Published 21st Jan. 2025
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When it comes to Italy’s most beloved cities, Milan and Florence are two of its most sparkling crown jewels. Our Europe specialist, Emily, fell in love with them during a recent research trip which saw her scouting out the best hotels, scaling the Duomo’s rooftop, tasting traditional Milanese delicacies and even discovering a new favourite museum. Interested in learning more about la dolce vita in Milan and Florence? Read on...
I spent five days visiting Milan and Florence, two gorgeous cities which are great for short Italy breaks.
My time was spent mainly checking out hotels and getting to know them inside out for clients. From luxurious five-star stays to authentic guesthouses, there’s something for every type of traveller. I also had time to admire the Gothic and Baroque architecture, visit the Duomos in both cities and taste local delicacies... gelato, pizza, you name it.
Walking around Milan and Florence gave me a deeper understanding of their atmospheres. Exploring various neighbourhoods revealed the distinct character of each area and helped me see why certain locations might appeal to different travellers. In Milan, the artsy vibe of Brera contrasted with the bustling energy near the Duomo, while in Florence, the quaint Oltrarno felt worlds apart from the lively streets around the Ponte Vecchio.
The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence was fascinating. It tells the story of the fashion brand Ferragamo through exhibitions and a collection of over 14,000 shoes. It’s a small museum, and the short tour I did was brilliant at bringing his story to life – I had no idea he was one of the first shoe designers to experiment with unusual materials like crocodile and fish skin!
Panzerotti (deep-fried dough parcels filled with cheese) from a little place called Luini’s, a family-owned bakery in Milan. They were only €2.50 each, which is incredible value for a delicious Milanese-style pizza snack.
Climbing the 256 stairs to reach the Duomo rooftop in Milan. Visiting the over 600-year-old work of art is a must anyway, but strolling among the Cathedral’s 135 spires is a magical experience. It’s also the tallest building in the city, so as you’d expect, the view is astonishing.
How beautiful Florence is! Obviously, Milan is lovely, but you can’t beat the amount of history and stunning architecture everywhere you turn in Florence – not to mention how beautiful walking along the Arno River at sunset is.
Try and visit Milan mid-week. You’ll avoid the weekend rush, and it’s a much more pleasant experience without the crowds.
Header Image by Zakharov Evgeniy / stock.adobe.com.
Italy is a holiday hotspot (for good reason), so our help in navigating the crowds is invaluable. From snapping up hard-to-come-by Vatican tickets (at the quietest times of day) to organising an archaeologist to guide you around Pompeii, our consultants have the insider intel to make your trip unforgettable. Stuck on where to stay? Our vetted accommodation options range from family-run ‘trullis’ in Puglia to big-name hotels in Venice. So, whether you're an adventurous family or a couple on a romantic retreat, we can find the version of Italy to suit you.
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