A Complete Guide to Shopping, Food, Art and Culture in Milan

Advisor - Ali Duvaras
Curated By

Ali Duvaras

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  • Italy

  • Milan

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • International Travel

  • Fashion

  • Foodie

  • Modern Art

A white gothic church opening up to square with grey pigeons and tourists in black clothing at Duomo Cathedral Square in Milan, Italy.
Curator’s statement

I recently went on a last minute trip to visit Milan this past May and completely fell in love with the fashion and design capital of Italy. Between the beautiful architecture, designer shops and boutiques, as well as the never ending restaurant scene, it almost felt like I was back in New York City.

The Fora Difference

Book with Ali to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

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Bulgari Hotel Ian Milano

Luxury brand-name hotel in Milan with stylish interiors, a famed restaurant and a Bulgari Spa.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Sophisticated ex-convent turned into a garden hotel with high-ceiling rooms, authentic Italian dining on the airy veranda and a sleek, modern spa.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Principe di Savoia

Palatial hotel in Milan with lavish suites and a swoon-worthy pool embraced in Renaissance frescos.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Things to do

A row of three red cars in a light grey concrete room with windows at Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy.

Art

Fondazione Prada: Visit the art center designed by Rem Koolhaas, which houses contemporary art in a unique complex of warehouse buildings. Afterwards, grab a treat at the in-house cafe, Bar Luce.

Pirelli HangarBicocca: The best place for international contemporary art. Former industrial plant in Milan that is now known to be one of the largest contiguous spaces in Europe.

Triennale di Milano: Located in Parco Sempione, the space is a design and art museum by Giovanni Muzio that was built between 1931–1933.

Lattuada Gallery-Arte Centro: A modern and contemporary art gallery.

Shopping

For vintage shopping, check out Cavalli e Nastri, Madame Pauline Vintage or Gioielleria Vintage.

If you are more into luxury, get your shopping done at these top boutiques: 10 Corso Como, Gio Moretti, Biffi Boutiques – Banner, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Wait and See Srl.

Lastly, if you’re looking for some unreal home inspiration, check out Nilufar Depot, Cassina, and Raw&Co.

Miscellaneous

After a long day of walking and exploring, marvel at the views of Duomo di Milano (and maybe even grab a drink nearby at Maio Restaurant), explore Milan's famous canals, or walk through Castello Sforzesco – a medieval fortification located in the city.

Eat & drink

White and bubbly cheesy pizza with red sauce and thin crust on a wooden board with green rosemary and red tomatoes.

Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone: A beautiful courtyard restaurant great for lunch and people watching.

A Santa Lucia: If you find yourself close to the Duomo di Milano and craving pizza.

La Latteria: Small, historic trattoria.

Paper Moon Giardino: Head here for lunch in-between shopping! Great courtyard seating.

Fioraio Bianchi Caffè: A small bistro in Brera district. Great spot to sit outside and grab a coffee after a long day of exploring.

Giacomo Bistrot: A favorite among locals!

Bar Luce: Designed by American Film Director, Wes Anderson, he has recreated a typical Milanese café inside the Fondazione Prada.

Le Specialità: Everyone’s favorite pizzeria. It will be hard to pick one thing on the menu.

LùBar: If you find yourself hungry after exploring Indro Montanelli Garden grab an outdoor spot for some light snacks.

Ristorante la Brisa: Good for a romantic dinner date.

Rovello 18: A family-owned restaurant with an easy vibe, offering elevated Italian recipes.

Da Giacomo: Elegant, old school trattoria for upscale Italian classics.

Cova Montenapoleone: Grab a sweet treat and coffee.

Camparino in Galleria: Great cocktails!

Panini De Santis - Milano: The best paninis.

Need to Know

For more European inspiration by Ali, check out her guide on "Things to do in Mallorca, Spain".