I’ve visited and lived in several cities before but, never have I ever heard the word describing one as the “underrated city”. I guess in compare to other parts of Italy, Milan isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for many travelers. Naturally, people are drawn to the canals in Venice or the beauty of Tuscany. Although, I concur. I think there are things to be excited about in Milan. I mean why not?
1. Fashion. Milan is world re-nowned the Fashion capital! Are you surprised? The #1 Fashion Blogger to-date is Italian and lived in Milan. She is killing it in the fashion world. Can you guess who? The answer is at the end of this post (no cheating!).
2. Aperitivo. No one celebrates aperitivo in Italy like the Milanese. Between 7-9pm, Navigli District is jammed pack with party-goers. They hang to grab affordable drinks and food which, is similar to what we call “happy hour” here in U.S. but, better.
- Read more here: https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/food-and-wine/italian-aperitivo
- or here: http://www.travelmindset.com/themes/culture/story/what-to-do-in-milan?page=2
- and here: http://www.mytravelaffairs.com/aperitivo-in-milan/
- here: http://darlingmagazine.org/recreating-the-italian-aperitivo/
- here: http://delightfullyitaly.com/2013/05/13/aperitivo-milan/
3. Famous Landmarks. To name a few…
- Duomo Cathedral
- The Scala Opera House
- Galleria Victtorio Emanuel II
- Leonardo’s Last Supper
- Museo Del Novecento https://ariespoon.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/img_2518.jpg
- Milan http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/04/i-heart-my-city-ariannas-milan/
4. A growing Filipino community. When I was researching about Milan, I was utterly surprised about this tidbit because I had no idea that there was a huge Filipino community in this city. I was very happy to read about it and I look forward to hopefully meeting people from my culture who, lives here. I can’t wait!
5. Close proximity to other parts of the world. To list a few…
- General Train information.http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#How_to_reach_the_Amalfi_coast
- http://europeupclose.com/article/first-time-visitor-guide-to-milan-italy/
- Lake Como or Como Lago (2 hrs & 30 min. +- by train): http://www.trenitalia.com/
- Switzerland (4 hrs +- by train):
- https://www.italiarail.com/switzerland
- http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/1-or-2-day-trip-via-train-from-milan-to-switzerland.cfm
- Almafi Coast (7hrs+- by train):http://www.raileurope.com/blog/8851-the-amalfi-coast-getting-there-by-train; http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/amalfi-coast-italy-travel/
- Festivals! http://theabroadguide.com/10-crazy-festivals-in-europe-that-you-cant-miss/#
6. Gelato. There’s a Gelato festival? Nuf’ said. http://www.la-lingua.co.uk/
Source: http://blog.mageworx.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dance.gif
7. Design Week. Aside from Fashion, Milan is also known for their designs. Every year in April for a week-long, an exhibition catered to designs are held in Brera District showcasing the newest and the latest trends. I can assure you I will be participating this event (it’s part of our school’s curriculum. No, I’m not kidding ;)). http://www.milandesignagenda.com/
8. Access to European brands.
9. Learning a new language.
10. To prove we’re not all robots. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/05/23/vacation.in.america/index.html?hpt=C2
Siete pronti? Andiamo!
ANSWER to #1: http://www.theblondesalad.com/
Featured image source: : https://instagram.com/p/kKTR2qmszZ/
A Stint Abroad 
