So, you have decided to spend your weekend or vacations in romantic and fashionable Milan? Or you are just passing by and have a day to spend between the flights? Even if you are in Milan for couple hours, be sure you spend them to see this historic Italian city!
First time travelers should always research for the transportation options of their destination city before the travel. Not only would it help you plan all the sightseeing and numerous touristic activities well, but by researching and planning your transportation about the city, you will even be able to pick the right clothes and shoes.
Keep in mind the part of the city where your accommodation is located (if you have already booked one). In case your hotel/ hostel or apartment is closer to the center of the city, its exploration would be much easier. On the other hand, accommodation that is slightly farther from the center can be preferable. This way you can see a lot more things on your way to the center. The chances are high you will be too tired to drive to suburbs to see other sights after going around the city
So, here you have a brief guide for all the tourists out there planning on going to Milan, Italy.
Walking.
As mentioned, it is the best option for the center part of Milan. Touristic venues like Via Dante and Corso Vittorio are only accessible for pedestrians, so they are perfect for slow strolling and admiring the views. Wander from shops to cafes and museums and let the pleasant fatigue in your feet blend with pleasure you get from charming places you visit on your way.
Public Transportation.
If your feet are hurting too much from walking around the city center, you should take a bus. Milan has great public transportation that would take you to almost any attraction away from via Monte Napoleone.
Bike Sharing.
If you want to go around the city center fast and convenient and still have some kind of exercise, bike sharing might be the good choice for you. Added to the list of tourist transportation options quite a while ago, the bike sharing network seems to grow faster each year. It would be hard not to find a bike station as they are literally everywhere.
The first half an hour is free, and usually it would be enough to see all the attractions in the center. But if you need the bike for a longer time, prepare to pay €2.50 a day or the weekly fee of €6 if you happen to stay for week or more.
Driving.
Three words here: it is challenging! Especially driving around the city center – Milan in the old city which in reflected in the way the streets are narrower and more crooked. If you have never driven in Europe before the pace the local people are driving at will seem a bit unusual. If possible, we advise you avoid driving in Milan. Finding a parking lot is the additional pain you would have to cope with in case you do come on your own car or rent one.
By the way about the private cars in Milan. Since 2012 the city has implemented a congestion charge system – ‘area C’. All the private cars entering the inner city areas are to pay a 5 euro toll.
Taxi.
This type of transportation around Milan and the suburbs is the additional option to choose from. It would be perfect for all the tourists who prefer the comfort of the private car without the need of driving on their own. You can opt for kiwitaxi.com or similar services. Here you can actually book a transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel.
You are free to choose any method you wish. We are sure that you will not be disappointed!
