Have you ever had that moment when you’re craving something sweet after a long day of sightseeing? That’s exactly what happened to us during our evening in Milan. My sister was scheduled to fly back to Korea early the next morning, and we didn’t want her to leave without experiencing at least a glimpse of this magnificent city. So, despite the late hour, we decided to take a quick trip to see the iconic Milan Duomo.
After admiring the breathtaking cathedral (even more stunning at night, if you ask me), we felt like we couldn’t leave Italy without trying some authentic gelato. I mean, when in Milan, right? That’s when we stumbled upon Venchi, one of Milan’s most beloved gelato chains with multiple locations throughout the city.
Finding Gelato Paradise Near Milan Cathedral
The best part about Venchi? It’s literally a 5-minute walk from the Duomo. Perfect for tired tourists like us who didn’t want to venture too far from the main attraction.
Location details:
- Address: Via Giuseppe Mengoni, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Distance from Duomo: Less than 5 minutes walking
I gotta say, the convenience factor alone made it worth checking out. But trust me, the gelato itself is why you’ll be glad you found this place.
Late-Night Gelato? No Problem!
It was already past 10 PM when we finished our mini-tour of the cathedral, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if we’d find any gelato shops still open. A lot of places in tourist areas close surprisingly early.
But Venchi was still welcoming customers with open arms. That’s another major advantage of this place – their extended opening hours.
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM – 12 AM (midnight)
- Friday and Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM
So yeah, if you’re a night owl or your sightseeing runs late, Venchi has got your back. That’s defintely something to keep in mind.
What’s on the Menu?
When it comes to their gelato selection, Venchi offers various sizes to satisfy any level of sweet tooth cravings. They have small, medium, and large options, plus you can even order gelato by the kilogram if you’re feeling particularly indulgent (or have a group to feed).
We opted for the regular (medium) size, which allows you to pick three different flavors. And here’s where it gets interesting – we added the “gourmet” option, which means they coat the inside of your cone with chocolate. Game changer, lemme tell you!
Since it was late in the evening, they had a slightly limited selection – about 7 flavors to choose from instead of their usual full range. But honestly? Those 7 options were more than enough to create the perfect gelato experience.
More Than Just Gelato
The interior of Venchi isn’t just about gelato. The shop doubles as a chocolate boutique with an impressive array of chocolate confections on display. Everything looked tempting, from chocolate bars to pralines and truffles. We didn’t end up buying any chocolates that night, but they definitely caught my eye for future visits.
The Gelato Experience
After a brief wait, we received our gelato masterpieces – three flavors beautifully layered in a chocolate-lined cone, topped with chocolate chips. Talk about presentation!
I went for the rich chocolate and custard-like flavors, while my sister chose intense chocolate complemented by refreshing mango. The texture was exactly what you want from authentic Italian gelato – dense, creamy, and incredibly smooth.
Each flavor was distinct and packed a punch. The chocolate was deep and rich without being overly sweet, and the fruity options tasted genuinely fresh. There’s something special about Italian gelato that just hits different from regular ice cream – it’s more concentrated, more intense somehow.
We savored every bite as we walked around the illuminated Duomo square. Honestly, eating Venchi gelato while gazing at the Milan Cathedral lit up at night might be one of those perfect travel moments I’ll remember forever.
Why You Should Try Venchi on Your Milan Trip
If you’re visiting Milan, especially the Duomo area, Venchi deserves a spot on your food itinerary. Here’s why:
- The location is unbeatable – right by Milan’s most famous landmark
- They’re open late, perfect for after-dinner treats or night sightseeing
- The quality is consistently excellent (they’ve been making chocolate since 1878, so they know what they’re doing)
- That chocolate-lined cone option elevates the whole experience
- The staff speaks English well, making ordering stress-free for tourists
Even though we were only in Milan for a short time, stopping at Venchi made our quick visit feel complete. Sometimes it’s these small, sweet experiences that make a trip memorable.
So next time you find yourself standing in awe of the Milan Duomo’s intricate facade, take that short walk to Venchi and treat yourself to some of the finest gelato in the city. Even if it’s late, even if you’re tired from a day of exploring – especially then, actually. A cone of rich, creamy gelato might just be the perfect ending to your Milan experience.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have one more authentic Italian memory to take home.
