Milan - European Summer Travels 2024
Start your day like a true Milanese with a cappuccino and cornetto at a local café. Try Pasticceria Marchesi, a historic pastry shop open since 1824 and then head to explore the history, art and fashion of the milanese streets. Ready? Let’s Go.
Historical Charm and Local Culture
Duomo di Milano: one of the largest and most elaborate Gothic cathedrals in the world, known also as Milan Cathedral, is a symbol of Italy’s religion, art and culture. Standing in the heart of the city, the cathedral still hosts important ceremonies including the annual procession of the Holy Nail. Open for public visit, you can book a guided tour and a rooftop visit from their website. Things to note, like in any religious space, please dress conservatively, shoulders and knees need to be covered, no heels are allowed on the rooftop terrace and no food or drinks are allowed on the inside.
Sforzesco Castle: the 14th century fortress turned into a residence for the Duke of Milan, which then turned into hosting several smaller museums and art exhibitions, is a historic landmark and a symbol of resilience, artistic legacy. While the impressive structure and cultural significance can't go unnoticed, unless you want to have a stroll in the gardens, the Castle is as impressive from the outside as it is on the inside. If you have a limited amount of days to spend in Milan, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this place as a must-see, but if it’s on your list you can find more about it and book tickets here.
Santa Maria delle Grazie: UNESCO World Heritage site housing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper", is a quick visit from Sforzesco Castle, which gives us the opportunity to witness in person one of the world famous masterpieces. Guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper understanding of the site’s history and art.
Casa Degli Atellani: across the streetfrom Santa Maria delle Grazie church, is the famous The Casa degli Atellani and Leonardo's vineyard dating back to 1490, which unfortunately have been bought and closed to the public since October 2023. While there are pictures available online and you can find some of them on AD Italia, rumors have it that there is a chance for them to open back up, so keep an eye open for any news or potential visiting tickets.
Art, Fashion and Culture
Fashion: One of the Big Four fashion capitals of the world, Milan's rich history in fashion is a blend of tradition, innovation, and global influence, and continues to define its status as a leading fashion capital. Home to major fashion houses such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino, Milan's fashion industry also plays a crucial role in shaping global trends and setting standards for luxury and style.
Architecture and Fashion: Opened in 1877, The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan. Here you can find some of the household staples such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vitton, blended with history and art of Neoclassical and Baroque architecture with elements of Renaissance Revival style. Amongst the luxurious architecture that looks like bonafide art and glamorous styles, you can find historic fine cafes and restaurants dating back to 1867, such as Biffi and Savini.
Milan Fashion Week: established in 1958, became a major event in the fashion calendar, attracting designers, buyers, and media from around the world. Read more about the history of Milan Fashion Week and its origins in Vogue France.
Art and Culture: Fondazione Prada stands as a beautiful blend of contemporary art and innovative architectural design with a rich program of events from film and theater, to permanent installations and exhibitions that explore themes of culture, politics, and society.
Culture: book a guided visit at the Teatro alla Scala opened back in 1778 or look up their events which offer a series of beautiful artistic acts such as opera, ballet and classical concerts.
Hidden Gems
Milan’s Canals: not many tourists know about the well kept local secret of the Navigli district - one of Milan's most vibrant and picturesque areas, known for its lively nightlife, charming cafes, and artistic atmosphere. Initially built in 1179, the canals have played a crucial role in the economic and social development of the city. Today the Navigli district offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern urban life, making it a must-visit area for anyone exploring Milan. Whether enjoying a relaxing stroll along the canals, dining at a waterfront restaurant, or immersing in the local arts scene, the Navigli provides an authentic and memorable Milanese experience.
