no. 12. The tram stop P.le Cim.Monumentale Via Bramante was near the hotel – as exiting the hotel walking to the left on Via Aristotile Fioravanti and then, at the second intersection, going left on Via Bramante. Eventually, we took the first tram that arrived, and after a few stops we reached our destination.
Lunch with a View of the Duomo – Experiencing the Heart of Milan City, Italy
We arrived in Piazza Duomo a little late but found the Vista Duomo restaurant very easy and showed them the reservation we had on The Fork app. They welcomed us even though we were a few minutes late. We couldn’t find a table at the window, but we got a table good enough in order to see the impressive Duomo. Then we struggled to take some pictures with the Duomo in the background, but the sunlight was too bright. Finally, we managed to take some pictures:
We were very hungry so we had some tasty fresh lasagna – Ligurian style with basil and pesto. The price for the lunch was ok, around 40 euros, but we had a 20% discount with The Fork.
We didn’t enter the Duomo, but we captured its beauty in various pictures we took from different angles of the piazza.
Milan Duomo & Rooftop Tickets
If you’re planning to visit the cathedral or its famous rooftop terraces, booking your tickets in advance can save valuable time.
Car Exibition and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the City of Art and Fashion
Then we went to the right as facing the Duomo to see the Royal Palace and we found a car exhibition. The cars were stunning, as you can see in the gallery below.
We also went up the stairs of the nearby Palazzo dell’Arengario housing the Museo del Novecento and had a panoramic view of the piazza and the car exhibition.
Then back in front of the Duomo, we crossed the piazza to the other side and entered the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The gallery is always crowded as people like to visit this glass-covered 19th-century arcades where they can find luxury fashion brands and also upscale dining. Moreover. Moreover, it’s beautiful on a sunny day when natural light enters through the glass roof.
Exploring Piazza della Scala – Culture and Heritage in the City of Milan, Italy
We strolled through the gallery and then we exited through the other end and arrived in Piazza della Scala. We noticed the Leonardo da Vinci-Statue in the middle of the piazza. Then we took a rest in the piazza in the shade because it was very hot in Milan in the afternoon.
We also saw Palazzo Marino – Milan’s city hall on the right of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
And across the square on the left we could admire the Teatro alla Scala, famous for Italian opera and ballets, also having a museum and a music library.
Afterwards we returned through Piazza della Scala to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and thus got back to Piazza Duomo.
Castello Sforzesco and Sempione Park
From Piazza Duomo we took the subway for two stops to Cairoli in Piazza Castello. Before visiting Sforzesco Castle we went just around the corner to Milan Visitor Center – Zani Viaggi to pick up our Milan transportation cards for 3 days.
In front of Sforzesco Castle we took pictures of Piazza Castello Fountain with the castle in the background.
Then we entered the fortress through Filarete Tower and wandered around the inner court.
Afterwards we crossed Sforzesco Castle’s yard and entered Sempione Park. In the distance, we could also notice Arco della Pace at the North exit of the park.
What to Pack for Your Trip: Comfortable Walking Shoes
Packing the right travel essentials can make your trip much more comfortable. Here are some of our favorite travel products that we always bring along and highly recommend.
Evening and Dinner in Milan
We had a dinner reservation at 7.45 pm at Il Cairoli Bar & Restaurant by “UNA cucina” in Largo Cairoli, but it was still early, so we decided to take a look at the stores on Via Dante. Via Dante it’s a shopping street with fancy buildings and also restaurants and bars, and it stretches from Largo Cairoli all the way to Piazza Cordusio.
Afterwards, we got back to Largo Cairoli and had dinner at Il cairoli bar & restaurant by una cucina / Ristorante cusani. The price was very reasonable as we had a 35% discount with The Fork. The food was good and we also had wine. The service was great. The restaurant was almost empty because at that time they were just opening for dinner. It seems that in Milan people like to dine late, after 8 pm. It was like we had the whole place booked only for ourselves, even better because it was our wedding anniversary, 5 years of marriage.
Milan Food Tours
Milan has an incredible food scene, and a guided food or aperitivo tour is a great way to discover local favourites beyond the main tourist areas.
Nightlife and Chinatown Stroll – Closing a Perfect Day in the City of Milan
Finally we walked back towards Duomo, after Piazza Cordusio we stopped in Via Orefici to take the tram to our accommodation. Among the modern trams we could admire the iconic yellow Milan tram.
Then from the tram stop in Via Bramate we strolled through the Chinese town along Via Paolo Sarpi full of stores, restaurants and bars.
The neighborhood had a good vibe, was very animated and noisy. People, especially young people were having a good time.
After a long day we finally went to our room and had a good sleep. The 4 star hotel room was actually very comfortable. The view from the room was also nice, towards the inner court.
Also, don’t miss Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 5 for the next chapter of our Italian journey — from hidden corners to breathtaking views, there’s so much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Milan on this page. Moreover, for more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides. Also, visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!
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Where to Stay, Eat and Explore in Milan
Milan is the perfect base for exploring northern Italy. From stunning architecture and world-class museums to excellent restaurants, vibrant neighborhoods, and easy connections to Lake Como, here are our favorite recommendations.
