Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 4

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 5for 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!

Thanks for reading!

Related:

• Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 4
• Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 6
• Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 6
• Milan
• Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 3

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