Milan

Recently, when I go somewhere new, I always find myself asking the same question. 

“Could I live here?” 

I think this question can truly open up the flaws about a place. It can reveal your true feelings by wiping away that tourist haze that forms by excitement. When thinking about living somewhere, it brings into the question certain factors like practicality, safety, and efficiency. Some places are magical at first visit, but their unique traits can prove to be challenges when considering it as a place to live. It’s much more complex than just enjoying your visit. So it can serve as the ultimate compliment when you can give an emphatic “Yes” to this question. That is Milan. 

This city was drastically different from Venice and Rome which I traveled to in the past. In those places it can feel like jumping from one tourist attraction to the next. With so much to experience in each city, the reality of somebody actually living there can be hard to imagine. In Milan I felt the opposite. It felt like we were constantly walking past people that were going about another day in their life. On their daily commute to and from work. Public transportation was efficient and easy to navigate. The subways were polished and although you may run into a few pigeons, the streets are relatively clean as well. As someone who has considered moving abroad, it is the perfect place to get a sense of what true Italian life is like. 

Flea Market

Every last Sunday of the month, there is a Flea Market that pops up in the Navigli district, right up against the canal. Here, it feels like miles of vendors stacked against each other selling anything from vintage clothing to furniture. The entire city seems to come together for this unforgettable day. There are some truly unique finds in this market if you have the patience to look around for a few hours. For somebody who does not have a lot of “shopping endurance” like myself, I was pleasantly intrigued the entire time. Even if you’re not looking to purchase anything, it’s a great way to spend a morning. There’s also plenty of restaurants and cafes that line the outside of the market for great places to eat. 

The Last Supper

While Milan scores high in livability, there are still a few tourist attractions that are must see if you’re just visiting. The Last Supper is one of the most recognizable paintings in history. With millions of recreations and comedic references, it may be impossible to not have seen some version of this masterpiece. Italy is filled with famous pieces of history and while Rome may be the hotspot for a history nut, Milan is home to one of the most impressive pieces of art I’ve seen. While time is trying to wipe this painting out of existence, the strong restoration efforts have made it still extremely vibrant despite its years. The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a sight to see in itself as well. While the rest of the church was closed when I visited, the outside is lit up at dark and makes for great viewing. 

Milan in a Nutshell

There is plenty to do in the fashion capital of the world, but what surprised me the most was the true livability of the city. It says something unique about a place when you can consider calling it a “home”. Located at the top of the country, it is a train ride away from day or weekend trip destinations like Lake Cuomo or Pizza. With an international airport the city unlocks transportation to hundreds of different locations as well. For a budget friendly traveler, the train system is as efficient as anywhere else in Europe too. While other Italian cities can be impacted by tourism, the city provides a sneak peek into daily life in modern Italy.