Arriving in Milan from Hong Kong, I had just 24 hours to immerse myself in Italy’s second most populous city. My journey began at a hotel near Milan’s Centrale railway station, setting a limit to explore primarily the northern part of the city center, starting with a 40-minute walk to the Duomo di Milano, the city’s majestic cathedral church.
Opting for a route through Via Fabio Filzi, I passed the San Gioachimo church and the Diamond Tower. My first stop was Milanese Café on Piazza Cavour for a tuna baguette and an exquisite espresso, the quality of which compelled me to order a second.
Continuing south, I admired the Leonardo da Vinci statue in Piazza della Scala and soon found myself in the Golden Quadrilateral, the world-renowned fashion hub. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its high-domed glass ceilings and luxury stores, led me to Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral, Italy’s largest and the third largest in the world, was a stunning sight in its pink-white marble.
I purchased a €22 ticket for the Duomo, its museum, and roof access. The rooftop offered breathtaking city views and a closer look at the cathedral’s intricate pinnacles and spires. The Duomo Museum next door, housed in the Royal Palace, presented a 600-year history through various artefacts.
A 15-minute walk down Via Dante took me to the Sforzesco Castle. En route, I enjoyed delicious, budget-friendly pizza at Rom’Antica. The 15th-century castle, once a massive citadel, now houses several museums and Leonardo da Vinci’s tempera painting in the Sala delle Asse.
Next, I wandered through Brera, a district of art galleries and fashion showrooms, towards Chinatown. Milan’s Chinatown, centered around Via Paolo Sarpi, was bustling with restaurants serving diverse cuisines, including Hong Kong-style milk tea.
Heading east, I visited the Piazza Gae Aulenti, a modern commercial hub surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The nearby BAM Tree Library Milan, a park and botanical garden, offered a serene escape. With time running short, I hurried to Milan’s Natural History Museum, arriving late enough for free entry. The museum, surrounded by the Giardini Indro Montanelli, was a treasure trove of natural wonders, from minerals to dinosaur displays.
As evening approached, I explored the lively streets between Corso Buenos Aires and Via Lazzaretto, eventually succumbing to the lure of Chinese cuisine at Impressione Chongqing near the main railway station. My day in Milan concluded with a sense of satisfaction, ready to repeat the adventure in Florence the next day.
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