Streets of Bolzano

Streets of new and strange towns are endlessly fascinating.
We stayed right in the heart of the main shopping area of Bolzano, in the historical centre.

Bikes and pedestrians only here!

Our arcaded street was filled with the brightest and best stores.

I feel right at home here!

A wonderful old-style haberdashery was just under or apartment.

Here is a peep inside - 

Another gorgeous old wool shop and haberdashery.

And of course there is the market.
This one runs every day from early in the morning until evening.

The best way to get around is by bicycle.

The main square with the Duomo and ringed by cafes and restaurants.

But this little gem was down a side street.
Unfortunately we didn't try it.

Some of the streets hint at Bolzano's past as a crossroads in Europe.

Our street where you could almost shake hands with your neighbour across the street!

But wait!
There is another market.
This one is a real local farmer's market, just on Fridays.
Where you can buy cheese direct from the cheesemaker.

And of course the locals do their shopping by bicycle.

48 hours in Milan

You do your research, ok?
But sometimes it doesn't always turn out as you expected.
I guess one of the problems is that we are not used to such crowds as you get in Europe's hot spots.
It always takes me by surprise how many tourists there are and how often you have to line up to see stuff.
Oh well, maybe we have learned a lesson.

1. Pre-book The Last supper.
Apparently it books up months in advance.
I looked the week before and couldn't get anything.
You could also try a tour which is a lot more expensive but at least you'll get to see it.
This was something that I wasn't too fussed about seeing, but it is supposed to be impressive so maybe I should have made more effort.
Next time?!

2. Pre-book the Duomo.
You can buy your ticket on-line. this saves queuing up in the ticket area but you will still have to queue to get into the Cathedral.
It costs 3 euros entry to the Duomo.
You can get various packages that include the roof terraces and the Duomo museum and other places.
Booking on-line costs 0.50 Euros more than lining up.
For booking tickets visit here.
For general info  http://www.duomomilano.it/en/
There  are dress requirements if you want to go into the Duomo, but not the terraces or the museums.
You must have your shoulders covered - men and women, and not short shorts or mini skirts ( I think just above the knee is OK). You can buy some, er, very attractive jackets to cover your immodesty. Or just bring a scarf or just don't wear your skimpiest outfit that day.

It is totally worth it to visit the Duomo.
It is totally magnificent.
It is huge and it took over 600 years to build.
When it was designed in the 1300's they didn't have the skills and knowledge to build it. They had to invent new methods.

Probably visit early in the day or later.
We went back at 2pm on Monday and the queue had gone.

Also get up onto the roof terraces.
You can climb the stairs, which isn't really very hard.
Or there is a lift option.
Just do it.

3. Some things are closed on Mondays.

4. Some things are closed on Sundays.

5. Getting around is easy. Public transport is good and cheap.
Get a 24 hour ATM for 4.50 Euros.
It's good for metro, trams and buses.
Buy it at convenience stores.

6. To get from the main international airport, Malpensa, get the shuttle bus to Central Station.
They leave frequently and cost 8 Euros. Takes one hour. There are taxis at Central Station to take you to your final destination, or buses or the metro.

Canal district - Navigli Grande

We also visited Castello Sforzesco which is another old amazing building.

It is now full of museums.
So much beautiful old treasures!
You can also see Michelangelo's last, uncompleted work.
It has a whole enormous display space to itself.
It is pretty special.

We strolled through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the oldest shopping centre in the world?
It's easy to find right next to the Duomo.

We found yummiest gelato at Ciacco Gelato. Pistachio (of course), lime and ginger, and fig. Oh my!!

There were lots of things we didn't do in Milan.
We didn't go shopping.
Or go to the designer quarter.
Or go to La Scala.
Or go to galleries.
But there is only so much you can fit in 48hours.