Must-Do’s Near Malpensa Airport: When flying through Italy at Malpensa Airport, you may find yourself with some time on your hands. So what do you do? Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, and you are in Italy, so there is always something to do. But five particular things are absolute must-dos.
Of course, there are a lot of sightseeing tours of ancient Roman architecture, but Milan is not Rome. That doesn’t mean you should just sit at the airport. Milan has some very unique things to offer, but before you set out, make sure your luggage is safely stored near Malpensa Airport.
Must-Do’s Near Malpensa Airport
The Last Supper at the Dominican Monastery Santa Maria Delle Grazie
There is something in Milan that you can not find anywhere else in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. And if you have at least a five-hour layover, you would be crazy not to take the opportunity to see it. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by train.
Located on a wall at the Dominican monastery, Santa Maria Delle Grazie, the Last Supper has survived for over 525 years, sort of. Just so you know, it has been restored many, many times, and very little of the original is left. It is still a truly remarkable thing to be standing before the 15-foot (5m) high by 29 feet (10m) wide painting.
The lines ups to get in can be pretty long, but there is a way to beat the crowd. There are “Skip the Line” tickets, but even these need to be booked up to 2 months in advance. Or you can take a tour that will allow you to jump the line. Another benefit to taking a full tour is that you can also get “Skip the Line” tickets for the majestic Milan Cathedral as well.
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Shopping and Fashion
Most people know when it comes to shopping and fashion, very few cities can match Milan. Rivaling New York, Paris, and London as one of the world’s fashion capitals, shopping in Milan is a must. With direct trains from the airport to the center, you can grab some of the latest fashions and be back to catch your flight in just a few hours.
Head down to the Quadrilatero Della Moda for some high-end shopping. With the biggest brand names in the business like Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Prada, and more, you can’t go wrong.
You can even take in a fashion show or two as they happen year-round in this city of style. Or, if you have ever been curious to strut your stuff on the catwalk, there are modeling schools that give courses to the public.
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AC Milan or Inter Milan
Italy claims to be the birthplace of soccer or football as it is known in Europe. And Milan is home to two of the biggest football clubs, not only in Italy but in Europe too. In fact, AC Milan and Inter Milan share the same stadium. From the airport, The San Siro Stadium is just a little over an hour away by train.
Going to a match in Europe is pretty exciting, but going to a game in Italy is insane, especially if you happen to be there for the derby match. A derby is when rival clubs play each other, and these are two of the biggest rivals in sports.
The derby between these two teams only happens twice a year, but having two teams in one city doubles your chances to catch a game. And being in the mids of 80,000 screaming fans that don’t just love the game but live for it, is something special to experience.
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Eating and Cooking Italian
With a long layover in Milan, you may find yourself a little hungry, and of course, you are in one of the greatest countries for food. When in Milan, the traditional dishes to order are ossobuco or cassoeula. Rich and flavorful these comforting foods will really make you feel like you are eating Italian.
While just ordering a great Italian dish is fine, how about learning to make it yourself? Grab a train to central Milan where you can find a number of places that give classes on how to prepare some traditional Italian cuisine. Learn to throw pizza dough and make a traditional tomato sauce. It’s a little messy and so much fun.
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Drink in the Countryside
Who wouldn’t like to try a little vino direct from the famous wineries of Italy? While you are waiting for your next flight, you can.
Every area in Italy has its own particular style of wine, and Milan is no different. So why not take advantage of your stay and sample what the Lombardy area has to offer? You might know of Chianti or Pinot Grigio, but have you tried a Nebbiolo wine?
When you take a winery tour, you will not only get a great selection of great Italian wines but an amazing lunch as well. Just imagine sitting on an Italian terrace looking over the vineyards with a glass in one hand and a plate of sumptuous paste before you. How can you make a long layover better than that?
Whether you decide to drink some wine, eat some risotto, or take in a game, exploring the Lombardy region of Italy is something you don’t want to miss out on. Whatever you decide, just don’t sit in the airport, because you might never be back this way again. Take advantage of it, and you won’t be disappointed.
Resources:
- https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Milan-tours/Cooking-Classes/d512-g6-c19
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derby_della_Madonnina
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebbiolo
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrilatero_della_moda
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Frequently Asked Questions About Must-Do’s Near Malpensa Airport
Q: What are some must-do activities near Malpensa Airport?
A: There are several must-do activities near Malpensa Airport, including visiting Lake Maggiore, exploring the city of Milan, and touring the wine regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Q: How far is Lake Maggiore from Malpensa Airport?
A: Lake Maggiore is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Malpensa Airport, and can be reached by car or train in less than an hour.
Q: What are some popular attractions to see in Milan?
A: Milan is known for its fashion and design, as well as its historic landmarks, such as the Gothic-style Milan Cathedral, the Sforza Castle, and the famous opera house La Scala.
Q: How long does it take to get to Milan from Malpensa Airport?
A: It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to travel from Malpensa Airport to Milan by car or train.
Q: Are there any wineries to visit near Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, there are several wineries to visit in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, including the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions.
Q: Can visitors take a day trip to Lake Como from Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, Lake Como is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Malpensa Airport by car or train, making it a popular day trip destination.
Q: Are there any outdoor activities near Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, there are several outdoor activities to enjoy near Malpensa Airport, including hiking in the nearby Ticino Park, exploring the nearby Alps, and cycling along the Ticino River.
Q: Is it possible to visit Switzerland from Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, Switzerland is only a short distance away from Malpensa Airport, with cities like Lugano and Locarno accessible by car or train in less than an hour.
Q: Are there any historical sites to see near Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, there are several historical sites to see near Malpensa Airport, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, which includes several historic chapels and churches.
Q: Can visitors go skiing near Malpensa Airport?
A: Yes, there are several ski resorts near Malpensa Airport, including the popular resorts of Stresa and Macugnaga in the nearby Alps. Must-Do’s Near Malpensa Airport
