If you are a lover of Paris you need to visit Milan. Two cities currently fighting for my top spot.
Given that Napoleon built a highway connecting the two, it comes as no surprise that they bear a few similarities.
Both cities have monumental Arch’s and iconic streets and, Milan is like pretty like Paris but on a much grander scale.
I am a sucker for history and this city is just dripping in it. From walking down roads built by Napoleon to passing through old city walls. There is a piece of history standing boldly and beautifully around round every corner.
Beyond the Parisian similarities there are many unique characteristics to Milan including a castle which was used as the city’s protection before providing a home to the Lords of Milan; A palace that housed Napoleon on his stays; a 7ft sculpture of a horse by the Leonardo Da Vinci and, Stefano Boeri’s Vertical Forest, to name a few.
The Vertical Forest was actually one of my favourite sights. So unlike anything you have seen before, a great touch to dress up a skyscraper and the autumnal colours add an extra hint of elegance.
If history and sightseeing isn’t your thing, Milan still has plenty to offer.
Being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan provides a stunning collection of luxury designer shops combined with some popular high street shops.
The shopping experience here is beyond our wildest dreams.
Not that we would expect anything to the contrary from the fashion capital of the world!
Having said that, I am a girl who loves to shop but shopping was the last thing on my mind.
Especially when we reached the Cathedral. A landmark which Milan is famous for and after seeing it with my own eyes, I can totally understand why.
It quite literally takes your breath away.
Considering we told our tour guide that we weren’t too bothered about seeing the Cathedral (oops) and stumbled upon it by accident, I’m really glad we did!
There are just no pictures that could do this beautiful building any justice whatsoever, let alone capture the atmosphere.
I got a quick video snippet of the Cathedral surrounded by hundreds of people with musicians playing in the square – I will post it on my Instagram (@contourallure) so you can get and slight feel for the place.
One thing you should be aware of is the sheer volume of people here, even in comparison to London. It is extremely busy. So when lunch time rolls around, queues for food are the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen! I mean they were so long it would probably be quicker to go home and cook a meal yourself! The food is delicious though so I can totally understand all the commotion that seemed to be going on in pretty much every eatery.
I truly enjoyed this city and I can’t wait to return. It definitely ranks highly on my list of places to recommend.
Well of course it does. Offering huge amounts of culture, shopping, food, history, unique little quirks and not to mention being totally picturesque – why wouldn’t you want to visit?
Contour Allure 