Milano, Italy, in the Rain and Cold

                                 

 Arriving from sunny Bolzano in Southern Tirol, Milano, the perfect destination for a short week's visit, greeted with cold weather and rain.

From visits, dozens of years ago, I knew Milan only as a hot and sunny city. I made the best out of the weather and enjoyed good food, museum visits, and (window) shopping.

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Unlike in other parts of the world, in Southern Europe, restaurant guests often sit outdoors - no matter how low the temperatures are. Often, heating devices and thick blankets are used to warm guests, and large umbrellas to keep the place dry. 

Other favorites of mine were the countless pasticerias, gelaterias, and 
chocolaterias. Indulging in their sweet dishes, cakes, cookies, and ice cream 
in a quality unknown in North America, I had no other choice but to
stock up on calories : )

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Pinoteca di Brera building

Also in Via Brera is a large outdoor market, offering lots of 

custom jewellery and other decorative items!

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The Gallery of Modern Art in Milan, known as GAM, 

houses the largest municipal collection of works belonging to the 19th century.

GAM, Modern Art Gallery, Milan
Showing art that is more traditional than "modern". 

But it is a museum well worth visiting

Housed in a beautiful villa, I spend hours in the GAM, and it didn't cost anything, as it is one of the many museums in Milano that are free on Wednesdays or Sundays. 

Get a list from the tourist office or check the online guide here:

https://www.yesmilano.it/en/articles/free-museums-milano-definitive-guide

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Il Duomo is just a ten-minute walk from the Brera area.

I had planned to take the elevator up to the incredible rooftop to appreciate the grandeur of the Duomo and to enjoy the view of Milan. But this time it was raining, and I had to postpone it to a future visit. 

I went to the tourist information to grab the city's tram map. 

The nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an attractive shopping arcade, was the ideal place for a cappuccino and to admire the beautifully decorated store windows. 

A perfect escape from the rain!

 

The Brera neighborhood is iconic and full of charm. My favorite place is 

the Botanical Garden, hidden behind the Pinacoteca di Brera. Surprisingly, 

quite a few flowers and bushes were still blooming on this mid-December day.

Brera, the artistic district, with charming streets, has beautiful buildings.

These historical buildings usually enclose a quiet courtyard.

The area is quite attractive, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Another posh area with one designer shop next to the other is the area 

around Via Napoleone and its side streets. Window shopping at its finest for me!

A fantastic selection of Ballerinas in all colors. I could have 

bought a dozen - if they hadn't been so expensive. 

Via Napoleone with its posh stores

Quadrilatero della Moda is the fanciest neighborhood

Milano seems to be becoming green - at least on several high-rises. 

Balconies and terraces are planted with trees and shrubs.

A public phone like in the good old days. 

It might be historic soon, 

but it works perfectly. I tried it out!

When I was tired after visiting museums, I just sat in a tram and enjoyed slow "sightseeing" rides through the city.  I stopped where I saw something interesting.  That's my favorite kind of exploring a city.  However, I need to stress that Milano also has a great subway system. 

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