Milan is the perfect blend of a charming, glamourous and cosmopolitan Italy. The capital of style is also home to modern design, high-end fashion, commerce and finance. Set amidst cobblestone streets and enchanting alleyways are trendy and old school restaurants, the iconic opera house La Scala, the most important design fair in the world, the majestic Duomo and a myriad of less renowned small churches… Read more »
Local: Milan
There is no better place in the world to learn about and enjoy Opera. We were mesmerized to learn that many visit Milan and do not experience the most iconic opera house in the world or its masterpiece productions. There is an onsite museum with a collection of opera relics and interactive technology, as well as special exhibitions, like the one about Toscanini when we… Read more »
Initially we booked this art tour slightly desperately as it was virtually impossible to get tickets to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Cenacolo Vinciano. Well, we were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tour, not only for the interesting explanations of the painting itself (it starts with Da Vinci and even mentions some conspiracy theories discussed in Dan Brown´s best-selling book),… Read more »
Many go to Verona for Romeo and Juliet. And, even though our love of Shakespeare knows no bounds, Verona is of course much more than that. It is a beautiful town with an enchanting historic center dating back to ancient Rome. The arena is well preserved and used to be one of the largest in the whole Roman Empire, and we were charmed to learn… Read more »
This is an unmissable hidden gem in Milan. Once an old convent, to which young girls from noble and aristocratic families were sent, the San Maurizio is considered the Sistine Chapel of Milan. The understated façade does not give much away, but its interiors are richly painted by artists who were part of Da Vinci’s school of influence, mostly commissioned by the iconic Sforzas. One… Read more »
An old industrial area of town that has been gentrified to become the hub of Milanese creativity. It has had a recent boom of cool bars and trendy restaurants in its converted and renovated warehouses, one of which is our preferred seafood restaurant in town, is the Langosteria. Designers, stylish people and all things cool head to Tortona, an area very different from the overall… Read more »
The bohemian part of town, traditionally the artists’ neighborhood, developed around the canals once used for commerce. Nowadays, it has become a lot busier and more touristic than years past, when foreigners were unlikely to have heard about it. Yet, Navigli remains full of charm. Stroll along the canals, visit the beautiful Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, the art galleries and small vintage shops, enjoy some… Read more »
Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in town the Langosteria is a high end venue in Tortona and has become quite famous for the excellence in its dishes and fine dining. The ambience is upscale with dim lighting and a sophisticated décor in dark wood, burgundy chairs and cushions. Lobsters, oysters, high quality cod and other seafood, everything tempting and delicious. They interestingly also… Read more »
In the Quadrilatero d’Oro, the upscale fashion district, the Salumaio is breathtaking at first sight, with a stunning patio with mosaic floors right at entrance and a sophisticated and luxurious décor throughout. The restaurant is frequented by a fashionable clientele, as well as business people and see-and-be-seen habitués. The food, though good, is honestly not as amazing as the exquisite ambience may lead you to… Read more »
For those days when you are walking around and just feel like having a good meal without having to dress up, this is the perfect place. On 7th floor of the La Rinascente shops at Vittorio Emanuele II gallery you will find this trendy food hall and delightful delicacy shop, just perfect. As an extra bonus, you have wonderful views of the Duomo, and we… Read more »
Located in the Montenapoleone area, the Solferino is everything you would expect from an old school Italian restaurant: a warm welcome by distinctive looking senior hosts, the cozy ambience reminiscent of grandma’s dining room, waiters who have probably been working there for decades, and, of course, the outstanding food. We started with crude tuna envoltini in cheese and avocado cream, which was good. The highlight… Read more »
For delicious ice cream head to one of the Amorinos in town, we have been to two of them, in Navigli and Brera. They have mostly the usual flavors, all very tasty, and creativity is left to the way it is beautifully served, as a flower in cones. They also have macarons filled with ice cream, which were quite lovely. Passion fruit, pistachio, lemon and… Read more »
This is no longer a truly local Milanese restaurant, or even local Italian, since expanding abroad. Yet, for a good Italian meal served in an unpretentious ambience, contemporary design and friendly atmosphere, Obicà is always a good choice. The menu´s main ingredient is mozzarella and its many variations and origins. You also have a selection of pastas, pizzas and amazing cheese and prosciutto boards, all… Read more »
This super traditional pastry shop in Milan is beloved by locals. If you walk by, you will certainly stop and look at its windows with the beautiful and delicious looking cakes and pies. Step inside and try some of its sandwiches, sip a cup of perfectly brewed fresh Italian coffee, taste the homemade bread and, of course, order sweets, cakes or cookies to finish your… Read more »
One of the locations we most love in Milan. Next door to Indro Montanelli Park (perfect for exercise and to visit some of its great buildings, such as the Planetarium or the Natural History Museum), walking distance to Brera and Quadrilatero Della Moda, a short taxi drive to Milano Centrale, a ten-minute min walk to Duomo and a few steps farther to La Scala. The… Read more »
Perfect location only two blocks away from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and a short walk to both the luxurious Quadrilatero della Moda and charming Brera. A small lobby hosted by very attentive staff welcomes you to this modern and comfortable boutique hotel. The light wooden décor with unexpected shades of blue and orange make for a lovely ambience. The restaurant serves a… Read more »
You probably cannot get any closer to the Duomo, 54 steps or a one-minute walk (yes, we counted it). The Straf is also near the Scala and Quadrilatero della Moda (between a three to six minute walk, counted as well!). Design, design, design. If you want a cool contemporary boutique hotel with an ultra-modern clean industrial design feel, this is probably a good choice. The… Read more »
Located in city center, this luxurious contemporary property is one block away from the Duomo and walking distance to most of the city’s attractions, including fashion Quadrilatero della Moda and the business area. We enjoyed our stay at this hotel, we had the same great experience at the the Splendid in Venice and the Inghilterra in Rome, all owned by the same group. Rosa Grand… Read more »
A quirky boutique hotel in Navigli, the Yard is recommended for those who want to stay in this bohemian part of town. A short ten-minute drive will take you downtown, where most of the city’s attractions, commerce and financial centers are. The unusual décor includes travel trunks, old boxes, sports trophies in a super stylish atmosphere that seems somehow British and a little hipster as… Read more »
With the Duomo around the corner and very close to most of downtown´s attractions, walking distance to Brera, Quadrilatero and La Scala. We visited the property and were enchanted by its charming designer lobby, with a retro feel and unique décor, giving Room Mate Giulia its own personality. The ambiance is pleasant with furnishings in pastel colors, luxurious sofas, modern carpets, posters and wooden details… Read more »
