Going to Milan, Italy for a week?

Question

I'm going to Milan for 7 days and was wondering if we should plan on spending multiple days in Milan or just a few and travel to surrounding areas the other days. We were thinking of taking day trips to places like Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Florence, Valle d'Aosta, Mantua and Verona. Would 2 days in Milan and all the other days in other cities be worth it or should we focus on Milan for more days?

Answer 1

Dear Friend,

I have been living in Italy for the last 7 years, and one of the greatest aspects of this country is that - despite being a relatively small country in terms of landspace - Italy is incredibly varied.  With a thirty minute drive, you completely change your surroundings.  It would be a sin to visit just Milan.  

The other places you have mentioned in your question are all gorgeous for different reasons - Cinque Terre is the perfect one-day hike along the picturesque coast, Lake Como is elegant and classy, Florence is the quintessential Rennaissance city, this time of year already bustling with tourists but absolutely worth visiting - climb to the top of the duomo! Don't forget Venice!  ;>)

Answer 2

I just came back last week from from Milan and Rome. You can really see all the places of interest in Milan in 2 days, unless of course, you'd like to spend more time shopping for clothes. Just like you said, I'd rather travel through the lake area than staying in Milan.

Answer 3

i wasn't keen on Milan.we went to Rome so fantastic sorento so romantic and got the ferry over to Capri i was sick on way back a storm developed while we were there. lake Como is nice to but dont miss Rome

Answer 4

Don't forget Turin. Make a point of visitng the San Siro in Milan.