Cantina Isola: about 20 min walking from Sforzesco Castle is one of the truly hidden gems that will come highly recommended by us if you are a wine connoisseur. Cantina Isola is a unique inconspicuous place in Chinatown (out of all the places) dating back to 1896. The USP of this place is that you can have a glass of wine from any bottles that they have, and trust us when we say that their bottles are not just any ordinary bottles (they do have some ordinary bottles too), but it’s a chance to try wines that would normally cost hundreds if not thousands of euros, by the glass, giving the opportunity to experience rich flavors and textures of old world wines that you wouldn’t normally find anywhere else. Perfect for a summer evening, just note that it’s the type of place that's more for standing rather than lounging or having a restaurant-like experience.
Piz Pizza: highly recommended by locals and passed by millions of tourists, Piz is that type of Italian pizzeria that from the outside might look like a hole in the wall, while inside is filled with vibrant energy, the smell of fresh cooked dough and it’s as loud as it can get. No they won’t serve Americano coffee, or a shot of espresso with some warm water on the side, and no they don’t do substitutions or cater for a lot of dietary restrictions, but it’s definitely a place that’s as authentic as it comes. After a few drinks during a late evening, Piz is a perfect place to stop, have a great authentic pizza, and a shot of limoncello on the house. They are located just a few steps away from Duomo di Milano.
Tips and Quirky Spots
Aperitivo free with every drink: The tradition of the aperitif (aperitivo) has its roots in ancient times, with the concept of a pre-dinner drink existing in various forms throughout history. The term "aperitif" comes from the Latin word "aperire," meaning "to open," signifying the drink's purpose to stimulate the appetite before a meal. In modern times the aperitif comes with spreads of food, transforming the “aperitivo” into a more substantial pre-dinner experience. From bruschetta to cured meats such as bresaola, to plain pizza margheritas, every place in Milan offers some sort of spread with almost every drink. The most popular ones are around the Navigli District, but even the places that might look like a tourist trap with their huge cocktails will bring some matching size aperitivo.
Risotto alla Milanese: one of Milan’s staple dishes, the Saffron Risotto is an absolutely mouthwatering dish and a must-try one. The best in the whole of Milan can be found at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. It's a historic place, with an interior courtyard that is perfect for a summer day, giving a perfect Italian holiday vibe, with its columns, cobblestone, white table cloths and roman writings. Italian cuisine is world known and we do encourage you to try as much of it as possible while there.
Coffee tips: Italian coffee is one of the best in the world, but it’s not for beginners or the faint of heart. The mornings usually start with a cappuccino or cafe latte, followed by espresso shot around lunch time and don’t be fooled by the tiny cups.That one small shot can give you jitters in a few minutes if done well, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Of course, most places that cater for tourists will serve cappuccino after breakfast times, and serve a side of milk if needed. Macchiato comes in two variations: "caffè macchiato" (a shot of espresso with a dollop of milk foam) and "latte macchiato" (a glass of steamed milk with a shot of espresso).
The terrace with the cathedral view: Some might say it’s a tourist trap, others that’s a great evening view. The Terrazza Duomo 21 is a great place to end the day with a cocktail and aperitivo on the terrace with a view of the beautiful lighted Duomo di Milano.
Four Seasons: if you’re unsure where to stay, Four Seasons is a great calm oasis in a busy and buzzing city such as Milan. Their small but beautiful Spa, their dining experiences and calming garden are the perfect place to experience La Dolce Vita. Head over to the Stilla Garden even for a drink if you want to catch up with friends or feel like a quiet night in, but outdoors.
Walking city: Milan, like most Italian cities, is a walking city, filled with history that also comes with the famous cobblestones or sampietrini. If you’re wearing high heels, sampietrini is not your friend whatsoever and it will make your life a lot harder than it needs to be. Pack a lot of flat sandals, ballerinas or sneakers (we love a good pair of Vans or Nike’s air force one in these situations) to make your experience fun and “alla moda” at the same time.
Short day trips: there are quite a few day trips that can be done from Milan, however the ones we would recommend are to the famous Lake Como or if you are a Barolo lover this is your chance to pop in and have a glass (or two) of Barolo straight from the source. Of course you can explore all the trips and guided tours that Milan has to offer on GetYourGuide.
