Design is Milano, Milano is design

August 2021

Well hello there …

I’ve already visited a lot of European cities, but Milan was not one of them.

My partner travels a lot to this fashion city for his work and invited me for a short trip, to show me a bit around.

I had a clear image in my head of what to expect, although I did not do any research in advance. And reality met my expectations.

I do like shopping, but expensive design clothing and gadgets are not really my thing. I also heard the Duomo is really magnificent, and when I arrived at the Piazza I could only confirm it’s not a lie. We only stayed 2 days, 1 night. For some this might be to too short, but for me it was long enough to get a good picture of the city.

Did I enjoy this trip? I certainly did ! Is Milan in my top 5 of cities to visit, no it isn’t …

Tourist hotspots

  • Duomo

    The Cathedral of Milan, better known as Duomo of Milan, is one of the largest cathedrals in Italy and Europe. This Gothic-style church is 157m long and 92m wide, the construction began in 1386. It took 5 centuries to complete! During this time, various architects, sculptors and artists contributed to the famous construction. At the outside its covered with white and pink marble and the roof is covered in openwork pinnacles and spires crowned with sculptures that overlook the city. The interior is elegant and stately thanks to its large sculpted marble columns that reach the ceiling. One of the most precious objects housed in the Duomo is one of the nails used during the Crucifixion of Christ. It is only exposed to the public once a year, on the Saturday closest to the 14 September. Tourists can climb to the top and walk along the rooftop terrace, while enjoying one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Milan. You can either climb to the top by foot (the stairs are fairly comfortable), or you get up by using the elevator, but you will need to pay a surplus.

    We only bought a ticket to visit the inside of the Cathedral and paid only € 5pp. The Duomo Pass Lift, will cost you € 20pp, but gives you access to the cathedral, the archaeological area, the rooftop and the museum.

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II
    Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, built between 1865 and 1877. It’s a well-known landmark of Milan. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the centre of town, next to the Duomo. Named after the first king of Italy. It houses some of the most luxurious boutiques in Milan such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The gallery is beautifully embellished with mosaics. If you find a spot, you can drink a nice cup of cappuccino at one of the bars/restaurants at the ground floor, watching people passing by.  Or you can stroll on the gallery roof walkways to enjoy the wonderful panorama over Piazza del Duomo and the city.

  • Navigli
    A much-loved district in Milano, known for its charm and lively nightlife scene. The Navigli were originally man-made canals used for transport as well as for irrigation. The crisscrossed waterways are now invisible under paved roads. The district is home to several markets, art galleries and craft shops. In the evening, the lights from the clubs and restaurants reflect in the canals, making it the city zone where people like dining the most. Some of the bars are also offering a “happy-hour” concept, attracting a lot of young people.

  • Brera
    Brera is often referred to as the artist’s neighbourhood in Milan. Restaurants, bars, cafes, night clubs, antique shops, art galleries, historical buildings, colourful street markets and fortune-tellers booths are all giving this area so much character. Brera is only a short walk away from Piazza del Duomo. This area breathes a very different atmosphere. I really enjoyed strolling around and having a nice lunch.

  • Castello Sforzesco
    It’s free to walk through the castle courtyards, and check out the outside, like we did. Inside, the castle houses several civic museums, including an archaeological museum focusing on Egyptian artefacts, one dedicated to musical instruments, and a museum displaying Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pietà Rondanini. There’s also an entire room decorated with frescoes by Leonardo Da Vinci, who lived in the castle for a number of years. Next to the castle you’ll find Parco Sempione, a nice place to have a picknick.

  • Porta Nuova – Bosco Verticale
    A perfect spot to explore the new soul of the city. This historic, formerly industrial area has been given a makeover thanks to an important and complex redevelopment plan that has now transformed it into Milan’s most futuristic district. The Corso Como is the quintessential Milanese shopping complex that comprises boutique stores, designer cafés, and artsy bars. A great nightlife also awaits you here, as the streets are lined with some truly rocking nightclubs. The Bosco Verticale or vertical woods, is another monumental structure worth seeing. Designed as a vertical forest in bloom and comprising two residential high rises, the facades of the buildings make for a refreshing change from the usual modernistic skyscrapers.

Would you like a table …

  • Langosteria
    https://langosteria.com/

    A peculiar and evocative name in Milan! Owner and CEO, Enrico Buonocore was inspired by the fame of it’s seafood restaurant, that opened its doors in 2007… so he replicated the concept with different restaurants: Langosteria Bistrot (2012) & Langosteria Café Milano (2016) – both in the heart of the city, and Langosteria Paraggi (2017) – outside town.
    We had a lovely diner at the “Bistrot”. Fine-dining, where one can experience and taste the sea. An excellent wine selection and a glamorous ambience complete the picture. Rather expensive, but a wonderful evening, in an inviting setting. The Café is located in the elegant Galleria del Corso, where they serve refined cocktails, accompanied by fresh seafood or a delicious pasta.

  • Osteria di Brera
    https://www.osteriadibrera.it/
    The second day we had lunch in the cosy Brera district.
    Osteria di Brera served us a nice “Milanese Escalope”, our all-time favorite.

  • Casa Borella Ristorante & Café
    http://www.casaborella.it/
    My partner's boss' favourite place. A bit too uptight in my personal opinion, but apparently finger-licking good. In a higher price range though.

