The Milan City Guide
Our tips on where to stay, what to eat and discover...
We were told that Milan is like an onion, that it slowly reveals itself (mostly behind hard-to-find doors) and is densely layered. This demure behaviour adds to Milan's appeal, echoing our own sensibilities: beautifully blending the old-world with modernity and embracing both ways.
Compiled from our recent trip to Italy, our Milan City Guide is full of tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to discover...
STAY
Room Mate Guilia —
Situated between the Milan Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Room Mate Guilia is within walking distance to many historic landmarks and vibrant shopping areas. Via Silvio Pellico, 4, 20121
However, if there is no budget, we recommend staying a night or two at Portrait Milano Hotel. Housed in one of the oldest seminaries in Europe, this convent square was converted into a luxury hotel by the family of Salvattore Ferragamo. Corso Venezia, 11, 20121
The lobby of Room Mate Guilia, Milano
The Saffron Risotto served with Veal Cutlet
EAT
Cova — for their take on a regional negroni with prosecco + excellent bar snacks. Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121
Antica Trattoria Della Pesa — classic Milanese menu, run by the original owner’s daughter. We ate veal cutlets on saffron risotto. Dining with locals, we were also encouraged to try grappa! Viale Pasubio, 10, 20154
Marchesi — Breakfast, café and patisserie. One of Milan’s oldest and finest pastry shops, since 1824. Located in an 18th century building, we admired the original cabinetry and fabric covered walls. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 2012
Ristorante Da Giacomo — A perfect spot for an afternoon aperitivo with a view of the Duomo Cathedral. Via Pasquale Sottocorno, Via Benvenuto Cellini, 6
Princi – multiple locations, great for a slice of crispy pizza and coffee.
The breakfast table details at Cova, Milano
The fabric-covered entrance room to Marchesi
The aperitif hour at Cova, featuring their signature negroni "mistake"
DISCOVER
Milan Cathedral, rooftop walk —
Experience Italy's largest church, and reminisce on the scene in I Am Love, of Tilda Swinton making her way through the church's rooftop stairs... Said to be the symbol of Milan, and constructed in 1386, Duomo de Milano has breathtaking views of the city and its own detailed structure.
Villa Necchi Campiglio, house tour —
An architectural gem, the Necchi Campiglio Villa was built by the architect Piero Portaluppi in 1935, featuring three floors, a private garden with a swimming pool and tennis court all set in the center of Milan. Our favourite room was the open glass sitting room, surrounded by planted window sills. Via Mozart, 14, 20122
The Last Supper —
Take a guided tour of Leonardo's masterpiece The Last Supper, explore Piazza dei Mercanti, and the iconic duomo while the bells ring. Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123
Fondazione Prada —
The Milan venue of Fondazione Prada, conceived by Rem Koolhaas, expands the ways in which art can be exhibited and shared with the public. Fondazione Prada features an exceptional modern art and film archive. L.go Isarco, 2, 20139
The sun and plant filled sitting room at Villa Necchi Campiglio
The bedroom cabinetry features the personal belongings of the Necchi family
A view of the stone detailing from the rooftop of Duomo Milano
The plate and platter installation at Astier de Villatte
SHOP —
Cabana Store —An expression of the magazine, the Cabana store brings to life products they have made in collaboration with traditional craftsmen and makers. Via Borgospesso, 8, 20121
F. Pettinaroli & Figli — A classic stationery shop, offering handmade paper and leather goods. Via Brera, 4, 20121
Officine Universelle Buly 1803 — A true retail experience, Buly offers unique self-care products, interesting aromas, and an incredible brush collection. The packaging alone is worth a look. Via Brera, 2, 20121
Astier de Villatte — A new space, featuring three ogive windows painted in wagon green, a favorite color of the maison. Inside, explore their lamp installation, and charming textiles and book collections. Via dell'Orso, 1, 20121
Erbavoglio Milano — Step into the mother & daughter run atelier, an enchanting world of handmade copper sculpture flowers in a vibrant artisanal area. Via Marco Formentini, 5, 20121
Wandering through the artisanal district of Brera. More stories from Milan coming soon!