Milan, dubbed as one of the most important fashion capitals in the world, is home to a plethora of weekly markets, food of the finest quality and ancient ties to its Roman roots in the form of art and the QC Terme spa. So why don’t you discover what the “dolce vita” is all about?
SHOPPING
10 Corso Como
There is something about 10 Corso Como that makes shopping feel like a cultural experience. Part concept store, part gallery, part design bookshop and part café, it is the kind of place you can spend an afternoon wandering around without quite knowing what you’re looking for, and somehow leave with a mental wish list a mile long. The curation mixes established names with cult labels and under-the-radar finds, from Phoebe Philo to brands you may not have heard of yet. Add in its rotating exhibitions and art-filled architecture, and you get fashion, design and culture in one very Milanese address. This might just be the perfect girls’ day spot.
Corso Como, 10, 20154 Milano
La Rinascente
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The Rinascente department store is not one to mess with. Boasting an incredible stature of 10 storeys, how could you not shop ‘til you drop? Located at the famed Piazza del Duomo, you can hardly believe that the historical landmark has been standing for over 150 years when you step inside its glass doors. You can find every luxury brand you can think of within the Rinascente’s four walls, so be prepared for a big shopping day!
Piazza del Duomo, 20121 Milano
Via Montenapoleone
Photo: Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Via Montenapoleone is home to a whole host of high fashion brands from Italy and around the world. Despite the modern shop fronts, the street’s origins trace back to the Roman empire. Take a stroll down this historic street in the centre of Milan which will have their latest haute couture looks on display in anticipation of Fashion Week.
Via Montenapoleone, Milano
Mercato di Papiniano
Taking place every Tuesday and Saturday, the extremely popular mercato situated in Viale Papiniano offers the other end of the shopping spectrum from your high-end department stores and Via Montenapoleone. At Viale Papiniano, you will probably be rummaging through piles of clothes that go for €3 alongside your typical nonna. Stalls of vintage Levi’s, unmarked clothes, and jewellery makers line the long street so be sure to arrive early to snatch all the good stock!
Viale Papiniano, Milano
Il Mercatone dell’Antiquariato sul Naviglio Grande
If you are in the Italian capital on the last Sunday of the month, you absolutely cannot miss the big market that happens monthly by the picturesque Navigli canals. There are just short of 380 stalls that line the waterways with treasure troves of vintage clothes, home decor, books, bags, jewellery – honestly, the list just goes on! Be sure to bring plenty of cash as merchants will be more likely to let you haggle. Put on your best bartering voice and you may just come across your next vintage Chanel bag here!
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4, 20144 Milano
Thrift Shop
Thrift Shop, just a stone’s throw away from Le Colonne, offers pre-loved y2k garments and accessories at an affordable price. The stock changes regularly and the variety in the pieces ensures that there is guaranteed to be something favourable for every style. From vintage belts, kitten heels, corsets and football tees, which is it that you will take away the next time you come here?
Via Privata del Don, 2, 20123 Milano
Humana Vintage
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With three branches scattered across the city, Humana Vintage organises their stock by colour, creating a visually pleasing shopping experience. The shops are part of the charity: Humana People to People Foundation which goes beyond keeping unwanted clothes in circulation. They are also responsible for medium to long-term programmes which tackle socio-environmental issues. Garments are priced at friendly prices, and keep an eye out for the €5 rack!
Via Cappellari, 3, 20123 Milano; Via Edmondo de Amicis, 43, 20123 Milano; Via Vigevano, 32, 20144 Milano
DINING
Égalité
Despite not being a morning person, Égalité is the kind of bakery that makes me want to become one every time I am back in Milan. This French-inspired boulangerie serves up the most buttery, flaky and gloriously photogenic croissants, with the classic pain au chocolat and their seasonal pastries ranking high among my favourites. And thankfully, it’s not just a one-pastry-and-go situation. The bakery also does lunch and aperitivo, because choosing just one thing here feels like a crime. Pro tip: come in on a slow morning, grab an outdoor table and settle in with a coffee and a good book. It’s a pretty great spot for some people-watching too!
