Whether you’re a fashion insider attending Milan Fashion Week or the city is on your list of places to visit, this is your one-stop insider guide to Milan.
We speak to Veronica Varetta, founder of fine jewellery brand LIL Milan, who shares her insider knowledge of the best places to eat, drink, shop and see in Italy’s fashion capital. Read on for prime aperitivo spots, the best place to order pasta al pomodoro, and where to shop all things vintage.
The best time to visit?
Spring, when aperitivos outside are a must-do. Or autumn when the colours of the city are beautiful.
Our first pitstop should be…
Loste for an almond cappuccino and a croissant.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Aethos Milan has beautiful one-of-a-kind rooms. Hotel Viu to enjoy a beautiful rooftop swimming pool. Room Mate Giulia if you want to be right in the heart of the city without spending too much money. Portrait if you want to spoil yourself.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Giardini di Porta Venezia for a run. There is a workout station here too.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Sissi for a traditional express croissant and a cappuccino. Sit in the garden and enjoy a little bit of shade.
Where can we find the best coffee?
If you like specialty coffee go to Cafezal, if you want a traditional espresso go to Giacomo Tabaccheria.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Giacomo Rosticceria to enjoy a traditional Italian meal in a beautiful garden. Order a pizzetta to start.
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Your favourite restaurant in town?
At the moment it’s Onest, but head to Manna for a special plate of pasta al pomodoro.
And for dinner with friends?
Ronin. Have dinner and reserve a karaoke room for afterwards.
Best place for an authentic meal?
For a real Milanese dinner go to Antica Trattoria della Pesa and order Risotto alla Milanese and Vitello tonnato. A real treat.
Best cocktail spot?
Si Ma, designed by the architect Massimo Locatelli, or have an aperitivo at Torre in Fondazione Prada.
The best place for people watching…
The culture spot to rave about…
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Where can I go shopping?
Madame Pauline for vintage purchases or the Cinque Vie neighbourhood to scout small boutique stores and art galleries.
For the best views head to…
Horto rooftop if you want to stay in the centre. Otherwise head to Triennale Museum.
One place only locals know about…
Chiosco Mentana for an aperitivo after work, or watch the flamingos through the gates of Villa Invernizzi in Via Cappuccini.
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A book to read before we go (or while there)…
Entryways of Milan by Taschen.
For a change of pace try…
Souvenir to take home?
Zafferano by Giallo Zafferano to make a beautiful risotto alla Milanese when you get back home.
In one word, Milan is…
Non-stop.
A must-try spot for date night?
Røst Restaurant in Porta Venezia. Get tapas to share together and sit outside.
The best place to treat yourself is…
You Off to get a massage.
Where is the best place to style watch…
Pasticceria Cucchi – order a nice cornetto and a fluffy cappuccino.
Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…
Piazza Risorgimento and the Porta Venezia area.
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Great day trips include…
Villa Panza in Varese, it’s an 18th century mansion that is home to my favourite art collection in the city.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Get a tramezzino at Marchesi in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and visit Il Cenacolo to see The Last Supper in real life.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?