Milan isn’t just a city; it’s an experience steeped in design, culture, and an unmistakable Italian flair. From its meticulously curated museums to its world-class culinary scene, this Lombard capital offers a sophisticated urban adventure that demands a touch of planning to truly savor. This guide is designed to help you navigate its treasures, ensuring you capture the essence of Milan, even on a short visit.
Worth knowing
Milan’s reputation as a global design hub influences everything from its architecture and fashion to its dining establishments. Prepare for a city that values aesthetics and innovation at every turn.
Discover Milan’s Design Heart
My exploration of Milan began with an immersion into its design heritage, a theme that weaves through the entire city. It’s fascinating how a place can be so deeply rooted in its creative spirit, and this city wears that crown with evident pride. You’ll see it in the way buildings are presented, the way public spaces are utilized, and even in the smallest café details.
Triennale Milano
Design Museum · Parco Sempione
This significant cultural institution, founded in 1923, celebrates design and architecture. It houses the Museum of Italian Design, showcasing permanent collections, and also features a theater for performances, making it a dynamic center for the arts.
Standing between Castello Sforzesco and Torre Branca, the Triennale Milano offers a deep dive into the philosophy and evolution of design. It’s more than just exhibits; it’s a place that captures the pulse of Milanese creativity. After spending time here, you’re perfectly positioned to wander towards other nearby landmarks like the Civic Aquarium or the grand Arch of Peace, with the Pinacoteca di Brera also within easy reach should your artistic appetite still be whetted.
A Taste of Milanese Elegance
For lunch, I sought out a place that embodied the city’s refined culinary scene. It’s important to find those spots that offer not just good food, but an experience that complements the day’s explorations. Finding a restaurant that balances classic flavors with a contemporary touch is key to appreciating Milan’s gastronomic evolution.
Acanto
Restaurant · Via Principe Savoia
Located within the luxurious , Acanto offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on classic-contemporary dishes. Its elegant ambiance and seasonal ingredients make it a notable choice for lunch or dinner.
Acanto, situated within the , presented just that. The meal here was a delightful pause, offering meticulously prepared dishes that showcased seasonal ingredients. If the weather permits, dining in their garden provides an extra layer of tranquility, a welcomed contrast to the city’s energy. Even with Michael and the kids, this felt like a real treat.
Afternoon Refreshment and Relaxation
After a satisfying lunch, I decided to indulge in some personal rejuvenation. Milan’s luxury offerings extend to its wellness facilities, providing a perfect opportunity to recharge. It’s a chance to experience a different facet of the city’s sophisticated lifestyle.
Portrait Milano Spa
Spa · Via Sant’Andrea
Part of the Portrait Milano hotel, this spa offers advanced biohacking and anti-aging practices. Facilities include a swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, and relaxation areas, open to both hotel guests and the public.
A visit to the spa at Portrait Milano, a hotel that has impressively revitalized a historic cloister, felt like stepping into another world. The dedication to wellness, with its focus on biohacking and anti-aging, was quite advanced. Lily was fascinated by the idea of a “biohacking spa,” even if she only understood bits of it. The facilities themselves – the pool, the sauna – offered a perfect escape from the afternoon heat. It allowed me to gather my thoughts and prepare for the evening ahead.
Iconic Apéritif Ritual
No visit to Milan would be complete without partaking in the beloved apéritif tradition. This is where the city truly comes alive in the early evening, a time to socialize and enjoy a meticulously crafted drink before dinner.
Bar Basso
Bar · Via Plinio
A historic Milanese bar, famous as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato. It retains its original flair and design, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors to experience the apéritif culture.
Stopping at Bar Basso was a must. This legendary establishment is not only known for its stylish ambiance but also for being the cradle of the Negroni Sbagliato. Experiencing this iconic drink in its birthplace felt like a rite of passage. The atmosphere here is electric, with people gathering to chat and unwind. It was a wonderful way to transition from the afternoon’s relaxation into the evening’s culinary adventures.
A Culinary Masterpiece
Dinner in Milan is an event, and I was eager to experience the city’s acclaimed dining scene. The quality of restaurants here is exceptional, reflecting the city’s dedication to gastronomic excellence.
AALTO
Restaurant · Torre Solaria
This one-Michelin-star restaurant, located in Torre Solaria, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Its panoramic views and avant-garde approach make it a distinctive culinary destination.
My choice for dinner was AALTO, a restaurant celebrated for its innovative fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors. Situated high in Torre Solaria, the city’s tallest residential building, the views alone are breathtaking. Chef Takeshi Iwai’s creative menus are a testament to Milan’s progressive culinary landscape. The combination of exquisite food and a stunning panorama made for an unforgettable evening, one that impressed even Michael, who can be a tough critic when it comes to dining.
Regal Nighttime Stay
To cap off a day of indulgence, I chose accommodation that epitomizes Milanese luxury. The hotel experience itself is an integral part of the travel journey, offering comfort and impeccable service.
Hotel Principe di Savoia
Hotel · Piazza della Repubblica
A legendary luxury hotel, part of the Dorchester Collection, offering opulent rooms, fine dining, and extensive amenities including a spa, indoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Its historic grandeur and prime location make it a top choice for discerning travelers.
