Milan: cradle of fashion, art and gastronomy
Milan is a city like no other. A center of fashion and design and the financial heart of Italy, the city offers a wealth of sights and gastronomic experiences. Follow these tips and you'll make the most of your city trip to Milan!
A city trip to Milan
When I go to Milan I feel like returning home. We lived in Lombardy for 5 years and often came to the city on Saturdays to shop, eat or enjoy the numerous sights. I still love retracing my steps after all these years. Milan is the perfect destination for a city trip just to get away from it all. On a road trip to Italy, it is also the ideal first stop after a full day of driving. There is great food, incredible shopping and endless strolling through the streets.
When is the best time to go to Milan?
Milan can be visited year-round. Winter brings cold weather but beautiful blue skies and less tourism. Summers are very hot and August is to be avoided. It’s the time of ferragosto, the vacation period of the Italians, and many stores and restaurants are closed for the month. I prefer to visit this vibrant city during spring and autumn.
How should I prepare my trip?
Fan of museums? Then I really recommend buying your tickets online early. The top attractions are best visited early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Popular restaurants are always full. Make reservations in advance or eat early. Read on and I will reveal my favorite addresses.
My favorite addresses in Milan
Hotels
Looking for a hotel? I recommend the following:
- Chateau Monfort. Chateau Monfort is a member of the Relais & Chateaux group. The interior is like stepping into a fairytale and the service is outstanding.
Adres: Corso Concordia, 1, 20129 Milano
- Uptown Palace is a great address for a short stay.
Adres: Via Santa Sofia, 10, 20122 Milano
- Hotel Rosa Grand is ideally located near the Duomo.
Adres: Piazza Fontana, 3, 20122 Milano
- Hotel Principe di Savoia. Hotel Principe di Savoia is an icon of A-list hotels and a destination in itself.
Adres: Piazza della Repubblica, 17, 20124 Milano
Restaurants
In Milan, you can find a great restaurant on every street corner. The restaurants in this list are some of my favorites that I keep returning to:
- Da Giacomo. Da Giacomo is an elegant, classic trattoria known for its seafood. Check out the group's other restaurants.
- Nobu. This Japanese restaurant of the Nobu chain is located in the Armani Building on Via Manzoni.
- Solferino. Solferino brings top Italian cuisine to the Brera area. Let yourself be guided by the waiters who will recommend dishes with daily fresh seasonal produce
- Giardino di Giada. Giardino di Giada brings classic Cantonese cuisine. Many Chinese guests come here for lunch or dinner, and that is a good reference.
- Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. In this temple of gastronomy you find glamour and great food! Reserve early during the warmer months for a cozy table on the shaded terrace.
- La Taverna degli Amici. If you're in the mood for good meat, Taverna degli Amici comes highly recommended.
- Gong. Gong serves refined Chinese gastronomy in an impressive modern setting. This restaurant is located near Chateau Monfort.
- Savini. Elegance and gastronomy at its finest at this restaurant in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
- Marchesi 1824. Marchesi is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch in style. You have a breathtaking view of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
- Navigli. Spend an evening along the waterfront of the Navigli, a cozy neighborhood in Milan. There is music, food and fun everywhere.
Where to find the best caffé, aperitivo and bars in Milan
- Pasticceria Cova . Pasticceria Cova is a lovely place for coffee or aperitivo. You will find this coffee bar in the Quadrilato on Via Montenapoleone.
- Marchesi 1824 . Marchesi 1824 serves fine patisserie and delicious coffee. The salon in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a day-round destination.
- Da Giacomo Tabaccheria. Da Giacomo Tabaccheria serves coffee in a unique old tobacco store. The breakfast bar is part of the group Da Giacomo.
- Camparino. Camparino in Galleria is my favorite place for a Campari overlooking the Duomo. This historic bar is among the best in the world. Also ideal for breakfast.
