A short city break in Milan...
Milan:
Visit an iconic city like no otherA destination where you can live out ‘la vita
alla moda’ (the stylish life), the buzzing Lombardy capital of Milan is also the Italian
capital for fashion and innovation, as well as a hub for national and global
commerce. This forward-thinking city prides itself on high fashion,
cutting-edge design and delicious fusion feasts, accompanied by jaw-dropping cultural
sights and attractions. The
must-see sights of Milan When in Milan even for a
day, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the Duomo. Built in 1386 and six centuries
in the making, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is the jewel in the Milanese
crown. Embodying flair and finesse, the Duomo is a visionary from the past, as
well as the future. Constructed from gleaming mottled pink marble quarried from
Candoglia on Lake Maggiore, and finished in a divine level of detail, with no
less than 3,400 hand-crafted statues (the most on any structure on earth!) the
Duomo will grab your attention. You can’t fail to look up!Dedicated to the Nativity of
St Mary and the seat for the Archbishop of Milan, this magnificent cathedral invites
you to take a lift or climb up its heavily detailed roof, below the towering
duomo (65.6 metres high) to admire the ornate statues, spires and surrounding
city, which radiates from the square on all sides. From there, the great
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II can be admired. Designed and built by Giuseppe
Mengoni between 1861 and 1867, this 4-storey double arcade is Italy’s oldest
shopping mall still in existence. Just as the cathedral opposite is dedicated
to Catholicism, the Galleria forms a ‘cathedral’ of sorts for Milan’s top
fashion houses.From the Duomo and Galleria,
the next tourist sight is just 10 minutes’ stroll away. The spectacular Castello Sforzesco stands like a
proud beacon within the vast, 95-acre Parco Sempione; home itself to an
aquarium, sports stadium, a Napoleonic arch and broad sun-drenched avenues. Milan’s very own castle is a
true sight to behold. Once a symbol for tyranny and foreign rule, the 1300’s
castle and fortress was dominated by Visconti and Sforza rule. Since Italy’s unification,
the castle established a public museum and library, thereby transforming the
image of the fortress into one of civic pride and enlightenment.After you’ve enjoyed lunch
at the castle, or a picnic in the dappled shade of the park, the UNESCO World
Heritage site of Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica is an easy 11 minutes’ walk
away. There, one of the top attractions in Milan awaits!Within the refectory of the
Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is the iconic 15th century mural,
‘the Last Supper’. Painted between 1495-1497 by the one-and-only Leonardo di Vinci, it comes as no surprise to
learn that entry
tickets and tours book up fast, so it’s best to plan ahead.As well as being home to one
of world’s most famous murals and cathedrals, Milan is also home to the world-famous
opera house, La Scala. The perfect place for indulging in your cultural side,
the opera, ballet and concerts here are a must. The opulent 3,00 seat venue
provides an all-year programme for seasoned music lovers and novices, so you
can be guaranteed high-end entertainment in all seasons. Tours also take place
around this grand neoclassical building, which first opened its doors back in
1778.Shop like
the Milanese For the fashion capital of the world there is
no shortage of shops to peruse and splash your hard-earned cash at. As
mentioned, the most iconic shopping arcade in the world, Galleria Vittorio
Emanuele II is also here. Home to some of the most famous Italian and
international fashion designers, the flagship shops which fashionistas will be
making a beeline to are Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, Armani and
Borsalino. Afterwards, one of Milan’s chicest shopping quarters needs to be
explored. The pedestrianised Quadrilater d’Oro (Golden Quadrilateral) is home
to some of the most exclusive luxury Italian and global fashion brands. So, get
ready to enjoy shopping ‘til you drop, whilst celeb spotting too! If you prefer to window shop or are on a
smaller budget, then the main Piazza Duomo is home to Milan’s main department
store, ‘La Rinascente’, which offers everything from high-end high street
concessions to affordable up-to-the-minute trends. More laid-back shoppers with
time on their hands will enjoy dipping into the chic boutiques and art
galleries which line the bohemian streets of Milan’s Brera quarter. From luxury
to eclectic, Milan has it all!Eat like
the MilaneseHome to a first supper as much as the Last
Supper, Milan boasts some unique city eateries for you to savour and enjoy.
Buon appetito!Home to the 2nd highest number of
Michelin stars, Milanese restaurants promise a memorable, metropolitan dining
experience. Drawing from mouth-watering regional recipes, Lombardy cuisine includes
corn and rice-based dishes infused with saffron, fresh ingredients and a tasty
dollop of Taleggio cheese. The typical trattorias and neighbourhood pizzerias
combined with traditional-modern influences from the rest of Italy, France,
central Europe and the world mean there are tempting restaurants to suit every
taste bud, and budget.Check out our best Milanese restaurants here!ItalianIl Luogo
di Aimo e Nadia €€€€
- This smart and
sophisticated restaurant is tucked away in the Bande Nere neighbourhood of
town. Established in 1962, this Michelin-star restaurant continues to delight
the culinary crowds. The innovative and creative dishes on the 3 tasting menus
are as appetizing as its elegant à
la carte menu. All served in a sumptuously
stylish setting, that is something so effortlessly Italian about this place.Trattoria
Madonnina €€ - €€€ - Unapologetically old-school, this authentic Milanese
trattoria is utterly comforting; from its checked table cloth informality to
its traditional daily menu, which greets local diners and first timers with a
selection of mouth-watering traditional dishes, including ‘Cotoletta alle
Milanese’ (thin breaded veal cutlet) and another Lombardy staple, saffron
risotto.Borgo
Nuovo Hotel & Restaurant €€€ - Nestled
on the southern outskirts of Milan, this restaurant is worth the taxi ride to!