  • Ratana
    https://www.ratana.it/
    Playful, sustainable dishes, a modern interpretation of traditional Milanese cuisine. Slowfood concept with a predilection for rice, Don Giuseppe Gervasini risottos are very tasty is being said. The restaurant is located in Porta Nuova, one of the upcoming districts.

  • Da Giacomo
    https://giacomomilano.com/
    An old Milanese Trattoria, dating from the early 20’s, very renowned for their Seafood. The interior breaths a classical and sophisticated ambient. Save a spot to taste the homemade patisserie from the wonderful dessert tray.

  • 28 Posti
    https://www.28posti.org/
    Located in the heart of Navigli, a restaurant with contemporary Mediterranean Cuisine. Seating only 28 people as the name refers to, a minimal fit out, including recycled wooden furniture. This young chef brings creativity and a healthy attitude to the table. Novel combinations of saltiness and sweetness, hot and cold. It's definitely not for everybody. About 80% of the wine list is biodynamic and natural.

  • Trattoria Madonnina
    One of the oldest trattoria’s in Milan, where the Milanese tradition has been proudly kept intact for over 200 years. A truly authentic joint where you can taste the most popular grandmas’ recipes: cassoeula, ossobuco, yellow saffron rice or cotoletta alla Milanese. The entire interior tells a story.

  • Trattoria Trippa
    https://www.trippamilano.it/
    Simple, informal and uncomplicated are 3 words that describe this trattoria. Although Diego Rossi learned the tricks of the trade in starred restaurants, his philosophy for Trippa is focusing on respect for raw materials, where you can have fun without the constraints imposed by haute cuisine and a zero waste policy.

La Dolce Vita

  • Amorino Gelato
    Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream. Gelato is lower in fat because it contains less cream and more milk, and is churned slower resulting in less air and a richer flavour. Although Amorino is a French chain, they serve exceptional Italian gelato. In Milan they have 3 shops, one close to the Duomo, one in Navigli and one in Brera.

  • Bar Luce
    https://www.fondazioneprada.org/barluce-en
    An eclectic Milanese cafe, designed by film director Wes Anderson, located at the entrance building of Fondazione Prada. Pink speckled floors, minty green formica tables and patterned wallpaper inspired by the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the cafe has a distinct 60s feeling without being overly ‘retro’. The perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix, joined by a tasty cake. But it’s also a nice lunch spot, they offer a great variety of panini’s and sandwiches.

Good night sleep tight

The best area to stay in Milan, highly depends on what kind of experience you’d like to have! There are a few go-to areas for young people travelling to Milan, that have become popular destinations because of their 24/7 activity. Isola, the whole neighbourhood from Garibaldi Station to Viale Zara, is the upcoming trendy area of Milan. Isola is a post-war neighbourhood and used to be a residence for the local factory workers. At the turn of the last century, Isola saw an influx of creatives, street artists and alternative locals looking for somewhere a little different. It has slowly become the creative hub of Milan, and one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city! Navigli is also considered one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Milan for young people, thanks to the abundant choices of entertainment. The district contains two main canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Both are lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, design shops and galleries. Which make them the perfect area to stroll through and explore. Brera is also a short walk away from Piazza del Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, two of the main attractions in Milan.

We stayed at the Mercure Milano Solari, a 4* star hotel of the Accor chain. My partner stays on a very regular basis in Accor hotels for his work, which brings extra benefits and discounts.

I also listed 10 hotels (from cheap € 80/nt too expensive € 350/nt) , that appeal more to the imagination:

BUDGET

MIDD-CLASS

LUXURY

I could give up shopping, but I am not a quitter.

The first association most people have with Milan is that it is a shopper's paradise. Milan is called the fashion capital of Italy and even Europe. The city is home to many important fashion brands such as Versace, Armani, Prada, D&G, Moschino, Zegna, Valentino and so much more. Twice a year Milan organizes the Milan fashion week where designers present their new collections for the next season.

As I already confessed, I don’t get extremely wild by entering this Walhalla, but you can’t describe Milan, without indicating where to go shopping.

  • Around the Cathedral
    The streets directly adjacent to the Duomo are the perfect place for shopping. Big names such as H&M, Zara, Mango, COS and &Other Stories are located here. But also the Italian classics such as Benetton, Tezenis, etc… The Corso Vittorio Emanuele & the Corso Dante are 2 of the biggest shopping streets in this district.

  • The Golden Quadrilateral
    The place in Milan for those looking for Italian couturiers. It is the most expensive shopping area in Milan. This quadrangle consists of the streets Via Manzoni, Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia.

  • Corso Buenos Aires
    Corso Buenos Aires is a good alternative to the always (too) busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele in the heart of Milan. Here you will also find the large fashion chains, but also some more small-scale shops.

  • Brera Art District
    Here you find mainly beautiful antique shops and galleries. But there are also more and more nice vintage shops and chic boutiques.

  • 5VIE
    The neighbourhood where 5 streets come together (Via Santa Marta, Via Santa Maria Podone, Via Santa Maria Fulcorina, Via Bocchetto and Via del Bollo), within walking distance of Via Torino. Modern design shops alternate with vintage shops and trendy coffee and lunch bars.

I didn’t went home with a suitcase full off designer items. What I did buy were some Italian delicacies, I bought in “La Rinascente”, one of the oldest departments stores.

“The Creator made Italy from designs by Michaelangelo.” ~ MARK TWAIN