Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan and feels just as much…read morelike an architectural attraction as it does a shopping destination. We walked in from the Duomo side and immediately found ourselves looking up, the soaring glass dome catching the light and casting a warm glow across the marble floor below. The intricate mosaics, the elegant archways, and the sheer scale of the space made it an impressive place to walk through, even with no intention of buying anything. Connected directly to the cathedral, it was an easy stop while exploring the city center. The luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and beautifully designed storefronts added to the atmosphere, but the building itself was the real highlight. We spent a good amount of time just looking up at the vaulted glass ceiling and taking in the intricate details throughout the arcade. The famous floor mosaics were another detail worth pausing for, and we noticed visitors gathered around the bull mosaic, spinning on their heels for good luck. The tradition added a playful energy to the space, and it was hard not to join in. The Galleria was almost always busy, especially during the middle of the day, so we did not expect a quiet visit. Even with the crowds, it was spacious enough to enjoy at our own pace, and there were plenty of opportunities for photos. We took a few moments to step back and let the flow of people move around us, taking in the elegance of the arcade without feeling rushed. If you have extra time, the rooftop walkway is worth considering for a different perspective, with excellent views over the Duomo and the surrounding city. Whether you are shopping, stopping for a coffee, or simply passing through, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II captures the elegance and history of Milan in a way that few other landmarks do. It is a must-see stop that deserves more than just a quick walk through.

What and amazing meal, our server Jaba did a great job in recommending the dinner choices, and…read moredessert. His attention to detail was amazing. This was the best meal that we had in Italy on our vacation. and Jaba made this meal very special for us. Thank you!

The Duomo was truly breathtaking and incredibly intricate. We spent a long time admiring the…read moredetails. We purchased the terrace access via stairs for 15 euro each for 9:30 am. I recommend showing up earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds. There are different entrances depending on the ticket you purchase. The staircase is narrow and the turns are quick and can feel a little claustrophobic. Every part of the Duomo is worth taking a moment to take it in.

Magical and a must visit if you are in the city of Milan…read more Be sure to secure a reservation online and print out the tickets or you can just open your phone to scan your QR code. You can buy tickets the day of, but the lines were so long. I wouldn't recommend it! You don't want to spend your day waiting in line. Reserving a time slot online was soooo easy!! People who secure online can bypass the line by simply walking towards the BACK. There will be a lot of workers to help guide you. Before going into the cathedral, there is a restroom to use but for a fee. 2 euros per person and I paid with a credit card. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The cathedral is not stroller friendly and it is not handicap friendly so keep that in mind. You will have to walk up and down stairs. Very manageable! Give yourself time to enjoy the cathedral in all the angles!

L.O.V.E. While…read morewandering from the Museo del Duomo to San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, I needed to find something besides another cathedral, which is what I wanted to see, to capture my husband's attention. After checking out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery around the corner, we stumbled across this monumental sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan in Piazza Affari. Also known as Il Dito, or The Finger, it is a giant hand with all of the fingers cut off except for the middle finger sculpted from Carrara marble. L.O.V.E. The name L.O.V.E. stands for Libertà, Odio, Vendetta, Eternità, which translates to Freedom, Hatred, Revenge, Eternity. It is located in Piazza Affari in front of the Italian Stock Exchange, although it did not start there originally. Coincidence?? Art brings the world together. While talking to the manager of Tavola at a Wine and Food Event in The Woodlands, he actually told us a story about Maurizio Cattelan, whose piece The Comedian sold for $6.2 million. Interesting to learn more about this self-trained Milano based artist who uses humor and satire in his works of art. My husband did share our Milan photos with that manager. We bonded over L.O.V.E.

It's easy to miss the Piazza Affiari as it's not in a highly touristy area, it isn't a big open…read morespace like other piazzas as it's surrounded by taller buildings. Not much to see here other than the Italian stock market AND THE GIGANTIC MIDDLE FINGER. The finger is reviewed elsewhere https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-o-v-e-milano?hrid=psmLNPua0LA2O_MEs0hUSw so I'm just reviewing this neat plaza. It's a quiet spot. More like a parking area for people who work at the stock market, this square has little seating and little shade and no greenery. A-OK, would be "Experienced better" if not for the artwork. [Review 10746 overall, 514 of 2019.]