Super cool addresses for amazing restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries!
Milan is made for design and art fanatics. The city is Italy’s ultimate fashion capital, hence it offers endless options of eateries, cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. Follow this list of our favorite recommendations, and you’ll enjoy Milano in the best way possible!
DRINK: Rita’s
A cool cocktail bar by Navigli, Rita’s menu comes with chuckles of humor. Just take a look at sections called, “to fix problems,” and “to get laid.” Rita’s spread of aperitivo hollers at Italian snacks’ makeover into every traveler’s nibble dream. It’s glorious.
DRINK: Motta
Situated inside the Galleria, Motta is touristy but you’ve gotta do it. The food isn’t top-notch but the scene is cool. I would suggest getting drinks or coffee at its fancy espresso bar, then sit on the outside terrace to people watch.
EAT: Carlo e Camilla in Segheria
Carlo e Camilla in Segheria might possibly be the sexiest restuarant I’ve ever been to. High ceilings, bare walls are the rustic juxtapositions to two elegant T-shaped long tables extended throughout the industrial space that used to be a sawmill. Lit by sparkling chandeliers, the dishes speak in Italian gastronomic tunes humming a contemporary key. The menu changes four times a year with vegetarian options. Head over to the splendid cocktail bar, you might begin to wonder how Milan gets it right in the game of design. Every time.
EAT: Obicà Duomo
Despite having locations around the world, Obicà Mozzarella Bar is still a go-to for the freshest mozzarella that comes in burata, ricotta and smoked. The sampler as a starter is a star dish and the location next to the Duomo is unbeatable. Situated at the food hall on the 7th floor of Rinascente Milan, Obicà offers a spectacular view of the city’s iconic landmark. After the meal, hang out at the bar on the outside terrace for a memorable and a trendy experience.
EAT: Osteria del Binari
Osteria del Binari is a cozy spot serving up handmade pasta and premium quality of cold cuts that melodically assemble into a hearty array of traditional Milanese cuisine. Pair your dish with a voluminous bottle of Tuscan wine, and this may instantly become your local favorite.
DANCE: Plastic
Plastic where the Fashion Week crowd is at. It’s a bit alternative, a bit underground, a lot of cages and drag queens on stage. Costumes galore, the music was fly. Andy Warhol said Plastic was “one of the best clubs in the world.” Meanwhile, it’s now frequented by Anna dello Russo, Stefano Gabbana, and that girl who’s also staying at your hotel.
STAY: Navigli
Navigli is centered around several canals that were used for trade back in the day. Now, edgy bars and rustic chic restaurants embroider the canals, making Navigli one of the coolest neighborhoods in Milan. You’ll find many vintage shops, comic bookstores, and antique markets here.
SEE: Duomo di Milano
The iconic Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is the largest church in Italy and it required six centuries to complete construction. Archbishop Antonio da Sluzzo began the process in 1386 as a reward to the noble and the working class. In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned King of Italy at the Duomo when construction finally concluded.
SEE: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
After visiting the Duomo, head over to the Galleria for shopping and dining. Built in 1861, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. The iron and glass roof is a significant 19th century architectural design by Pevsner and Hitchcock. The massive barrel vaults crowned with giant domes were remarkable architectural structures during its time. The Galleria is home to some of Milan’s oldest shops, including the very original Prada store.
SEE: Castello Sforzesco
Built in the 15th century on the remnants of a fortification, Sforzesco Castle eventually became one of the largest citadels in Europe. Today, it houses several museums and art collections.
SHOP: Brera
Similar to St. Germain in Paris, Brera is a chic and elegant area where luxury retailers and boutiques can be found. The cobblestone alleys are adorned with small yet refined art galleries. Locals who live in Brera are considered the most wealthy and stylish of them all, check out Via Brera for bobo (bourgeoise-bohemian) coffee shops. Meanwhile, Via Montenapoleone is home to designer shops and art studios. To slow down a bit – especially during summertime’s high tourist season – visit Giardino Botanic for a nice stroll surrounded by nature’s beauty.
SHOP: Cavalli e Nastri
Cavalli e Nastri might be the best vintage store in all of Milan, if not in Italy. Tucked away in a posh Brera alley, this store is filled with vintage greats from old Chanel jewelries to beautiful Italian pillbox hats embellished with diamonds from the 1960s.
SHOP: 10 Corso Como
It began as an art gallery and a bookshop, today it’s the hottest address in Milan attracting millions of tourists a year. Fashion lovers, art enthusiasts, and café people watchers gather at 10 Corso Como for the latest inspo on style and design. In 1998, the concept store expanded to a boutique hotel with 3 rooms. Even with numerous Corso Comos stores opening around the world in recent years, nothing beats the OG in Milano. It’s fabu for any boo.
DO: Take the tram
Definitely take the tram when you’re in Milan, it’s been around since 1876. The Milan tram work contains 18 lines, and numbered from 1 to 33. they continue until past midnight and have longer schedules than the metro or the buses. Each ticket costs €1.50 (which you can also use for metro and buses), and is valid for 90 minutes.
