Taking a train from Rome to Milan is a great way to explore the beauty of Italy. The journey took about three hours, and the train ride booked via Trainline was very scenic. My best friend and I had our three hours planned out, with our snacks, books, and great conversation. Once we arrived in Milan, there was plenty of shopping, sightseeing, pictures, and good food.

Of course, the first thing we did in Milan was visit the Duomo di Milano, a stunning cathedral that is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The cathedral sits in the middle of town, and its Gothic architectural vibes are truly breathtaking. There were so many people enjoying the view and taking pictures. We shared the same sentiments of all the faces in awe and captured beautiful moments.

After visiting the Duomo, it was time to hit the shops. We strolled the Quadrilatero d'Oro or the "Golden Rectangle." Home to some of the most famous fashion brands in the world, including Prada, Gucci, and Armani. It's a great place to find high-end fashion and luxury goods, and the streets themselves are beautiful to explore.

After shopping, it was time to eat. We walked to the Starbucks Reserve, located in the Piazza Cordusio. Starbucks Reserve locations are unique in that they offer a variety of specialty coffee drinks unavailable at other Starbucks. The store is also beautifully designed, with a modern and sleek aesthetic perfect for Instagram stories and photos. I had gone to the Chicago location and was super excited to eat and shop for exclusive items.

I ordered a salmon croissant and a latte for lunch, both delicious. The sandwich was fresh and flavorful, and the latte was smooth and creamy. The atmosphere of the Starbucks Reserve was also great, with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe after a long walk.

After lunch, we walk through the Brera district, a trendy neighborhood home to great cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The streets are lined with beautiful buildings and colorful storefronts, a good place for photos and taking in the atmosphere.

After a full day of shopping and sightseeing, it was time to return to Rome. The train ride home always seems the longest, especially when you are super tired. We returned from our day trip three hours later, exhausted, ready to shower, and hit the bed. We found a moment to reflect on our day, and before we knew it, we were out cold.

Milan is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. So if you're planning a trip to Italy, add Milan to your itinerary, especially if you are only a train ride away.