10 things you shouldn’t do in Milan

Zakładam, że udało Ci się już dostać z lotniska do Mediolanu, masz za sobą pierwszą noc w hotelu bądź innym miejscu i jesteś w bojowym nastroju do podboju miasta. Może też już masz za sobą lekturę mojego posta “Co warto zobaczyć w Mediolanie?” bądź różnych przewodników online czy w wydaniu książkowym. Możesz ruszać! Może jednak wcześniej przeczytasz parę wskazówek o tym, czego nie należy robić w Mediolanie.

Here we go!

Avoid riding the red tourist bus “City Sightseeing Milan”

This touristic double-decker bus, running along 4 different lines, allows you to see the main Milanese attractions, while you can get on and off many times within your ticket (for 24, 48, or 72 hours)

The Milanese are proud of their trams, especially the older ones (some still run in San Francisco and still have the city’s coat of arms painted on them!), so there’s no need to get on a scarlet bus… Of course, if you want to, go ahead, I’m not defending it to anyone, but why? There are several reasons why it is better not to use them:

Another good alternative is the many bicycles that can be rented under the “bike sharing” formula, which can even be ridden all day.

Avoid the ATMsphere tramway

The ATMsphere Tram is a classic attraction for nerds that will make you not only throw your money away but also waste your time. It is a historic, elegantly decorated tramway, where you can dine while the streetcar speeds through the streets of Milan. Of course, the idea is cool and I must admit that at first, it may have been a big attraction and novelty, but the price is really too disproportionate to the quality of the meal and the same routes can be traveled by ordinary streetcar, enjoying the charms of “Milan by night”, of course, without dinner, but what you save will allow you to eat a delicious meal in many good and cheaper places. For example, a dinner for four with a selection of wine is an expense of 280 euros!

Forget about driving around Milan by car

Tak jak przypadku wyżej wymienionych atrakcji bardzo dobrą alternatywą są dobrze funkcjonujące środki komunikacji miejskiej, a przy tym w porównaniu z resztą Włoch są stosunkowo niedrogie. Czego z pewnością nie można powiedzieć o parkingach, dodając do tego koszt wjazdu do stref takich jak ZTL czy strefa C. Zostaw swój samochód na parkingu pod Mediolanem, bądź przy stacji metra korzystaj z transportu publicznego, dzięki któremu możesz dotrzeć wszędzie. Więcej na temat jazdy autem po mieście pisałam w poprzednim poście “Poruszanie się samochodem po Mediolanie“.

Don’t block the subway doors

If you’ve chosen to use public transportation, remember: first, people get off, then you get on! This simple and obvious rule seems surprisingly hard for many to grasp, as they persist in standing by the doors on the metro, blocking those who need to exit. And often, they complain in the process. The same goes for boarding. It’s best to wait at the sides of the doors. And if you’re on the metro and want to get off but someone is blocking your way, you can always say, “Permesso, posso passare? Sto scendendo” (pronounced shen-den-do) – “Excuse me, may I pass? I’m getting off.”

Stay ahead of the pickpockets

Just like in all crowded areas of any big city, even in Milan, you might encounter a pickpocket. In this case, it’s essential to take classic precautions: don’t wear valuable necklaces, bracelets, or rings, don’t leave your bag open, avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your back pocket, and don’t carry too much cash with you, among other things.

Don’t wear inappropriate clothing if you plan to visit churches and museums

Nawet jeśli upał doskwiera a duszne powietrze nie daje wytchnienia, nie wchodzi się do katedry ze zbyt dużym dekoltem, w bermudach czy klapkach. Ani do katedry Duomo, ani do bazyliki  Świętego Ambrożego, a bardziej ogólnie do wszystkich symbolicznych miejsc Mediolanu, nawet niereligijnych (na przykład do muzeów). Inną rzeczą, którą należy również brać pod uwagę (kwestia szacunku) jest zakaz robienia zdjęć, przynajmniej podczas uroczystości religijnych.

Don’t soak your feet in the Naviglio (canal)

It’s summer, you need refreshment, and Milan is a cemented urban jungle, I know. The Naviglio is undoubtedly a very romantic place and also a significant part of Milanese history. Soaking your feet in the canal… impossible? This falls into the category of “I’ve seen things beyond belief,” like people with their feet dipped in the murky waters of the Naviglio, surely foreigners. They probably didn’t realize that even rats frequent these places… Don’t believe me? I took this photo a year ago during an aperitif with a friend by the canal, and it’s more than just feet soaking!

Don’t get tricked into feeding the pigeons!

Feeding pigeons in Piazza Duomo? Maybe better not. While crossing the cathedral square, watch out for pigeon feed vendors. Like sly foxes, before you even realize it, they fill your hand with a handful of rice. And that spells your doom, and probably your clothes’ as well. In an instant, pigeons swarm and land everywhere – on your shoulders, hair, or wherever they can, possibly even managing to (excuse the expression) poop on you. So if you don’t want to ruin your clothes, mess up your hairstyle, or end up on Facebook as a pigeon-covered figure (yes, friends can be mean), avoid letting yourself get loaded up with rice or other grains.

What else not to do in Milan? – Don’t eat in the city center

The same applies to shopping – avoid tourist areas. Restaurants or other places in the center are always packed, but this often doesn’t reflect quality. They’re full because it sounds cool to say, “I ate in the Galleria.” Milan has great dining options, with plenty of good places for lunch and dinner where you can enjoy typical Milanese or Italian dishes without leaving a fortune for the waiter. A good alternative for dinner in Milan is an aperitif with rich and varied buffets, where the price of a drink also grants you a plate filled with tasty treats.

Taxi

If you decide to have an aperitif – why not, after all, you’re in Milan – and feel like having a classic Florentine Negroni, you might change your mind and try the Milanese version instead. Negroni Sbagliato, often simply called “Sbagliato” (meaning “mistaken”), was created at Bar Basso in Milan in 1972 when bartender Mirko Stocchetto accidentally added sparkling wine instead of gin while preparing a Negroni. The name comes from that mistake, and today it’s a registered trademark of the bar where it was invented. So, if you enjoy bubbles and still want to savor the sharp taste of the classic drink, go for a “Sbagliato.” Cin cin!

Enjoy your stay!