Find the Best Hotels in Milan
Milan offers stylish hotels, central locations, and easy access to the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and shopping districts. Compare hotels and find the perfect stay for your Milan adventure.
Milan Tour
Discover the best tours and experiences in Milan, from guided city walks and historic landmarks to food tours and day trips. Explore the city’s culture, art, and hidden gems with our favorite Milan tour recommendations.
Discover Lake Como by Boat
Experience Lake Como from its most beautiful perspective—the water. Choose from scenic ferry rides, shared cruises, private boat tours, sunset experiences, and guided excursions to Bellagio, Varenna, Como, and hidden lakeside villages.
Lake Como Travel Essentials
These are some of the travel products we personally recommend for exploring Lake Como comfortably, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends or with children.
Foldable Sun Hat
A foldable sun hat is lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for protecting you from the sun during long walks around Lake Como.
Compact Travel Umbrella
Check your suitcase weight before your flight and avoid surprises after shopping for souvenirs during your Italian trip.
Collapsible Travel Water Bottle
A reusable bottle is useful for long walking days around Menaggio, Bellagio and the other towns around Lake Como.
RFID Travel Wallet
Keep your cards, cash and travel documents organised while moving between airports, trains, ferries and hotels.
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More Budget Travel Finds
Looking for affordable travel accessories? Discover our favorite luggage organizers, travel gadgets, waterproof bags, packing cubes, phone holders, and other useful items that make every trip easier without stretching your budget.
Planning Your Lake Como Adventure?
Discover our detailed travel guides, day-by-day itineraries, ferry tips, driving advice, hidden villages, family-friendly recommendations, and budget travel ideas to help you plan an unforgettable trip around Lake Como.
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Best Restaurants in Milan
Discover our favorite restaurants in Milan, from authentic Italian trattorias and stylish cafés to elegant fine dining experiences. Enjoy fresh pasta, traditional Milanese dishes, and unforgettable flavors in the heart of the city.
Table of contents
- Morning Journey from Lake Como to the City of Milan, Italy
- Arrival and Check-In at Leonardo Hotel Milan Cit y Center
- Lunch with a View of the Duomo – Experiencing the Heart of Milan City, Italy
- Car Exibition and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the City of Art and Fashion
- Exploring Piazza della Scala – Culture and Heritage in the City of Milan, Italy
- Castello Sforzesco and Sempione Park
- Evening and Dinner in Milan
- Nightlife and Chinatown Stroll – Closing a Perfect Day in the City of Milan
- ? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day 4: From Lake Como to Milan
Related:
? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day 4: From Lake Como to Milan
? 1. What was the main plan for Day 4?
We checked out from Lake Como Peace Lodge in Menaggio, then traveled through Varenna to reach Milan, where we explored the Duomo area, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, and other city highlights.
? 2. How did you travel from Lake Como to Milan?
We took a ferry from Menaggio to Varenna, enjoyed scenic views over the lake, and then boarded a train from Varenna Esino to Milan Centrale. Once in Milan, we used public transport to finally reach our hotel.
? 3. Where did you stay in Milan and how was check-in?
We stayed at Leonardo Hotel Milan City Center. Although check-in was officially at 2 pm, our room was ready early when we arrived around 11:30 am, which was great after the morning journey.
? 4. Did you have lunch near the Duomo?
Yes — we had a reservation at Vista Duomo restaurant overlooking Milan Duomo. We enjoyed fresh lasagna with basil and pesto, and even though the sunlight made photos tricky, the views and meal were memorable.
? 5. Did you enter the Duomo cathedral?
No — we did not enter the cathedral, but we spent time photographing it from multiple angles in Piazza Duomo and soaking up the atmosphere of the main city square.
? 6. What did you see at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II?
We walked through the iconic 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade, admired luxury brand windows, and then exited into Piazza della Scala, passing the Leonardo da Vinci Statue, Palazzo Marino, and the world-famous Teatro alla Scala.
Tips:
? 7. What historic sites did you explore in Milan?
We visited Castello Sforzesco, also took pictures at Piazza Castello Fountain, walked through its inner courtyard, and then wandered into Sempione Park, enjoying greenery and views of Arco della Pace in the distance.
? 8. Where did you have dinner in Milan?
We had dinner at Il Cairoli Bar & Restaurant by “UNA cucina” near Largo Cairoli. We used a The Fork discount, enjoyed good food and wine, and celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary — moreover, the place felt almost like a private dinner with excellent service.
? 9. What did you do after dinner?
After eating, we walked back toward Duomo, hopped on a tram, and then strolled through Milan’s Chinatown (V ia Paolo Sarpi) — a lively area full of shops, restaurants, and bars — before heading back to our hotel.
? 10. Any transportation tips for Milan?
From Milano Centrale, take the subway or tram to reach most landmarks efficiently. From our hotel, we used tram no. 10 and nearby metro stops to reach central sights like Piazza Duomo and also Castello Sforzesco.
? 11. Any travel tips for visitors on a similar route?
- Book restaurant reservations in advance (especially around Duomo) — views and service can make meals extra special.
- Use public transport (both metro and tram) to navigate Milan’s major sights easily.
- Wear comfortable shoes — we walked a lot between landmarks and transit stops.
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