Tag Archives: travel tips

Visit to Milan, Italy

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Milan is a fast-paced city where creativity is big business. In this sprawling metropolis, after-work drinks are an art form and looking good is compulsory. Located in the north of Italy, it is a city with ancient roots and extraordinary treasures. Milan may look like a moody town but its over one million inhabitants are alarmingly stylish, fabulously ambitious, and undeniably optimistic. Some people I know who run an Edmonton garbage bin rental company had nothing but great things to say about their time in Milan. Here are the top must-see attractions.

Cathedral de Duomo
Milan’s magnificent Cathedral de Duomo never fails to impress. With spires that reach to the sky and the largest stained glass window in Christendom, it’s a must-see attraction. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, you can wander between the stonework on the roof.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Directly across from the Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a temple of shopping. A soaring iron and glass neoclassical arcade, the galleria connects the city’s famous cathedral with the opera house. Armani, Versace, Prada, Gucci, and more all debuted on Milan’s runways. Fashionistas make a pilgrimage to the designer’s flagship stores in the Quadrilatero d’Oro. Chic concept shops and boutiques stocking emerging labels also line the city streets.

The Milanese has turned the after-work drink into an art form. The price of a drink also includes a tasty buffet of snacks and treats. Enjoy a cocktail while watching Milan’s beautiful people relax, catch up, and of course check each other out.

Pinacoteca di Brera
At the Pinacoteca di Brera, you can get your fill of Rembrandt, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The gallery was founded in the late 18th century upstairs from the prestigious Brera Academy, one of Italy’s oldest art schools.

Novelli District
The Novelli district used to be a working-class area of ancient docks, canals, and warehouses. It is now home to some of Milan’s most scenic restaurants, liveliest bars, and innovative shops. Make sure you booked months in advance to view Leonardo’s the Last Supper. You will only have 15 minutes to gaze upon Da Vinci’s masterpiece, so make every second count before you deposit it back onto Corso Magenta.

The Milanese does not have time to play nice for visitors but they are happy to share their own intoxicating round of pursuits, be it precision shopping or downing an expertly mixed cocktail. Milan is sometimes called ugly but if you are willing to dig below the surface, you will find a vibrant city full of unique characters.

Tips for an Awesome Trip to London

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London has a rich culture, and it is without question one of the greatest cities on the planet. Here are 6 tips for an awesome trip to London.

Skip the London Eye

If you want a great view of London that doesn’t come with a Disneyland size line, climb to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral and you will get amazing 360-degree views from one of the largest and most iconic churches in the world. Another amazing view that was recommended to me by some locals is the hike to the top of Primrose Hill at night.

Tower of London

It is one of the most touristy things to do in the city and it’s a bit pricey but something you have to see. The history is incredible plus I just feel special anytime I going to go inside a castle. By joining a freebee theatre tour you will learn a lot and those guys are hilarious. Also, if you don’t want to wait in line to buy your tickets, you can buy them online if you know what day you will be visiting. You can also get them at the gift shop right outside the Tower Hill tube stop for the same exact price.

Take the Tube Everywhere

Take the tube everywhere and be impressed by what is probably the greatest public transportation of any city in the world. Just buy an oyster card and you are good to go. Helpful hint: download the app citymapper, just type your destination and it will tell you the best routes, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. Just be aware the app only works if you have an international data plan or if you are connected to Wi-Fi.

Stuff Your Face

Get your face all up in London’s amazing food scene. Gone are the days of terrible British food, London is now a world-class food city. The gastropub scene is ridiculous and the Indian food will make you cry tears of curry joy. Try the butter chicken of Punjab, it is just plain awesome. There is usually a line but where there’s a line there’s something worth waiting except for. Also, fish and chips may be too ubiquitous but try traditional meat pie chips instead.

Explore Some of London’s Awesome Neighborhoods

Go to Notting Hill and check out the market on Portobello Road, get up the funky and awesome Camden and see where Amy Winehouse used to hang out. You can also head outside the touristy center of London to Broadway market and Hackney for great drinks, good vibes, and some awesome sourdough pizza. Dine in or grab a pie to go and have a picnic in nearby London fields.

Get Lost

Throw out the guidebook and just get lost for a day. Explore a little neighborhood, get to know some friendly locals over a spot of tea, get day drunk on some awesome beer at a pub, see some incredible theater, or just take a stroll and people watch. This is a big incredible city and there is a lot to do, don’t stress about singing at all just have a good time.