I can’t wait to share my favorite spots in Milan with you. This city has such a special energy, especially during Milan Design Week, and it’s easy to get swept up in all the creativity. Whether you’re here for the shows or just exploring, there are so many wonderful places to experience, from quiet art collections to lively cafes. I’ve found some truly memorable places through my visits, and I’m excited for you to see them.
Must-See Museums and Galleries
Art and Applied Arts Collections
One of my most cherished stops is the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. It’s an art museum founded by a Milanese nobleman, Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, way back in 1881. He collected an incredible array of paintings, sculptures, and applied arts, and seeing his personal collection displayed feels so intimate. There’s a particular study inspired by Dante that I always make sure to revisit; it’s profoundly moving.
The Museo Poldi Pezzoli houses the personal collections of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, including paintings, sculptures, and applied arts.
For design lovers, the Triennale Milano is an absolute must. It consistently hosts some of the most fascinating design exhibitions. I’ve seen some truly inspiring shows here. Make sure to seek out the permanent installation of Casa Lana, a home designed by Ettore Sottsass in the 1960s – it’s a real glimpse into design history. Afterwards, I love having lunch at the Terrazza Triennale; the views over Parco Sempione are simply lovely.
Contemporary Art Spaces
The Massimo de Carlo gallery is a fantastic place to experience contemporary art. They have a really strong program, and it’s housed in a beautifully renovated 1930s building by Piero Portaluppi, which adds another layer of appreciation to the visit.
Another spot for cutting-edge art and design is Ordet. It’s located in a cool, industrial-feeling space, and their program is always very thoughtful. It’s the kind of place that gives your brain a little jolt – a perfect pick-me-up during a day of exploring.
Fondazione Luigi Rovati offers a unique experience, blending ancient and modern. You can wander through subterranean galleries featuring Etruscan treasures, all within a space designed by Mario Cucinella Architects. Above ground, the palazzo displays contemporary and modern masterpieces, alongside antique jewelry and design pieces from various eras, including a striking Giacometti chandelier.
Delightful Dining Experiences
Savoring Lunch
When I’m looking for classic upscale Italian food, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone is a perfect choice. It’s been a fixture since 1957, and the courtyard setting is simply wonderful, especially on a nice day. It feels like a true Milanese institution.
For pizza lovers, Le Specialità is my go-to. They have an astonishing menu with about 50 different kinds of pizza, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a delightful spot for a casual yet delicious lunch or dinner, serving up Italian classics with a pizza-centric focus.
A charming and unique lunch experience can be found at Bar Luce. Situated within the Fondazione Prada and designed by Wes Anderson, this spot is wonderfully quirky and photogenic. It’s the ideal place to have a perfect sandwich after a morning spent exploring the art at the Prada Foundation.
Sant Ambroeus is a classic that I always return to. It feels like a taste of home, a place where the tradition of Italian café culture truly began. It’s a reliably wonderful spot for a coffee or a light meal.
Ralph’s Bar, the restaurant associated with the designer, is another favorite. The comfort food here is delicious, and the garden in the back is truly gorgeous. It’s a beautifully executed dining experience, much like the designer’s renowned clothing.
Memorable Dinners
A recent discovery that has quickly become a favorite is Trattoria del Ciumbia. Even though it’s a newcomer, the food is outstanding, from the agnolotti to their signature fried veal chop. The decor is also remarkable – it’s designed by Dimore Studio and looks like the most chic restaurant from 1968, a testament to their talent.
The Wilde offers a sophisticated atmosphere, often compared to a Milanese version of Soho House. It features interiors by Elle Decor A-List designer Fabrizio Casiraghi and has two restaurants within its impressive 20,000-square-foot space. It’s a lively and elegant place for an evening meal.
Giacomo Milano is a delightful restaurant known for its incredible seafood pastas. The decor is equally light and fresh, with cheerful yellow and green walls and floral detailing. It has a classic Milanese feel that is completely unpretentious. Don’t forget to check out their small bakery just across the street for exquisite treats.
Where to Find a Refreshing Drink
Coffee and Sweet Treats
For a fantastic espresso and a really visually pleasing interior, Orsonero is a gem. The interiors, designed by David/Nicolas, are incredibly Instagrammable, and the coffee is excellent too. It’s a perfect little spot to recharge.
Loste Café is a cute café and bakery that consistently serves up great pastries. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed coffee break and a sweet treat.
Café Cracco, located in the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, is a wonderful place to stop before visiting the Duomo or Palazzo Reale. It offers an excellent selection of refreshments in an iconic setting.
