Italia. Land of gastronomic delights, handsome men and fabulous fashion. We spent 24 hours in the city and fell in love with it all. Read on for our edit of a day in Milan.
Arriving into Milan on a beautifully bright but bone-chillingly cold day in January marked an invigorating introduction to a city that many label as unfriendly.
Whether you're here for the food, fashion, architecture or art, Milan's charm is apparent under its industrial exterior.
We spent less than 24 hours in this marvellous city. Walk beside us to discover a day in Milan. Andiamo!
Where to Stay in Milan
Checking in to 3 Rooms at 10 Corso Como is like receiving a warm hug. Three dream apartments elegantly and eclectically laid out, replete with fresh fruit, teas & coffees and a truly welcoming feel.
With a delicious breakfast included in the downstairs cafe-bar and the opportunity to explore the iconic 10 Corso Como store and gallery spaces, this was the ideal place to rest and recharge.
Getting Around Milan:
Milan is a relatively small city so the best way to navigate its 'Centro' is on foot. As you spiral out from the middle however, taxis can get you where you need to go with minimal fuss and expense.
24 Hours in Milan - Culture Shortlist
The Duomo and its surrounding grand arcades (the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built in the 1800s and is home to Prada's original store) is not to be missed! Make sure to wear your sneakers to climb to the top for a magnificent view over the rooftops of the city.
If you love architecture and design then you cannot miss a visit to the extraordinary Villa Necchi Campiglio. Discreetly set in beautiful grounds a short stroll from the Fashion District, Villa Necchi's stunning interiors will set your pulse racing. Original features, furniture, art, books, crockery and clothes adorn spaces with elegance, restrained opulence and a supreme sense of style. Ensure you book a tour of the Villa and pay the extra Euro to be permitted to take photographs.
A short stroll from Villa Necchi is Villa Invernizzi. Peek through the grand fence to see the resident flock of flamingos that live here!
The Prada Fondazione, with its iconic gold building, intelligent art collections and the stunning Bar Luce, is not to be missed. Whether you're an art appreciator or not, if you love food and interiors then the trip is worth it for Bar Luce alone. Designed by film director Wes Anderson the largely mint and pink space is a heady, brilliant candy store (quite literally) where luxe yet practical materials such as vinyl, terrazzo and carved wood are liberally mixed to stunning effect. Sit back and relax, especially if you're lucky enough to nab one of the tub booths.
Where to Shop In Milan
Nilufar Gallery (& Depot)
Via Della Spiga, 32 - our dream purveyor of vintage furnishings.
Spazio Pontaccio
Via Pontaccio, 18 - a design space showcasing rotating luminaries.
Richard Ginori
Piazza San Marco, 3 - the iconic Italian porcelain company creative directed by Alessandro Michele.
10 Corso Como
Corso Como, 10 - the pioneering art & shopping space founded by Carla Sozzani. Three levels of bliss!
Dimore Studio
Via Solferino, 11 - utterly covetable and obscenely decadent the design duo's Brera showroom will require deep pockets.
Of course no trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to the Quadrilatero della Moda! From Etro to Bottega Veneta, you'll find every possible luxury boutique and more.
Where to Eat in Milan
Pasticceria Marchesi
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - another stunningly minty venue with delectable treats awaits you at Prada's latest venue, accessible from their men's store inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Armani Hotel & Cafe
Via Alessandro Manzoni, 31 - set in the fashion district, the Armani Hotel is a venue showcasing the designer's incredible attention to detail. It is also the location of Nobu's Milan outpost.
La Latteria
Via S. Marco, 24 - Tucked away in the quaint area of San Marco, you'll feel like you've stumbled into someones home in this family run restaurant.
Bar Luce
L.go Isarco, 2 - an unmissable cultural and cafe experience. Funky decor to set your pulse racing, sweets packaged exquisitely, a simple yet delicious bar menu and much more at Fondazione Prada.
10 Corso Como
Corso Como, 10 - even if you're not staying here you can dine in the indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar space, or simply refuel over coffee and nibbles. Lovely hospitality, great ambiance, a good cocktail selection and a delicious menu make this an easy destination.
