Lombardy (Lombardia) Hostels

Milan is good to visit for two or three days, just to say that you have been there, its the fashion capital of Europe!! I wouldn't stay for much more than 3 days. Use the Metro to get around, you can get a day ticket for about 3 Euros. There is only one hostel and I wouldn't bother with it, best to find a cheap hotel.

This is my second day in Milano and I have to agree that a couple of days is enough here if you are stretched for time. The Duomo is a must see, including going to the top for the view. It is a less hectic city than Rome.

Milan may not be as touristy as the rest of Italy, but it is an interesting place nevertheless. It seems like more of a 'real' city than pretty much the rest of Italy.... quicker paced, more multi-cultural... I say go for a comparison and a reality check after seeing Rome or Venice. Not everyone operates gondolas and sells umbrellas... people in Milan have REAL jobs! Well ciao.

Well... I live in Milan too and I must agree with most comments: it's a boring city to visit if you are not totally obsessed with fashion.

I wouldn't bother going to Milan unless you absolutely have to see Da Vinci's Last Supper or the Milan Cathedral, because those are the only things worth seeing in the whole city. Other than that it's not a pretty city and many backpackers feel they would have rather skipped it. Important tip: if you do want to see Da Vinci's Last Supper, visits must be booked by phone well in advance ([+39] 02 89421146), and it's not open Sundays.

I went to Milan for 4 days at the end of March 2004 with my best friend. We had a WONDERFUL time, and never had a single problem. Our first night there, we met two wonderful men who live in Milan and showed us the "flavor" of the city for our whole time there, and even took us for a day trip to Como. They wanted nothing in return. We just all got along really well and had a great time. I thought the city was beautiful, and it was nice having local tour guides.

Milan is a city, not a big tourist trap/fairytale. It's no Rome and no Florence (luckily), and as such it'll just collect the same kind of comments that cities like Berlin would also receive. There are many reasons for which Milan can't really be classified as an Italian city, and it's by no means a Latin city. Nor is it more dangerous than any big city would be. There are so many downsides there too, but it really depends on your cup of tea.

I really wonder what you're coming to Milan for. I live here (and maybe I know the city much better) but it has so much to offer even for tourism. The cathedral is awesome and the city hosts a lot of other magnificent churches to visit. It has the second most important Pinacotheque in Italy (Brera), the castle is very beautiful to visit, San Lorenzo area is just that cool especially in the early evening for a happy hour. You will never find another Italian city with so many cultural events and art exhibitions in the country. Not to mention the thrilling nightlife (I suggest Brera or the Navigli canals area especially in the summer). And if you have the chance try to visit the famous ancient "Abbazie" in the surroundings (Abbeys). And if you're a fashion lover, well, you can go nuts. The problem I think is that most visitors imagine that all Italian cities are like Venice or Florence or Rome. Cities must be discovered. Before planning your itinerary, invest ten minutes of your time in…

A lot of bars in Milan have 'happy hour' which allows you to buy a drink for a reasonable price and then eat all you want from a buffet. At a lot of the bars the buffets were really tasty and extravagent and can easily be a dinner. Great for travelers on a budget :)

I've been to Milan 3 times in my travels. After one visit you can say you've seen the major parts of Milan, but I keep going back hoping to somewhat understand the people, the Italians. I guess it depends on why you are travelling. For sights, sure a day, but for culture you must stay a lot longer.

When you talk about Milan, you are just referring to the small area around the Duomo. Here are a few tips. Go to the Villa Reale, Pinacoteca di Brera, Spazio Forma, and Triennale if you like art. Go to "Ticinese" area -- faboulous and extravagant shops. Have a cocktail in the Colonne di San Lorenzo when the sun is setting. Visit as many clubs or bars you can.