MAG Gelateria is a small, innovative gelateria that I adore. They serve fresh, fruit-forward flavors from a wonderfully retro counter. It’s a delightful place to enjoy some authentic Italian gelato.
Evening Relaxation
Bar Nico is a unique spot, a former mid-century pasta factory transformed into an industrial wine shop and bar. It offers a distinctive atmosphere and a great selection of wines, and they often host interesting pop-ups.
Bar Basso is quite the experience, especially in the evenings. It’s where many people gather after dark for drinks; be prepared for a lively and energetic crowd. It’s a classic Milanese bar scene.
The offers a particularly lovely experience, especially when you can sit in their secret garden. It’s a chic and tranquil oasis, perfect for a sophisticated drink.
Palinurobar is another chic wine bar I’ve come to appreciate. It has a relaxed vibe, and it’s a great spot to simply enjoy a drink and the atmosphere.
For a perfectly executed martini and excellent bar snacks, the Armani Hotel’s Bamboo Bar is a fantastic choice. It’s a stylish spot that delivers on both ambiance and quality drinks.
Shopping Delights
Unique Finds and Design Treasures
Pupi Solari is an absolutely delightful children’s clothing store. If you need gifts for little ones, this is the place; the outfits are precious and perfect for welcoming a new baby or for my niece and nephew.
Laboratorio Paravicini is home to some of the most beautiful hand-painted ceramics I’ve ever seen. It’s their studio, and each piece is meticulously decorated. Browsing here is a real treat for the eyes.
Rossana Orlandi’s design emporium is always a feast for the senses. It’s a sprawling space filled with colorful and innovative home decor ideas. The proprietor herself is often there, a true design icon.
Gioielleria Pennisi is a fascinating jewelry store. It’s known as a place where Mrs. Prada shops for vintage jewels, which tells you a lot about its quality and unique offerings.
For refined, small-batch homewares of the highest quality, Sofia Zevi is exceptional. The intimate interior of the shop adds to the charm of discovering each unique treasure.
Eredi Zucca is a historic barbershop, a heritage brand with a luxurious space that mirrors the quality of its products and treatments. It offers a different kind of pampering experience.
The Achille Castiglioni Foundation gift shop is a wonderful place to find a souvenir. They often feature interesting work by local Italian ceramicists, making for a thoughtful keepsake.
Argenteria Dabbene is a historic silversmith’s workshop in the Brera neighborhood, run by the same family since 1938. They offer beautiful cutlery, silver trays, and intricately decorated boxes, and can even create custom pieces or engrave silver on-site.
The Navigli Flea Market, held on the last Sunday of every month along the Naviglio Grande canals, is a fantastic place to hunt for treasures. You never know what unique finds you might unearth.
Monica Castiglioni, whose father was the renowned industrial designer Achille Castiglioni, has a shop in the Isola district. Her jewelry features organic designs in bronze and silver, crafted using the lost wax technique.
Grassi Carlo is a wonderful frame shop that sells gorgeous readymade frames. If you have time, you can even commission custom work here, which is a lovely way to preserve a memory or bring a special piece home.
Pettinaroli is the place to go for beautiful paper and notebooks. They are perfect for gifts or for journaling your own travel experiences.
G. Lorenzi elevates homekeeping to an art form. You can find exquisite items here, such as stag antler cooking tool sets, mother-of-pearl shaving brushes, and elegantly crafted toothpaste squeezers.
Quick Planning Notes
Where to Look Up
Keep an eye out for the Temple of Victory. It’s a building that truly looks like it belongs in a storybook, with its octagonal tower, eight arches, and lantern. Tucked away near a bustling university street, it offers a wonderfully unique moment of pause and admiration.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Visit Museo Poldi Pezzoli for art and historical artifacts.
- Explore Triennale Milano for design exhibitions and the Casa Lana installation.
- Enjoy pizza at Le Specialità for a casual and delicious lunch.
- Discover unique ceramics at Laboratorio Paravicini for beautiful handcrafted items.
Where to Sit Down and Relax
Take a break in the Villa Necchi Campiglio gardens. If you time your visit for April, you’ll be treated to poppies in bloom, bursting from the floral beds surrounding the serene blue pool.
Where to Wander
The Brera Academy, founded in 1776, is a public school of fine arts situated in the heart of the historic Brera neighborhood. I love to wander through its labyrinthine campus, housed in a palazzo dating back to the 16th century. The building itself is gorgeous, but the people-watching is just as captivating, with art students filling the area, which gives it the nickname “Milanese Montmartre.”
There’s so much to discover in Milan, and I hope this guide helps you find your own favorite spots. It’s a city that rewards exploration with beauty, creativity, and incredible food at every turn. Enjoy your visit!