Milano! One of the most coveted destinations for all things fashion. I’m telling you, the Italians know how to dress. And in my personal opinion how to eat!! It’s Italy, of course, where the espresso is like nothing you’ve ever tasted, the pizza is to die for, and the pasta is .. well it’s basically out of this world. Aside from the foods we traditionally think about when we think Italy, each region of Italy has its specialties. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, and now Milan. Each has its own character — from its must-see historic landmarks to the food. On my latest adventure to Milan, I had a very short amount of time to explore (less than 24 hours). So I did my research, planned out my sight seeing, and of course my meals. I had to try everything.
First Stop, Coffee
I fully intended to get started early, but of course, I had to get some real work out of the way before I could go on the town. About 2 hours behind schedule, I started off at Bar Luce, an adorable 50’s style cafe designed by Wes Anderson in 2015. In one corner, you’ll find two pinball machines and a jukebox. At the opposite corner you have a decadent display of sweets. At Bar Luce, you can go for either self service, or if you sit at one of the back tables, you can indulge in table service. For breakfast, get a cappuccino with a sweet cream filled croissant. I’ve also heard the strawberry cream filled ones are delicious, but they were all out by the time I got there. The cafe is just across from the Fondazione Prada.
Note: Bar Luce is closed on Tuesdays.
Location: Largo Isarco, 2 – 20139 Milan 10 minute walk from Lodi T.I.B.B (M3 Yellow Line)
Get In Some Art
After breakfast, make your way into the Fondazione Prada. My favorite display was “Atlas” the permanent display inside the 10-story white building. Each level of the gallery is uniquely different from the next. Start by taking the panoramic elevator up to the 9th floor, then make your way down to each level by stairs. You won’t regret it.
Note: Fondazione Prada is closed on Tuesdays.
Location: Largo Isarco, 2 – 20139 Milan 10 minute walk from Lodi T.I.B.B (M3 Yellow Line)
The Famous Vogue News Stand
After a few hours at the Fondazione Prada, walk back to the metro and hop over to Montenapoleone metro stop off the M3 Yellow line. There, once you exit the metro, you’ll find the Vogue Kiosk. I wasn’t the only one looking to take a photo with the kiosk. A woman, who seemed like a fashion blogger, and her photographer were ducking cars to get the perfect photo.
Location: Montenapoleone Metro Stop (M3 Yellow)
From there, you can take a stroll through Quadrilatero della moda, an upscale shopping area and stop for an espresso in any of the cute little coffee shops. Once you’re done, hop back on the metro to Duomo.
Duomo {Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore}
Duomo, also known as Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is Milan’s most impressive structure, and a must-visit if you’re in Milan. Not to mention, it’s just steps away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (I’ll get to that stop shortly). Obviously, you’ve got to get your photo in front of the cathedral, once you’ve dodged the men trying to get take your photo for 1 euro, and the ones luring you in by giving away “free” bracelets. Avoid those at all costs. Instead, try to get a few photos in front of Duomo, and then head over to grab your tickets for access to the cathedral’s terrace. You won’t want to miss this. Because I only had a limited time, I splurged on the fast track pass (about 25 Euros). The fast track takes you up to the terrace between the cathedral spires, where you can take your sweet time, and then back down into the cathedral. By the way, your fast track pass gets you a slight discount at the Duomo gift shop. Worth it if you’re planning to buy a souvenir.
The terrace is absolutely gorgeous. You have magical views of Milan, and can even go all the way to the top of the cathedral. How crazy is it that?! I was walking on the roof of the cathedral!!
Afternoon Pick Me Up — Aperol Spritz
Once you’re done with Duomo, make your way around the corner to Terrazza Aperol. If the weather is nice, ask to sit out on the terrace for a view of Duomo while you sip on a large glass of Aperol Spritz. What is Aperol? Aperol is a classic Italian bitter apéritif (an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite). Aperol has a strong sweet orange and mandarin flavor with notes of cinchona and gentian bitterness.
