The northern Italian metropolis of Milan is definitely accessible by evening prepare from Munich and Vienna, making it the proper vacation spot for a sustainable metropolis break. Along with zero-emissions resort Milano Scala, we now have put collectively some suggestions for a sustainable weekend in Milan!
That is the fourteenth and last a part of our sequence on “suggestions for a sustainable weekend getaway.”
Eco-friendly journey to Milan
Milan prepare station is straightforward to succeed in from anyplace in Europe. Nevertheless, because the journey from the DACH area takes a few hours, we advocate taking the evening prepare. There are direct Nightjet connections from Munich and Vienna.
Learn extra in regards to the sustainability of evening trains in our weblog submit on the very best evening prepare routes in Europe.
A less expensive choice (generally for lower than 50 euros) is to take the long-distance coach. Click on right here for Flixbus connections to Milan.
From the station you’ll be able to simply get to the Lodge Milano Scala and at weekends you can too get across the metropolis by tram.
“We’re positioned within the coronary heart of Milan. This implies you could connect with all three predominant gentle rail traces (crimson line M1, yellow line M3 and inexperienced line M2).” – Lodge Milano Scala
Tip: Get the Milan Cross Gentle for twenty-four, 48 or 72 hours. This cross offers you free journey on all public transport, an audio information in your cell phone and a ten% low cost on entry to many points of interest.
Sustainable lodging at Lodge Milano Scala
Centrally positioned, the Lodge Milano Scala was the primary zero-emissions resort within the metropolis. The truth is, it was named one of many “World’s Most Eco-Pleasant Inns” by Nationwide Geographic Traveler. The resort generates its personal inexperienced electrical energy utilizing geothermal probes. On the within, you’ll discover a inexperienced exterior, eco-chic interiors, classical music at breakfast, and regional delicacies made with natural components. However our spotlight is certainly the rooftop terrace with a bar, seating, and a rooftop backyard that provides the restaurant and bar with recent herbs, greens, and berries.
To get a style of what it’s like, we advocate this brief (1.5 minute) promotional video on YouTube.
A sustainable weekend in Milan – right here’s what it may appear like
Friday is for tradition
In the event you take the evening prepare, you may get to Milan from Vienna and Munich in about 12 hours – will probably be round 8 o’clock within the morning.
Even whether it is too early to test in (2 p.m.), we advocate that you simply go straight to the resort. Right here you’ll be able to retailer your baggage and have breakfast (till 10:30 a.m.). Afterwards, you may be able to discover town.
Historic Brera, Milan Cathedral and Museums
The Lodge Milano Scala is positioned within the historic Brera district. The primary points of interest, together with the Cathedral, are only a few minutes stroll away.
Milan Cathedral is open to guests on Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm (please word the costume code).
In case you are happy with a view of the Cathedral from the surface, the Lodge Milano Scala recommends a go to to the Milan Citadel in its place. The Castello Sforzesco is open on Fridays from 10 am to five:30 pm (final tour at 4:30 pm) and infrequently hosts exhibitions and occasions.
One other different is the Pinacoteca di Brera. Some of the vital artwork museums in Italy and inside strolling distance of the resort. The artwork on show focuses on Italian Renaissance portray and the Baroque interval.
Eco-friendly noon snack at Soulgreen
Soulgreen is the proper place to take a break and snack after your cultural expertise. Right here one can find natural meals resembling bowls and freshly squeezed juices in an interesting surroundings. As well as, the café helps a challenge that gives free meals and clear water to kids world wide by its “Proud to Give Again” program (Open Monday by Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).
After 2 p.m. you’ll be able to test into your resort room and loosen up on the resort or go to one of many many different museums within the metropolis when you haven’t had sufficient. Within the night, take pleasure in dinner on the resort’s restaurant, La Traviata. The restaurant makes use of regional (natural) components and presents a traditional and stylish environment.
Milan’s La Scala
Some of the well-known opera homes in Europe, if not the world, is barely a five-minute stroll from the resort. Night performances normally start at 8 p.m. Examine the Teatro alla Scala schedule right here.
