MILAN

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Travelling is amazing, visiting new places, meeting new people, sightseeing... but  what about travelling and learning something at the same time? Even better, isn't it?

There was a time I was very stressed... too much work, no rest. I was working all day at the office and taking Italian classes in the evening.What a beautiful language, what a dream to visit  that country. I have a bachelor of Arts in Tourism, and during college I had the privilege to study History of Art. I remember seeing videos about Renaissance in Florence and start dreaming about seeing all that beauty with my own eyes... I was always thinking of traveling to see The Birth of Venus (Sandro Botticelli) Galleria Degli Uffizi or going to Venice before it is too late. So I started searching for courses. My teacher told me there was a good school in Florence: Istituto Italiano, so I packed my backpack and flew to Italy. The next articles will be about my experience there, places to go, things to see and do for all tastes, pockets and interests.

I bought my ticket to Milan at Tam Viagens, direct flight, perfect ... unfortunately I stayed too short in the city, I went around to see how beautiful and busy it is, people sitting in the bars on the sidewalks, big city atmosphere but with the European Architecture... 

Well, I am lucky I know someone who can help you to get the most of the city, a friend who lives in Toronto but comes from Lomazzo, a small town between Milan and Como. She studied in Milan for 5 years,and was very nice to contribute with article and give great tips... so, take notes!!!



Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Places to go: Piazza Del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele are the most famous places, but it is in  Santa Maria Delle Grazie that you can see the masterpiece " The Last Supper"  by Leonardo Da Vinci. Some other must see places are Palazzo Reale, Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione and Teatro alla Scala. Milan has some many attractions that no matter how long you stay you will have an amazing place to go.

Things to do:

It is a great place for nightlife... If you are in your late twenties, early thirties don't miss the chance of going dancing in Old Fashion. For the ones who are able to spend more, Just Cavalli is the place (yes, Roberto Cavalli is the owner). For those who prefer observing the beauty, Globe, located on the top of Coin building, has an amazing view of the city. In case you are a fan of unusual things go to Nottingham Forest.  there you can choose very different drinks served in glasses that are anything but ordinary.

For Spring and Summer Bar Bianco, in Parco Sempione, and any of the bars on Corso Sempione are worth  checking.

Nottingham Forest: Unusual drinks; unusual way to serve them

Shop, Shop, Shop....

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 Galleria Vittorio  Emanuele is the first place people think they should go to buy... but Milano has much more to offer: Via Della Spiga or Via Monte Napoleone are also great places to purchase all the brands... Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany , Burberry, Armani, Cavalli just to name some...

Where to eat


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Navigli is the best place to eat: there you will have the chance to try Ham, Risotto, Beer for the first time ... I forgot to mention Ham, Risotto, Beer Ice Cream... have you ever heard ? If it is too much you can still have a chocolate, or another regular flavor write down the name of the place, it is Crazy Ice  hard to forget.

For the ones with a more expensive taste Maio, On top of La Rinascente is great. Do you like Caviar? How does it sound, Rice tagliolini with caviar?  Ristorante Cracco  (owned by The famous Chef Cracco) is the place to have dinner, it offers fancy creations.

                                                                    If you want to Study

Some of the best Universities in Italy are located in Milan: Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Universita Luigi Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Universita degli Studi di Milano.
If Italian is your passion, Milan offers many schools Accademia Di Italiano , Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci with prices starting at 200,00 euros a week. For more information click Language International..

                                                   

                                                 

                               Spring is the best time of the year, but summer is also great and very hot.

  

Where to stay: Talk to a travel agent, or click in your favorite: Booking.com.com  or  Trip Advisor
If you prefer saving money go to Prices for dorms start at CAD 38,00. I personally visited there, the location is great, good atmosphere and clean .

                                                      

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• Book your visit to The Last Supper, as soon as you can at least one month before, more info: http://www.tickitaly.com/

• In Italy you can't pay for the bus inside the vehicle, you have to buy the ticket (biglietto) before taking the transport. If you need to take a bus go to a tabaccheria, to a bar or to a Newsstand (edicola). once you are in the bus you have to validate the ticket in a machine. If you are asked to show your ticket and it is not validated you have to pay a fine.
• Save money buying  Milano Card: it's only 6,50 euros  or 13 euros for 3 days. With the card you have free public transport ( limited to 48 hours), free medical assistance, some free museums, discounts in many attractions a lot more things check out their website: http://www.milanocard.it/

Thanks Silvia for your contribution !!!

If you have any questions or  tips, please leave a comment