So, What is an Aperol Spritz?! Well, it’s part prosecco, part Aperol and part Soda Water. And it’s super refreshing on a warm Milanese day.
Note: Terrazza Aperol closes for a few hours between 3 and 5/6pm. So try to get there before 3pm.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Stop, Drop and Shop!
After you’ve sipped a refreshing Aperol Spritz, it’s time for some shopping.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the iconic shopping mall with designer stores lining almost every inch of the mall. While I would have loved to splurge on a luxury brand shopping spree, I decided not to spend all my money in one place. I definitely did some window shopping, and found a quaint shop that sells fun changeable leather bag straps. Yea, I bought a couple. If you’re up for some gelato, now would be the time to stand in line at Amorino for a rose-shaped gelato cone and a photo opp inside the Galleria.
Just outside of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, there are other stores, including Ferrari. Yes, I stopped in, took a photo and may or may not have gotten a little something.
Unusual Architecture
Once you’re all shopped out, if you’re feeling like a little adventure hop on the metro from Duomo to Zara on the M1 Yellow Line. It’s about a 10 minute walk to two of the most beautiful buildings in Milan — Bosco Verticale– Vertical Gardens.
The vertical gardens are actually residential towers, but they’re not to be missed. According to the towers’ architect, “Vertical Forest is a model for a sustainable residential building, a project for metropolitan reforestation contributing to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding the city upon the territory.”There’s a small park with benches and a playground filled with the most adorable children speaking Italian and their families. A good spot for a break before Aperitivo time!
Location: 20124 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
10 minute walk from Zara Metro Stop (M3 Yellow)
End Your Day With Aperitivo
Aperitivo is the Italian equivalent of Happy Hour, but so much better. Depending on the bar, you can get anything from some chips to a full spread of snacks. The best part is that you don’t need to feel shy about ordering one drink. That’s what it’s all about. Order a drink, and get snacks free! Although, at most places you do end up paying 13 Euros for a drink. Aperitivo usually begins sometime around 6pm to about 8pm. If you do show up around 6, it’ll be quite quiet, but don’t worry, around 7pm the crowds will start rolling in. Bar Basso is one of the oldest bars in Milan. It’s signature cocktails is Negroni Sbagliato, invented at Bar Basso and served in huge scenographic glasses with 6cm x 8cm hand-cut ice cubes inside. I went for the Rossitini (prosecco and strawberry puree) but each table had at least one Negroni Sbagliato.
Location: Bar Basso, via Plinio 39, 0229400580, chiuso martedì
There’s just so much to eat and see, I couldn’t fit it all into one day. Instead, I treated myself to pizza and pasta after work, and even picked up the most delicious Cannoli — Sicilian Style with a candied bitter orange rind and cherry as a special treat.
Going to Milan? Here are a few of my tips:
- Uber is expensive in Milan. Public transportation is much more widely used. Buy a one, two, or three day metro/public transportation pass. I got a 3 day pass, which covers bus, metro and tram, on zones 1 and 3 for 13 Euros, unlimited use. Be sure you know what zones you need.
- Learn the basics. Hello {Salve} and Thank You {Grazie} are probably the most helpful. Otherwise, there’s bound to be someone who understands a smidge of English if you’re stuck.
- If you’re planning to buy wine, Campari, Aperol or even food stuffs, I recommend heading to the nearest grocery store. You can stock up on all the goodies (cheese, wine, pasta, risotto) for a fraction of what you’d pay at the duty free. Right, and you don’t have to carry it around the airport because they’ll be carefully packed up in your checked bags.
- Plan ahead. Figure out what you want to eat, and what you want to see and create an outline, with metro stops. At least this way, you’ll have an idea for what you’re looking for when your phone’s battery dies suddenly.
- Watch your belongings. This goes without saying that no matter where you travel, take a bag that is not easily tampered with. You’ll probably be with crowds and you don’t want to end up leaving without your wallet, or passport!
