Milan or Bust!

2:30:00 AM Out And About Global 1 Comments

Now, there ARE ways to get last minute tickets, but it will cost you double or triple the price. There is a tourist office on the back side of the Duomo that sells last minute tickets for 30e.  Their offerings are limited, but beggars can't be choosers, right!

2. Don't put off your "must see." If there is something special you want to do or see, don't put it off, do it early in your trip.  You never know when a site will close, weather will turn or any other number of things will prevent you from seeing your site.  We had planned to take the roof top tour of the Duomo, but on Monday it snowed, closing the rooftop.  Unfortunately, it was closed Tuesday for the same reason.  We did get to see the interior of the church, but I was disappointed we didn't get to climb the 200+ steps to enjoy the bird's eye view.

The Details
Cost: 7e adults/3.50 children (price for taking the stairs.  If you take the elevator, it's more)
Ticket Booth: The kiosk selling Duomo roof top tickets is behind the Cathedral on the right hand corner.  

3. Check the weather!  I am not a fan of wet weather.  I can handle chilly and even cold, but not wet, nothing de-motivates me faster.  Since I hadn't planned ahead or done much research before our to Milan I scheduled a walking tour for Monday--Good way to get acquainted with the town and get a bit of history to boot.  Unfortunately, the tour guide didn't show up.  We stood at the appointed landmark for 25 minutes (along with another person waiting for the same tour), but to no avail.  When I dialed the phone number on my reservation it went straight to voicemail.  To make matters worse, practically all museums are closed on Monday.  So, with no guide, no plan and no good weather we ended up back at our hotel.

4. Do a little restaurant research: I can promise you one thing, my husband and I will argue at least once per trip about food, it happens on EVERY single time!  Our chronic problem is, we don't plan ahead where to eat and when hunger strikes nothing is worse than wandering around trying to find some place that appeals to both your pallet and wallet (believe me I know this scenario well).  As is often the case, we end up eating at a second rate fast food chain.

Now, let me just say, this cup of cocoa was delicious and our window seats over looking the Duomo were pretty fantastic. And sometimes, all your children want is a familiar kids meal, but usually not more than 2 or 3 blocks from main sights you can find reasonably priced, local food.  You just have to inquire beforehand--your hotel, Trip Advisor and Rick Steves' (our guide book of choice) can always offer up suggestions.