Staying at the Hotel Principe di Savoia was the perfect conclusion to my first day. This iconic hotel, with its crystal chandeliers and antique furnishings, exudes timeless elegance. Opting for an executive suite provided an extra level of comfort and a sense of occasion. The white-linen service for room service felt particularly special. It’s these touches that elevate a hotel stay into a memorable experience, ensuring you feel truly pampered.
Day Two: Deep Dive into Design Legacy
My second day in Milan was dedicated to delving even deeper into the city’s design DNA, exploring spaces that honor the masters who shaped its creative landscape. This is where the intellectual and artistic side of Milan truly shines, offering inspiration at every corner.
Homage to a Design Icon
I began the day at a foundation dedicated to one of Italy’s most influential designers. It’s vital to understand the roots of Milan’s design prowess, and this visit provided incredible insight.
Fondazione Achille Castiglioni
Design Foundation · Piazza Castello
This foundation preserves and promotes the work of designer Achille Castiglioni. Visitors can explore his extensive archive of projects, drawings, and models, offering a comprehensive look at his innovative contributions to design.
The Fondazione Achille Castiglioni is a treasure trove for anyone interested in design history. Seeing the original drawings, models, and prototypes of iconic pieces like the Mezzadro and Sella chairs, or the Tubino desk lamp, was incredibly inspiring. Lily was particularly drawn to the Sella chair, pretending it was a spaceship. Ethan, of course, was more interested in the buttons on everything. Guided tours here are invaluable, offering context and stories behind these celebrated creations that have become cult objects.
Culinary Choices for Discerning Palates
After soaking in the design legacy, it was time for lunch, and Milan offers an abundance of options catering to various tastes and budgets, particularly those recognized for quality and value.
La Cucina dei Frigoriferi Milanesi
Restaurant · Navigli District
A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine. It’s located in the Navigli district, an area popular for its canals and lively atmosphere.
Milan boasts numerous Bib Gourmand restaurants, offering excellent food at more accessible price points. From the secluded La Cucina dei Frigoriferi Milanesi in the Navigli district to others scattered throughout the city like Serendib and Da Giannino, the choices are plentiful. I opted for a Bib Gourmand that offered a contemporary take on regional Italian dishes, providing a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It’s a smart way to experience the city’s culinary excellence.
Further Design Explorations
Milan’s dedication to design extends beyond formal museums, with numerous galleries and spaces showcasing contemporary interpretations of the design universe. These spots offer a glimpse into current trends and emerging talent.
Practical tip
Check the opening hours and reservation policies for galleries like Spazio Marras and Spazio Rossana Orlandi, as they can vary.
The ADI Design Museum Compasso d’Oro is a more recent addition, celebrating Italy’s most prestigious design award. Its permanent exhibition is a comprehensive overview of design innovation. Beyond this, spaces like Spazio Marras and Spazio Rossana Orlandi offer unique curated collections and serve as important hubs for designers and art enthusiasts. These more intimate galleries provide a different perspective on Milan’s dynamic design scene, allowing for a more personal discovery of emerging artists and established names.
Eclectic Evening Ambiance
As evening approached, I sought a venue that offered a truly unique experience, something that captured the eclectic and creative spirit of Milan. This kind of place offers a memorable way to spend the early evening hours.
Ronin
Bar & Karaoke · Chinatown
Occupying an entire building in Milan’s Chinatown, Ronin offers a multi-faceted experience with different rooms dedicated to music, food, and cocktails, including flamboyant karaoke rooms.
Ronin in the Chinatown area is an absolute gem for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. This venue spans an entire building and offers a fascinating mix of low-fi beats, a hidden cocktail bar, and vibrant karaoke rooms. The different spaces within Ronin each have their own distinct identity, infused with Japanese gastronomic culture. It was a lively and fun place to unwind, offering a stark contrast to some of the more formal experiences of the day. Even Michael enjoyed the novelty of the karaoke, much to Lily and Ethan’s amusement.
A Michelin-Starred Finale
My final dinner in Milan was planned to be a spectacular conclusion, a true celebration of the city’s top-tier culinary talent. It’s the perfect way to reflect on an incredible trip.
Verso Capitaneo
Restaurant · Piazza del Duomo
This two-Michelin-star restaurant, situated near the Duomo, offers a contemporary culinary journey with an emphasis on innovative dishes and a sophisticated dining environment.
Milan is home to an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and I aimed for a memorable send-off. While Enrico Bartolini at Mudec holds the city’s sole three-star rating, many two-star establishments offer equally exceptional experiences. Davide Oldani’s D’O, and the Capitaneo brothers’ Verso Capitaneo, stand out for their commitment to innovation and design. Dining at Verso Capitaneo, with its prime location by the Duomo, provided a stylish and sophisticated epilogue to my Milanese adventure, solidifying the city’s reputation for culinary excellence.
Milan truly lives up to its reputation as a capital of design and a hub of sophisticated living. My journey through its museums, restaurants, and unique venues showcased a city that expertly blends history with modernity, offering endless inspiration and delight to its visitors.