Nestled in the heart of Italy is Milan, a bustling metropolis that offers the best of both worlds. A global city, often called the design capital, also excels in maintaining its historic, timeless beauty. With its artistry and contemporary flair, this city attracts visitors from all over the world. 

Known for its fashion, food, and iconic landmarks, there is practically nothing that can stop Milan from being the perfect vacation destination. We asked Michela Panero, founder of luxury Milan-based brand Rosantica,  to share her list of experiences one cannot miss in her home city.  Scroll through to see her itinerary and explore the  city like a true Milanese.

The First Day

Palazzo Morando

Image courtesy of PerMilano

Image courtesy of .Italoblog

For all the fashion lovers, ever wonder why Milan is considered one of the fashion capitals in the world? Milan’s rich historical legacy in craftsmanship and textile production, coupled with the origin of multiple fashion houses who use cutting edge designs makes it one of the most sought-after fashion spots. With its culture deeply intertwined with fashion, Milan is home to some of the most prestigious fashion institutes, exclusive shopping areas, and of course, one of the Big 4 fashion weeks.

When you enter the heart of the fashion quadrilateral, you can spot Palazzo Morando on Via Sant ’Andrea. Palazzo Morando is a personal documentation of the fashion evolution throughout Milan from the 17th-21st century. Enter into a portal that takes you through an immersive experience from the past. The immaculately preserved hallways and the perfectly maintained archives celebrate the artistry of the designers and capture all the cultural influences that have shaped Milanese fashion up until today.

LùBar

Images courtesy of Trip Advisor

Start your day off by having a relaxing brunch at Milan’s Sicilian-themed LùBar. LùBar, born as a humble food truck established by three brothers. It has now become one of the most sought-after hotspots by locals and tourists alike. “It’s a nice venue for food and drinks,” says Michela. The fusion of jazz music and garden aesthetics makes it that much more exciting to have a hearty brunch here. Don't miss out on Sicilian Street delights like arancini and polpette and its famous LùBar Spritz made with Amara, a Sicilian blood orange amaro.

Giacomo Bistrot

“Giacomo Bistrot is one of Milan’s go-to spots for authentic Italian food and great hospitality" shares Michela. You can find shelves filled with antique books, arched passages, and tables in the cave. The Bistrot exudes a cosy nocturnal charm. With a seasonal menu, Giacomo Bistrot is known for its all-time classics such as Milanese veal cutlet, T-bone steak, and grilled rib-eye steak, alongside fish and vegetarian dishes. The bar has an impressive cocktail menu ranging from classic creations to original concoctions, as well as a careful selection of liqueurs.

Portrait

Antonia at Portrait Milano

SO-LE Studio at Portrait Milano

When we mentioned that Milan is one of the world's shopping hotspots we meant it. Take a look at Portrait; it’s not just a shopping destination; it’s an area for self-expression, for creativity, and it perfectly reflects the influence Milan has had over the fashion world. With a carefully curated catalogue of high-end fashion brands, this is the place you want to be if you have an eye for sophistication, style, and the extraordinary. Shopping in Milan is more than a transaction; it’s a cultural experience, and Portrait invites us to explore, embrace, and immerse ourselves in fashion.

While you are in Milan, seize the opportunity to explore Rosantica, one of AiSPi’s favourite designers. Nestled in the beautiful 19th-century neighbourhood of Milan, Rosantica pushes the boundaries of innovation with the use of unconventional structures, architectural and futuristic shapes. 

Images courtesy of Trip Advisor

La Brisa

Take a quick yet scenic walk from Portrait toward La Brisa. “You won’t be disappointed,” says Michela, “especially during the spring when its beautiful gardens come to life.”

The restaurant is constantly changing its menu according to the changing colours of the leaves in their garden. You can expect the perfect menu of seasonal food plated perfectly for its clientele. Chef Antonio Facciolo’s suckling pig has been a fan favourite, but La Brisa has an inclusive menu with meat, fish, and vegetarian options.

Camparino in Galleria

Located at the very heart of Milan, Camparino in Galleria is the perfect mixture of iconic history and contemporary verve. Welcoming all, this place creates new stories every day. Camparino is considered the temple of mixology, and it attracts bartenders from all over the world. Serving just about every drink in the world, you can find all the old classics such as Negroni and innovative drinks that the world is yet to see.

Images courtesy of Trip Advisor

The Second Day

Triennale Museum

Image courtesy of ITALIA.IT

“The Triennale Museum is the house of Italian and international design” she claims. It is a cultural institution that plays a crucial role in promoting contemporary Italian and international art, design, architecture, and culture.

Apart from being a museum, it serves as a platform for the latest trends and developments in various artistic fields. With both emerging and established designers showcasing their work here, the Triennale museum often prompts one to think outside the box.

The museum boasts a wide range of historic Italian and international designs. This is the place where the past meets the present. Conveniently located in central Milan, this museum makes it to our ‘must not be missed’ list.

Image courtesy of The Taste Edit

Bar Basso

Bar Basso can be considered historic; after all, the famous Negroni Sbagliato was invented here by a simple mistake. Bar Basso is historic for more reasons than one; it was the first-ever bar to serve the “Aperitif” to everyone.

If you truly appreciate alcohol and spirits then Bar Basso is the place for you. The presentation of cocktails is usually very colourful, adorned with fruits and flowers. With a drink menu encompassing more than 500 drinks, it’s a landmark place that mustn’t be missed.

Osteria del Binari

With a warm ambiance and historic setting, Osteria del Binari serves traditional Italian food. The restaurant decor sticks to the traditional Italian osteria style. With a focus on regional dishes and fresh produce, the menu at Osteria del Binari includes a variety of pasta dishes, seafood, meats, and seasonal specialties.

Traditional Milanese dishes, such as osso buco and risotto alla Milanese, are often featured.

Langosteria

If good seafood is what you are looking for, then look no further than Langosteria. Regarded highly for their supreme quality seafood, this restaurant boasts an elegant and upscale ambiance. With interior design theming on style and contemporary aesthetics, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet comfortable.

With great attention to detail, their menu includes dishes like lobster linguine, seafood risotto, oysters on the half-shell, and various crudo preparations. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing the finest raw ingredients that help them do justice to the flavours of the sea.

Written by Kirthi Anand 

All the images are courtesy of the respective sites mentioned. 

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