Via Melzo, 22, 20129 Milano
Marchesi 1824
Feeling peckish after a long day of trying on clothes? Marchesi 1824 is the place to make afternoon tea feel like a proper occasion. This historic Milanese pastry house has a very specific kind of elegance, with beautifully presented pastries, excellent tea and the sort of old-world atmosphere that makes you want to sit around for far longer than you planned. Their tea ritual and the afternoon tea set, with its mix of sweet and savoury bites, is a must if you want to do it properly. And if you are spending the day shopping around the Quadrilatero, the Montenapoleone location is conveniently close by.
Futura Pizzeria Romana
If you ask me where to find the best pizza in Milan, my answer might just be Futura Pizzeria. Known for its thin, crisp base and inventive toppings, this Roman-style pizzeria is the kind of place where you’ll find yourself convincing everyone that ordering a second pizza is completely reasonable. Tucked away in Isola, it’s also the perfect excuse to venture beyond Milan’s busy centre and see a different side of the city. Start with a supplì, if you know, you know, then pick a pizza and don’t overthink it. Just make sure you book ahead; this one gets busy.
Via Pietro Borsieri, 28, 20159 Milano
Veramente
Veramente is a relatively new addition to the Milan dining scene, and trust me, you do not want to leave without ordering the mafaldine pasta with squid ragù and lemon zest. The restaurant is all about Italian comfort food with a Milanese spin, with its retro interiors and exceptional hospitality making it feel more like someone’s chic, cozy dining room rather than another trendy restaurant in Brera. Veramente is the perfect example of why I love eating in Milan: the food can be so simple in theory, but the execution is anything but.
Via Palermo, 11, 20121 Milano
Beefbar
Beefbar is the sort of restaurant that could very easily be the start of a glamorous night out with your girls. Located in Corso Venezia, this sleek steakhouse is all about quality beef, generous portions and a menu that knows their stuff. But what really makes it worth a visit is the fashion-week-afterparty sort of energy: polished, full of buzz and perfect for a long-overdue debrief over dinner with friends. The menu keeps things playful with its ‘street food’ bites, from Wagyu-fat fried chicken to beef croque sandos. And how could I forget about their parmesan truffle fries?
Corso Venezia, 11, 20121 Milano
Osteria Serafina
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For an unforgettable and authentic Italian dining experience, you absolutely cannot miss Osteria Serafina. The rich scent of truffle greets you as you step inside the osteria. They pride themselves on sourcing the freshest seasonal ingredients and having a large selection of the finest wines. So which is it you’ll have – the gricia tossed in the cheese wheel in front of you, or a traditional Milanese veal? (P.S. their tiramisù is a need, not a want.)
Via Luigi Sacco, 9, 20149 Milano
Pan Milano
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Pan Milano advertises itself as a bakery, kitchen and a wine bar, offering a versatile range of services. The modern interior is reminiscent of a Japanese café, taking after its founders Yoji Tokuyoshi and Alice Yamada. The menu strikes the perfect balance between Italian and Japanese cuisine – sample the shokupan with prosciutto or the restaurant’s homemade burger with red miso mayo.
Via Leopoldo Cicognara, 19, 20129 Milano
D&G Martini Bar
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The upscale Dolce & Gabbana Martini bar, situated in central Milan on Corso Venezia, boasts a wide range of craft cocktails alongside an abundant menu with a lineup of pastas, fish, meats and desserts. Ask to be seated in the veranda on a hotter day and order a spritz or two to accompany your meal.
Corso Venezia, 15, 20121 Milano
Felice a Testaccio
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For trusty and exquisite pasta, Felice a Testaccio is a top candidate. The homey restaurant is reflective of the Roman-style cooking which aligns with the description on their site as being a family that welcomes you (‘una famiglia che ti accoglie’). There are a wide range of pastas and meats to choose from so bring a friend or two to try more!
