Milan: Located 150 km north, with about 1,300,000 inhabitants.
Milan is without doubt one of Europe’s best destinations in spring – and, in fact, the rest of the year as well. Here’s a selection of the city’s top attractions:
1. Duomo di Milano
Milan’s cathedral has become the city’s landmark. You can’t visit northern Italy’s largest city without seeing it. It’s an impressive sight – large, beautiful, and unlike any other church in the world.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
If you’re on a shopping holiday, Milan might be the best city in the world – provided you have the budget. Located in the city center, this gallery is home to many high-end designer shops. Whether you plan to buy or just window-shop, it’s worth a visit.
3. The Navigli District
While Venice is best known for canals, Milan has them too. Two canals run through the Navigli area (one “designed” by Leonardo da Vinci). It’s a must-visit, especially in the evening when it comes alive with bars. Alongside its many cozy bars, there are also plenty of interesting and affordable shops.
4. Pinacoteca di Brera
A must for art lovers. Although not huge, it houses many masterpieces by Italian artists. Established in 1776, it is one of Italy’s finest museums, rich in history and cultural heritage.
5. Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
One of the most famous and impressive paintings ever made, located in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Visiting requires advance planning, as tickets are scarce and wait times are long.
6. San Siro / Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – The massive football stadium where both A.C. Milan and Inter Milan play their home matches.
7. Monza
If you’re in Milan in September, you can catch the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Monza.
8. Teatro alla Scala
For opera enthusiasts, this is a must. One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, hosting many of the greatest stars in classical music. Surprisingly, tickets aren’t too hard to get – they are expensive, but worth it for an unforgettable experience.
Turin: Located 150 km west, with about 900,000 inhabitants.
Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region and was once the residence of the former royal family. It’s a fantastic city for shopping, with charming and impressive arcaded shopping streets. Turin is the fourth-largest city in Italy after Rome, Milan, and Naples. Beautifully situated, it’s surrounded by gentle green hills, the lovely River Po, and at the foot of the towering Alps. It’s a well-known city in Italy—one that many have heard of but never visited.
Here’s a selection of Turin’s top attractions:
1. Basilica di Superga
Located just outside the city, this is a wonderful place to visit. Set aside half a day to a full day, as it’s not only the basilica itself that’s worth experiencing but also the charming train ride up the mountain, the enchanting panoramic view over Turin, and a small, pleasant village perfect for lunch.
2. The Egyptian Museum
Despite being in an Italian city, here you can explore ancient Egyptian treasures. Located right in the center of Turin, the museum is one of the most visited in the city, with more than 30,000 artifacts.
3. Porta Palazzo Market
In the city center, open every weekday from morning until noon and all day Saturday. This massive market offers everything imaginable and is divided into sections—shoes in one area, fruits and vegetables in another, etc. It’s easy to spend hours wandering around. Many goods are low-cost and low-quality, reflected in the prices.
4. La Mole Antonelliana
A striking and unique building that has become a symbol of Turin. Originally intended as a synagogue, it now houses the National Cinema Museum. You can also take an elevator to the top for an up-close yet elevated view over the city.
5. Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale)
A historic palace that served as the royal residence for the House of Savoy. It was built for Madama Reale Christine Marie of France in the 17th century.
6. Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
The National Automobile Museum, showcasing the history and evolution of the car industry, with a particular focus on Italy’s important role.