Value: One of the best seats at La Scala will set you again round 500 euros, however cheaper seats might be had for as little as 20 euros.
Eco-Buying, artwork and structure on Saturdays
What’s a weekend in Milan with out purchasing? In any case, Milan is taken into account one of the well-known trend and design cities on the planet. However how do you store in a sustainable manner? For starters, you possibly can do some window purchasing – simply stroll previous Milan’s stylish shops and admire the window shows.
Window purchasing in Through Montenapolene
“Through Montenapoleone – the center of the “Quadrilatero della moda” – is inside strolling distance and our visitors like to try the road.” – Lodge Milano Scala
Through Montenapolone is taken into account the second most costly avenue on the planet after New York’s Fifth Avenue. You’ll discover the most important names in trend proper right here. There are jewelers, well-known Italian shoemakers, and many others. In fact, generally this has nothing to do with sustainability – however a peek by no means harm no person 😀
Classic scene in Milan
Milan’s classic scene is extra sustainable. Second-hand garments make ecological sense. However once more, we now have to warn you: it’s not low-cost! Within the Navigli district, alongside the Navigli canal, there are various classic retailers the place you’ll be able to uncover used designer garments, equipment and extra. It’s positively dearer than quick trend, however of upper high quality.
Within the outdated city of Milan one can find the classic trend retailer Cavalli e Nastri. It’s positioned (together with different classic shops) in Through Gian Giacomo Mora.
Eco-fashion in Milan
Milan additionally has some beautiful boutiques specializing in sustainable clothes. Listed below are just a few of our suggestions:
#1 Panpepato: A small, pleasant boutique the place trend designers Martina and Eva promote their handmade collections for ladies and youngsters. You can too discover handmade jewellery and equipment.
#2 Progetto Quid: This trend challenge sells surplus inventory and materials donated by Italian trend manufacturers. They make use of girls who would in any other case haven’t any probability of discovering work.
#3 ASAP LAB: ASAP stands for “As Sustainable As Attainable” and right here one can find cashmere merchandise comprised of recycled wool, for instance, in addition to small equipment resembling elegant leather-based pencil circumstances. (Please word that the store has considerably uncommon opening hours, together with a lunch break. It’s finest to test if the shop is open earlier than your go to).
Vegan Cherry Bomb Burger for Lunch
Have you ever ever seen Flower Burger on Instagram? These are the attractive selfies with colourful vegan burgers. The attention-catching and meat-free burgers had been invented by two artists from Milan who opened their first two Flower Burger eating places there. The idea is now spreading as a franchise. It’s open from 12:30.
In the event you eat right here, don’t neglect to take a selfie 🙂
Bosco Verticale – Inexperienced city structure
For a little bit leisure within the afternoon, make a journey to the Bosco Verticale – the vertical forest. These are two inexperienced skyscrapers which have a optimistic impact on town’s microclimate. (Learn extra in our weblog article on inexperienced city growth).
The Bosco Verticale is positioned within the Isola district. Right here one can find parks, cafes, bars and many younger folks. That is the place to be if you wish to be a part of Milan’s younger nightlife.
Departure and Sunday highlights
In the event you resolve to take the evening prepare and must be again at work on Monday, it’s advisable to go away on Saturday night and spend Sunday stress-free at dwelling.
In case you are nonetheless in Milan on Sunday, listed here are two highlights for that day.
#1 Vintage market within the Navigli district: Each final Sunday of the month there may be an vintage market within the stylish Navigli district (the place the classic retailers are positioned, together with many cafes and artwork galleries). You will discover the present dates right here.
#2 Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli: On the resort you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in a beautiful breakfast on Sunday morning and take a look at is at midday. We advocate that you’ve breakfast a little bit earlier so to attend the Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli (between 12 and 15:30). That is an eco-restaurant with a comfy and eclectic inside with many upcycled objects. It has an open kitchen and a backyard. It feels identical to being at a good friend’s home.
And with that nice feeling, you’ll be reluctant to go away Milan – however I’m certain it was a fantastic weekend, stuffed with experiences and a small ecological footprint as well.
