Milan is perfect for a day trip, and staying in Piacenza makes it all more relaxing: no big-city prices, no evening chaos. Set off in the morning, enjoy Milan, and return in the evening to a quiet town. Here’s how to plan it.
Morning: the heart of Milan
Take an early train from Piacenza: with the Frecciarossa you’re at Milano Centrale in 33 minutes. From the station, metro line M3 takes you to Duomo in minutes. Spend the morning on the cathedral — it’s worth climbing the rooftop terraces among the spires — and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. A short walk away are La Scala theatre and the fashion quarter.
Afternoon: art or relaxation
In the afternoon, choose based on your interests. For art, the Sforza Castle and the Pinacoteca di Brera are unmissable (book Leonardo’s Last Supper well ahead — slots sell out fast). For a more relaxed mood, wander the Navigli canals or the Brera district, both great for an aperitivo too.
Getting around the city
The ATM urban ticket covers metro, trams and buses. The network is extensive: the metro reaches every area in minutes. Skip the car: in Milan, traffic, the Area C congestion charge and pricey parking make train + metro the smartest choice.
The return
Trains between Milan and Piacenza run frequently until late evening, with last services around midnight. So you can stay for dinner or a concert without worrying about driving back. Once in Piacenza, the apartment is minutes from the station: end the day with the calm that Milan, at those prices and that pace, simply can’t offer.