If just hearing the word ‘Milan’ is enough to conjure up images of the most cutting-edge fashion shows, outstanding architecture in ancient cathedrals, or mouth-watering food, then you’re not alone. Fashion’s most favourite city in the world has been known to be a creative hub of style, art, architecture, and culinary delights.
To get a curated list of unmissable places, we reached out to Milan-based designer Silvia Gnecchi. Her daughter and Sales & Business Development Head of the brand, Ginevra Manfredini took the time to walk us through her favourite spots in Milan.
Stop To Savour
What’s not to love about food in Italy? From traditional dining options to chic outdoor cafes, Milan’s gastronomical experiences are not to be missed.
LùBar
Founded by three ‘Lù’ siblings, Lucilla, Lucrezia, and Ludovico Bonaccorsi, LùBar began in 2013 as a street food project and has now expanded into a taste-bud tantalising restaurant. Located inside Villa Reale, this Sicilian-Milanese bistro is one of the chicest coffee house and luncheonette. Its fairytale atmosphere is complemented by its Sicilian-inspired dishes featuring fresh ingredients and authentic flavours with a contemporary twist.
La Balera dell’Ortica
Located in a former railway station, La Balera dell’Ortica is the perfect place for those who love Southern Italian cuisine. From scrumptious dishes to fun dances, this cool restaurant stands out amongst the many that Milan has for its multipurpose offerings. Get ready for a great night out at this local treasure.
Bar Luce
Designed by American film director Wes Anderson in 2015, Bar Luce is a Milanese café located at the entrance building of Fondazione Prada. Anderson’s vision for the cafe was to create a place that captures the essence of a typical Milanese café, where patrons would want to visit frequently. Unlike his cinematic set designs, Anderson aimed for authenticity in Bar Luce, drawing inspiration from 1950s and 1960s Italian popular culture and aesthetics.
The café’s colour palette, formica furniture, seating, flooring, and wood wall panels evoke a nostalgic Italian ambiance. The arched ceiling and patterned decorations on the walls pay homage to Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Anderson’s design also draws inspiration from Italian Neorealism films set in Milan, making Bar Luce a delightful fusion of cinematic nostalgia and real-life enjoyment.
Camparino in Galleria
In 1867, Gaspare Campari–inventor of the homonymous bitter–opened the cafe Caffè Campari on the corner in Piazza Duomo. In 1915, Davide Campari opened Camparino as a sister to Caffè Campari. It featured a state-of-the-art (for its time) system which delivered a constant supply of soda water straight from the cellars. Over the next 100 years, it changed and evolved with the times, becoming interwoven with the city’s history and artistic heritage.
Seamlessly combining rich history and contemporary flair, the cafe today is renowned for being a temple of mixology, where cocktails like the Negroni and Sbagliato shine alongside innovative creations like the Triplice Evviva. Don’t forget to try them on your next visit!
Dessert Special: Gelato
No Italian trip is complete without the most delicious gelato. Ginevra shares her favourite places for ice-cream.
Gelateria LatteNeve
This little boutique shop offers all-things ice cream. From traditional flavours to gluten-free options for vegans, the Gelateria LatteNever’s menu is quite diverse. It first opened its doors in 2014 and has become famous for using organic ingredients to make their delicious creations. We recommend you try their Grigio Milano or Crema Nonna Paola!
Amorino
Amorino first launched in Paris in 2002, giving Parisians a taste of the finest Italian gelato recipes. Following its success, it opened up in Milan as well. The ice cream parlour uses carefully-sourced ingredients which are free of preservatives, artificial flavours and flavour enhancers to make their artisanal gelato. They shape their gelato like a rose, making them unique and easy to recognise.
See All The Spectacular Sights
Beautiful architecture is the cornerstone of the city of Prague. From Gothic influences to baroque motifs, you’ll find it all and more.
Brera District
The charming Brera neighbourhood nestled between Milan’s prestigious Quandrilatero d’Oro and the historic Sforzesco Castle boasts cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century buildings and unique shops offering cosmetics, handicrafts, and fashion. It’s celebrated for the boutique stores that line the streets, filled with emerging designers who are doing something very unique. This neighbourhood exudes personality, where former establishments have been transformed into cosy cafes, galleries, and concert venues.
At the heart of Brera is the Pinacoteca di Brera on Via Brera, it houses an extraordinary collection of Italian and international masterpieces including works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Rafael.
Castello Sforzesco
Sometimes called Sforza Castle, Castello Sforzesco is a historic fortress in Milan. It was originally constructed in the 14th century by Francesco Sforza. Over the centuries, it transformed into a magnificent palace and now houses a remarkable collection of museums including the Museum of Ancient Art with Michelangelo’s unfinished “Rondanini Pietà”, the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco featuring Italian masters, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and more. Despite periods of destruction and restoration, the castle stands as a symbol of Milan’s rich history and artist heritage.
The Ultimate Shopping Destination
Milan is a creative magical land with inspiration available at every corner. The city has been home to some of the biggest fashion designers, artists and architects of the world, turning it into any art lover’s paradise. So when in Milan, shopping has to be at the top of your list! We’ve shared our favourites below.
Cavalli e Nastri Milano
A vintage haven since 1970, Cavalli e Nastri Milano combines fashion and architecture expertise in their three boutiques in the Italian city. Their curated spaces pay homage to 20th-century fashion, blending fine furnishings with an eclectic atmosphere. Beyond fashion, they promote sustainability, craftsmanship, and artistic collaboration.
Fragrans in Fabula
You just have to enter this fragrance haven to be transported to an enchanting realm. From perfumes to home fragrances to shaving essentials and cosmetics, this prestigious Italian store is brimming with local and international brands that drive innovation in this space. After being operational for over 65 years, their store offers a serene setting to explore and select the perfect scent that resonates with your personality.