Situated in a former hamlet and with views from its dining room across the
canal and decorative spire of a neighbouring 12th century abbey,
this chic restaurant marries contemporary style with fresh kitchen garden
produce and fresh market ingredients; for luscious Lombardian cuisine at every
turn. Try the slow cooked beef cheek with polenta, the seasonal roasted guinea
fowl with truffle or if you’re feeling homely, the sumptuous pumpkin gnocchi
with smoked ricotta. Ristorante
Giacomo €€€ -
Another timeless Milanese
gem is Ristorante Giacomo. With its classic interior (designed by the infamous
architect Renzo Mongiardino) complementing the rustic Tuscan and Ligurian-style
menu, savouring the ambience with a menu that boasts mouth-watering seafood and
daily fresh fish from the market will provide a gastronomic treat to remember.Nebbia €€ - This canal side restaurant in the Navigli district
of town serves up a platter of tasty affordable options. It’s the ideal choice
for those looking to lap up authentic Lombardian cuisine in a stylish,
minimalist setting - where the delicious freshly prepared dishes can sing off
the plate and do all the talking. Wash it all down with a temptingly well-crafted
wine list.Piz € - In search of a mouth-watering bite that won’t break
the bank? Try Piz! This famous Milanese eatery is simplicity at its best.
Select from the 3-item menu and prepare to have your taste buds lifted and
satisfied. From its ‘Margherita’ option (San Marzano tomatoes, fresh Fior di
Latte mozzarella and olive oil), to its ‘Delicata Bianca’ (Fior di Latte
mozzarella, poppy seeds and chives) and aromatic ‘Marina’ (San Marzano tomatoes,
crushed garlic and basil), you may very well want to try all three!Trippa €€ - Popular and unpretentious, this traditional Italian
Trattoria promises a warm welcome. With wholesome cuisine created by one of
Milan’s best-loved chefs, Diego Rossi, this menu will delight a whole spectrum
of diners, from those who favour fresh market meat dishes and vegetarians, to
traditionalists in search of Milanese dishes, created with a twist.Erba Brusca €€ - Situated in a rural setting on the outskirts of
Milan, this restaurant serves Italian and European-inspired dishes in a light
and airy setting, with a menu packed with seasonal produce and fresh kitchen
garden ingredients. In the warmer months, diners enjoy eating outside by the
garden. Staple favourites here include its namesake dish ‘Erba Brusca’ (pasta
with clams, truffles and wild sorrel). All washed down with a decent wine list
and of course exceptional company – this is what classic Lombardian dining is
all about!Ratanà €€€ - Fancy a refreshing take on authentic Milanese
cuisine? This foodie hotspot is for you! Within its stylish, ambient setting,
diners will enjoy traditional re-worked classics such as ‘Risotto alle Milanese
con ossobuco’ (saffron risotto with braised veal shank). The ravishing, revamped
dishes are all thanks to its imaginative head chef, who symbolises the Italian
passion and flair for fine food, cooked well.Langosteria €€€€ - Looking to lavish that special someone? The modern, laid-back
appeal of this restaurant makes it a firm favourite for the Milanese crowd.
Serving the city’s best Catalan-inspired fish and crustacean dishes (try the
Catalan-style king crab), alongside fabulous fresh oysters and raw fish
platters, seafood fans will be more than impressed!Dongiò €€ - Those hoping to savour a
taste of authentic Italian home cooking during their time in Milan, are in for
a treat with this timeless trattoria. Set in the Porta Romana district, this
traditional eatery serves Calabrian dishes with full gusto. Savour the magic of
the ‘Spaghetti alle tamarro’ (fresh pasta with tomato sauce and riduja sausage)
and the melt-in-the-mouth ‘Parmiagiana di melanzane’.ATMosfera €€€ - Tourists in search of a unique dining experience in
Milan should not miss out on the Tram Ristorante ATMosfera. This restored
vintage tram restaurant allows diners to savour the city’s top scenic sights in
style, whilst savouring a delicious 4-course menu! Diners can choose from
either the meat, fish or vegetarian menu option and all dishes are prepared
using high-quality, local ingredients. Accompanied by wine and the passing
cityscape, this dining tram cart experience serves up a memorable way to see
(and taste) the world-class city of Milan.Enjoy your Milan adventure!
