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It can be difficult to choose a one destination to visit when it comes to a country that is both iconic and wonderfully diverse. It’s even more difficult to tell the difference between the overhyped tourist traps and the unmissable gems.
Milan, in special, has always been the subject of an ongoing argument among guests, with some insisting it’s one of Italy’s most visit-worthy places and others claiming it’s a waste of both time and money.
So I decided to take a plunge and see for myself– is Milan really worth visiting, and more notably, can you do it on a budget?
After four incredible days in the city, I’m happy to report that the north Italian gem is not only one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever seen in my life, but that I was also able to have the most amazing time possible for less than$ 100 per day.
Here’s how:
Finding Low-Cost Accommodation In Milan
Accommodation in Milan might be the hardest thing to do on a budget, especially if you have specific expectations for location or entire excellent, but it’s not impossible.
The nothing. One advice I can offer you here is to provide Airbnb more weight than resorts.
I’m aware that most places have become more expensive than establishments, but after looking for the most affordable place to stay for at least a fortnight, I can safely say that Milan is not one of them.
Places like these ( 2024-09-29&check_out=2024-10-02&guests=1&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&source_impression_id=p3_1720691978_P3yqKh4-R5rD0SEn” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>1, 2 ) while unassuming, are still comfy, clean, and conveniently located, offering excellent value for the money ( assuming you’re traveling with a companion, the nightly cost ends up somewhere around$ 40-$ 55 per person ).
You’ll discover that both of these rooms are in Porta Venezia, which, in my opinion, is the best place for tourists to stay in.
You’re close to both the city center ( ~25-minute walk ) and Milano Centrale, the main train and bus station ( ~15-minute walk ), and believe me, if you do n’t have your own car, you’ll want to be close to Minano Centrale because that’s where you’ll go for every day trip and airport transfer.
You can get a gorgeous garden ( Indro Montanelli), which is quiet but still lively and close to great bars and restaurants.
Getting Around The City
Okay, so you want to be near to Milano Centrale for all inter-city visits, but what about getting around Milan itself? How do you go about doing that, and what are the costs?
The easiest and most suitable mode of transportation around is by rail, no competition.
As long as you make your best effort to understand how the program operates, you should be able to get the hang of it in no period. There is a station about everywhere.
Basically, there are three main lines that cover most of the city, Red ( M1 ), Green ( M2 ), and Yellow ( M3 ), each with its own set of stops which you can learn more about here.
I highly recommend you download the ATM Milano App because you might have trouble figuring out where to go and what line to get as a visitor.
You simply enter your site and where you need to move, and the application will generate an actual itinerary showing how to get to the ideal metro station near you, what line to take, and where to prevent. It’s unquestionably a time and money saver.
However, even with the software, you’ll still want to pay close attention to the online features inside subway stations as well as the signs and maps displayed inside subway stations to make sure you’re moving in the right direction.
As far as sales is concerned, a single ticket ( which can be used as many times as you want within a 90-minute time frame ) costs 2.2€ or ~$ 2.5, while a 3-day go prices 15.5€ or ~$ 17.
Eating Out And Well Does n’t Have To Be Expensive
There are probably a thousand restaurants and fast food restaurants in Milan, and the majority of them are obvious holiday baits with sky-high costs and subpar foods.
With that said, there are still some areas where you can get wonderful, great-value meals, even in more popular areas.
Case in point, Luna Rossa.
It does n’t look like much from the outside, but as soon as you get in, you’re hit with that typical Italian trattoria charm.
It’s busy, loud, and unpretentious – the food is great, the service is quick, and a main dish + glass of wine should n’t cost you more than$ 15.
Bonus stage, it’s just an 8-minute move from the Duomo.
Other places I ate at ( and loved ) during my trip to Milan include Fresca Pasta Club, Salad House, and Pizza e Mozzarella.
For snack, my go-tos may be Gelato Fatto Con Amore and Spùn Tiramisù.
The Equal Goes For Entertainment
With lodging, meals, and transportation covered, it’s time to look into what it costs to do other popular hobbies in Milan, you know, items like visiting a gallery, exploring a historic interest, or going out for a cocktail.
With its numerous museums, you’ll want to make sure you plan your trip to Milan on the first Sunday of each month because some of the city’s most cherished historical and cultural attractions are free to visit on that day only.
If that’s not possible, you’ll want to aim for the first or third Tuesday of each month to find some stunning museums that you can visit for free ( places that charge anywhere between$ 5 and$ 25 per ticket the rest of the month ).
No matter what month of the month you travel, you’ll have to pay for a seat with Duomo, but here are some pointers I can offer you to maximize your experience:
- Simply purchase made through the official site or on-site
- Test refund policies
- Select the Combo Stairs ticket if you’re moderately fit because there are only 200 stairs and there are long lines for the lift, but you’ll have to navigate the steps by foot.
- Use the 10 % discount code that comes with any Combo Ticket to shop at the gift shop.
The best places to go for those on a tight budget are definitely neighborhoods like Porta Romana and Porta Venezia, where cocktails range from$ 8 to$ 10.
My best recommendation is SunEleven Rooftop Bar if you want to have a beverage with a stunning view of the Duomo; for only$ 16 per cocktail you get excellent service and the most outstanding backdrop.
What can you anticipate the average time to charge you in Milan, with all of that said said?
- Airbnb –$ 45
- Breakfast + coffee (espresso ) –$ 6
- Sightseeing + exhibition visit –$ 0
- Breakfast –$ 18
- Martini –$ 10
- Dinner –$ 15
All of that adds up to a total of$ 94, which is significantly less than$ 100.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. None of the organizations contained in the post have reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed this content.