How to fall in love with the underrated city of Milan
Your Milan Guide
I really love Milan. And sometimes it feels like I’m the only one.
Both working in the travel industry and having many Italian friends, I hear a lot of feedback on this iconic city and hearing the way it’s described makes it clear to me that these people haven’t really given Milan a chance.
‘It’s just a big business city’. Say the Italians.
’It can be done in a day, just fly in and fly out’. Say the travel agents.
‘It doesn’t compare to Rome or Venice.‘ Say the tourists.
But what if we turn those statements around?
‘It’s just a big business city’.
Yes, it’s a big city. A big city that offers a mixture of neighbourhoods and vibes. A big city that’s full of twists and turns. A big city full of fun things to see and do.
’It can be done in a day, just fly in and fly out’.
But if you fly in and out, you’ll miss all of it’s greatness! You’ll miss Milan as it comes alive at night. You’ll leave before you even get a feel for the city and you’ll squeeze in just a fraction of the fun.
‘It doesn’t compare to Rome or Venice.‘
Now I’ll admit, Milan doesn’t compete with Rome for historical buildings, or with Venice for its beautiful canals: but it shouldn’t have to. Milan is a city that is full of its own beauty and charm (if only you’re prepared to look for it). Besides, they do say, comparison is the thief of joy!
So, are you ready to give Milan a chance?
Here’s 8 reasons why I think you should.
Food
We’re talking about Italy of course. How could we not start with the food?
And with a city full of Michelin star chefs, as well as an abundance of traditional Italian Osterias and Trattorias, I can guarantee that you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing where to eat your next meal.
My Recommendations:
Lunch on the go: Mercato Centrale. Ever eaten in a UK train station? You won’t believe how different things are in Milan. This food market is located in the Central station and features both excellent quality and plenty of choice.
A traditional lunch: Osteria Del Treno. Authentic, traditional and extremely hearty cuisine with a friendly service.
An intimate dinner: Ratanà: A cozy restaurant with an interesting menu and a lovely spot in town.
Fine dining dinners: Ceresio 7: An elegant hideaway on the fourth floor with exceptional food and cocktails, interesting art and two rooftop pools.
Bars
Whether it’s a typical Italian aperitivo, a night of local bar hopping, or hiding away in an under-the-radar spot, I guarantee, whatever your taste, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you entertained in Milan.
So what’s your style? Sipping serenely on your aperol spritz or dancing until the early hours?
Either way, I would highly recommend trying out at least one Milanese Aperitivo where snacks tend to be notoriously generous.
My Recommendations:
For aperitivo: Camparino. An iconic local aperitivo spot, positioned right in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, offering fantastic views of the Duomo.
For bar hopping: Navigli Grande. A popular local area of charming canals filled with excellent cocktail bars and cafes
For an under the radar spot: 1930. One of those spots you have to know about. A speakeasy with plenty of surprises.
Accommodation
Italy is known for its traditional style and this is often reflected in accommodation too.
But with more people appreciating modern, fresh and innovative designs, progressive Milan certainly has plenty of forward-thinking options to match the Demand.
My Recommendations
Home from home: Vico milano. This family-owned and extremely boutique beauty features handpicked furniture, an honesty bar, impeccable design, and a warm and fuzzy vibe that hits you as soon as you enter.
A rooftop hangout: Viu milano. Another family owned property with flawless design but a totally different feel. Think natural tones, mixed dining options, an infusion of technology, and a popular rooftop hang out (with a pool too).
The Neighbourhoods
One of my favourite sayings is variety is life. And when it comes to city districts, Milan certainly offers plenty of variety.
From the cool, reinvented vibes of Isola, to the artistic community of Porta Venezia. The historical Centro Storico to the new modern kid on the block, Citylife; If you like to see a city through different eyes, be sure to explore the different neighbourhoods.
My Recommendations
For sightseeing: Centro Storico, home to the Duomo.
For restaurant hunting: Porto Venezia or Brera
For bar hunting: Navigli or Isola
Art
Whether discovered on the street or admired in one of its many galleries, Milan offers a chance to explore both a rich history, and a more contemporary look at art.
In fact some of the most important pieces from the Italian Renaissance can be found here, as well as the city playing host to various annual events dedicated to the arts such as the Miart Fair (5-7 April) and Milan Design week (8-14 April).
My recommendations
For Street Art: Wander down to the incredible ‘Music is a never ending journey’ mural on Via Ettore Troilo.
For Classic Art: See the world famous painting from Leonardo Da Vinci ‘The Last Supper’ in the UNESCO World heritage site Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Shopping
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. And I imagine it’s no surprise that I would recommend shopping here.
Whether you’re a fan of high-end boutiques or you’re hunting for some unique and vintage pieces, Milan is a treasure trove for shoppers of all styles and tastes.
My Recommendations
For vintage shopping: In Corso di Porta Ticinese you’ll find a nice mixture of alternative and original shops with unique and vintage pieces.
For department store shopping: Rinascente is a popular department store in Italy and their flagship store in Milan is rather impressive.
For high end shopping: Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga host some of the most prestigious brands in Milan.
Old and New
One beautiful thing about Milan is the blend of old and new design.
Ancient and gothic architecture meets Art Deco and modern designs to create a unique harmony of stunning Italian style. Here you really can find a bit of everything.
From the iconic Duomo and medieval Castello Sforzesco, to the industrial chic Armani/Silos art space and the futuristic Mudec, architecture appreciators will definitely enjoy this Italian journey through time and space.
My Recommendations
Classic: No surprises here. You have to see The dramatic, intricately designed Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s a Milan rite of passage.
New and innovative: Check out the stunning Bosco Verticale for a shining example of sustainability. Also, though I haven’t made it myself yet, I’m desperate to visit QC Terme – an impressive interactive spa.
The Land of Lakes
Milan is one of the best access points for some summer fun at Lakes such as Como and Maggiore. But it doesn’t have to just be an access point.
Milan has it’s own version of summer fun across the city, from it’s many pools and parks, to its glamorous rooftop bars and open air cinemas. So it’s great to also spend some time here before or after visiting the Lakes.
One piece of advice here: Avoid travelling to Milan in August when many Milanese are escaping, leaving many local places closed down during this time.
My Recommendations:
Lake Como: Take a trip to this legendary lake and stay at the stunning Grand Hotel Victoria. (Book with me for extra benefits!)
Lake Maggiore: For a less touristic but equally special option, try out this alternative destination.
My best advice when it comes to Milan?
Don’t compare it to Rome. Or Venice. Go out and experience the city for yourself and appreciate it in all of it’s own unique glory!
Would you like to give it a try?