Via del Torchio, 4, 20123 Milano
LùBar
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Situated beside the Modern Art Gallery, LùBar is a stunning venue to enjoy that perfect afternoon brunch. The restaurant focuses on Sicilian cuisine with typical dishes such as arancini and pasta alla norma. For all the seafood lovers, there are a wide variety of dishes featuring seafood to satisfy any cravings. Take your pick between being seated in the courtyard, garden or the greenhouse when completing your booking.
Via Palestro, 16, 20121
Gelsomina
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Have a slice of the South of Italy at Gelsomina bakery. The signature maritozzi are Roman cream-filled brioches which can also be indulged in its most loved form: pistachio. The popular pasticceria also offers a brunch menu with items such as your classic avocado and eggs on toast or strawberry and banana pancakes.
Via Carlo Tenca, 5, 20124 Milano; Via Galvano Fiamma, 2, 20129 Milano
Ta-Hua
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Feeling a bit homesick? Ta Hua is the place for you. The Hong Kong style restaurant, located by Repubblica, offers an extensive menu of dim-sum, seafood, meat dishes and more. The modern feel of the interiors make for an enjoyable dining experience. Some previous diners include the Hadid sisters and Chiara Ferragni!
Via Gustavo Fara, 15, 20124 Milano
Pavé Gelati & Granite
It would be a crime to leave Italy without having a taste of authentic Italian gelato. With milk instead of cream as its base, gelato is the denser and healthier cousin of ice-cream. Pavé Gelateria offers original gelato flavours such as “tarte tatin” and unconventional fruit ones such as kiwi, so there is sure to be a flavour to your fancy.
Via Cadore, 30, 20135 Milano; Via Cesare Battisti, 21, 20122 Milano
Paper Moon Giardino
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The elegant interiors of Paper Moon Giardino are enough to make you want to dine here. The menu boasts a range of traditional Italian gastronomy, each dish as beautifully presented as the next. If you book early in advance, there is a chance that you will be seated in the picturesque garden located at the back of the restaurant. Come here for a fancy dress-up dinner, or as a break from shopping on Via Montenapoleone.
Via Bagutta 12, 20121 Milano
Bar Picchio
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Located in Porta Venezia, one of the liveliest (and gay-friendly) areas in the city, Bar Picchio is a laid-back ‘neighbourhood’ bar where you will be drinking amongst friendly and sociable locals. The famed photo wall brimming with over a thousand ID photos gives the bar an added quirk in addition to the eclectic artwork behind the counter.
Via Melzo, 11, 20129 Milano
Takumi Ramen
If you ever need a pasta break, we don’t blame you. Takumi Ramen, located in three locations across the city, imports ramen noodles from Japan, so you know they’re the real deal. The chain uses authentic Japanese recipes for the ramen broth to emulate the flavours of Japan.
Viale Bligny 2, 20136 Milano; Via Luigi Canonica, 63, 20154 Milano; Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 24, 20159 Milano
Loste Café
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Loste Café is your traditional Italian bakery, but elevated. From cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns to the fried eggs and truffle salad, what will you pick to have alongside a hearty cup of cappuccino?
Via Francesco Guicciardini, 3, 20129 Milano
Mercato Centrale
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Mercato Centrale at the Centrale train station is an indoor food market made up of over two floors and thirty stalls of various cuisines. Opt for a light panino or salad if you’re not too hungry, or a bowl of fresh pasta just because you’re in Italy.
Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini 2, 20125 Milano
DaDa in Taverna
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DaDa in Taverna offers a range of innovative food choices and a variety of coffee and cocktails in a vibrant and homey atmosphere. The large Gothic vaults and coffered ceilings echo the historical purpose of this establishment, being an inn which survived the bombings during the Second World War. Dada takes after the founders Paolo Anzil and Giuseppe Davide’s interest in Dadaism and Surrealism, concepts which are interwoven into their culinary practices.
Via Morigi, 8, 20123 Milano
Cova Pasticceria
Every Hong Konger’s go-to Cova pasticceria actually originated from the heart of the Italian capital. The café located at the corner of Via Montenapoleone was where it all began. One of Italy’s oldest pastry shops, it has long been frequented by notable figures such as writer Ernest Hemingway and Romantic composer Giuseppe Verdi. Today, the establishment still stands proudly on one of Milan’s most visited streets, hosting breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and aperitivo in its signature blue and gold accented tea room and hidden garden.
Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121 Milano
N’Ombra de Vin
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The gourmet restaurant and wine bar is a safe haven for all wine lovers. Dating back to the 15th century, the ancient wine cellar houses over 2,500 labels of wine where one can have the privilege of experiencing a wine tasting in this captivating landmark. The dining concept is based on a curated selection of high quality foods all locally sourced in tandem with individually sourced products from abroad. Savour the rich flavours of various cuts of meat from the in-house salumeria, located in the vault. One can only expect the best at N’Ombra de Vin.
Via S. Marco, 2, 20121 Milano
SIGHTSEEING & ENTERTAINMENT
Piazza Affari Vintage Car Meet
If you are in Milan on a Sunday morning, I would absolutely make time for the vintage car meet at Piazza Affari, where what is usually a rather serious financial district transforms into an impromptu automotive show. It’s a completely different side of the city from the usual fashion and design circuit, which is exactly what makes it such a fun Sunday reset. You don’t need to be a car person to enjoy it, the old-school charm will draw you right in. This might just end up being the most unexpected highlight of your Milan trip, I know I’m still thinking about that vintage Cobra.
P.za degli Affari, 20123 Milano
QC Termemilano
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A stone’s throw away from Porta Romana, the QC Terme spa is where you will discover pure bliss. Set behind ancient Spanish walls dating back to 500 AD, here you can unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city with massage treatments, saunas, wellness pools and more.
Piazzale Medaglie D’Oro, 2, 20135 Milano
Pinacoteca di Brera
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The abundance of artwork in the Pinacoteca di Brera is enough to make you want to revisit. Containing works from the 13th to 20th century, the gallery houses several important masterpieces such as Hayez’s “The Kiss” and Raphael’s “The Marriage of the Virgin”.
Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano
Teatro della Scala
Inaugurated in 1778, the long-established Teatro alla Scala (more colloquially known as La Scala) is one of the world’s top leading ballet and opera houses. Take a tour of the captivating red and gold accented opera house and the in-house museum or book early in advance to experience some of the top talents in the world in performances such as Swan Lake, Le Nozze di Figaro and more.
Via Filodrammatici 2, 20121 Milano
Fondazione Prada
Fondazione Prada is one for the contemporary art lovers. With both permanent and temporary exhibitions available, the institute which is co-chaired by Miuccia Prada explores various portrayals of literature, cinema, music, philosophy and science in a multitude of art forms. You will be confronted by cultural stimuli that are thought-provoking at its core. Works from globally acclaimed artists such as Jean-Luc Godard, John Baldessari and Damien Hirst will be present.
Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano
Ape Milano
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Ape Milano is renowned for its regular, exciting events held at cool venues. With each event showcasing a different lineup of DJs, guests are bound to have an exhilarating experience. Some of the notable locations where Ape has been held are: Parco Sempione, the largest park in the city centre, and Piazza Affari, home to the Italian stock exchange and the unconventional but comical giant middle finger statue. To stay informed about the latest events make sure to follow @apemilano on Instagram and you will be promised a good time!
Held at various locations
Armani Silos
A permanent exhibition space that was inaugurated by Giorgio Armani in 2015 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the mæstro’s career, Armani/Silos creatively displays the eponymous brand’s creations from 1980 to the present by theme. Alongside the couturier’s work, temporary exhibitions are on rotation as well as a digital archive, a bookshop and a café.
Via Bergognone, 40, 20144 Milano
Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano
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In a city full of such rich heritage in the arts, it would be a shame to leave Milan without experiencing the awe-inspiring Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper in the flesh. Prepare to be enveloped by the spellbinding masterpiece as you step into the Santa Maria delle Grazie where the friars once congregated to eat, pray and meditate during their meals.
Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano
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Noella Lee and Christy LamCredit
Lead Image: Christy Lam
