Your Winter Olympic Guide to Milan & Cortino d’Ampezzo

Gothic Duomo di Milano is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with thousands of spires, intricate details, and gargoyles looking down upon you. It is the largest cathedral in Italy and took centuries to complete. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and marvel at the ornate architecture, or take a tour inside to learn more about its history. Not sure which tour to do? Just ask me and I’d be happy to help you choose one that will suit you best.

Santa Maria della Grazie: The convent that houses Di Vinci’s “Last Supper” is, without stating the obvious, a must-see when in Milan. This church was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, commissioned in the 1400s to be a sanctuary and bequeathed to Dominican friars. The painting itself is actually a mural located in the refectory of the convent. Make sure to pre-book your tickets as they can sell out quickly!

Wander to the Tetro alla Scalla, the world-famous opera house that hosts operas, musical performances, and ballets. The Tetro is also home to a museum and an academy, where one can go and see different opera artifacts and learn more about the art form's importance and history in the performing arts world. There are still performances there, so make sure to check the schedule to see what is playing when you will be there! Your advisor or the concierge at your hotel will also be able to help you if you’re interested.

On your way to the Piazza di Duomo, one can spend hours looking into the many shops housed in what is considered to be one of the world’s oldest shopping centers, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an enormous intersecting building in the shape of a Latin cross and entirely enclosed by glass, iron, and a glass dome in the center. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, there are plenty of high-end designer stores located here, along with various cafes and restaurants.

Check out the Opening Ceremony at the San Siro Olympic Stadium. It is currently considered the largest football stadium in Italy, and, after being around for 100 years, it will be demolished after these Winter Olympics for a new stadium. This is one of the last times you can experience this piece of history, as well as being at such an iconic event!

Go skiing or snowmobiling on the slopes of Cinque Torri or Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites. For those looking for a mountain ski resort experience, these are some of the top places to go!

Stroll along Corso Italia in Cortina, the town’s main pedestrian street. Here you will find high-end shopping, restaurants, and bars to spend some of your day with the beauty of the Dolomites in the background.

Go to one of the sporting events, such as figure skating at the Forum di Milano or speed skating at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. If you’re in Cortina, the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center will be hosting the alpine skiing events, while the Cortina Sliding Center will have the bobsled, luge, and skeleton sports.

Located just steps away from the Duomo, in the heart of the city, The Roof Milano Bar & Restaurant, part of the Dei Cavalieri Collection, boasts one of the most spectacular views of the city. Ten floors up, the large terrace invites you to enjoy lunch, an aperitif at sunset, dinner with friends or family, or late-night cocktails. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for a sunset aperitif or dinner.

For those wanting to grab a quick bite, try Cesarino, a small sandwich shop selling fresh fruit and vegetable juices and hand-crafted sandwiches with local ingredients and freshly made sourdough bread. There is an extensive selection of sandwich options to choose from and they are made right there for you! Check out one of their three locations in Milan.

Beef Club Milano is in the center of the city, offering a cozy and elegant ambiance while showcasing high-quality cuts of meat carefully selected and matured on site. For those who are not meat lovers, they offer vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Taverna Trastevere is a Roman restaurant, with locations in both London and now Milan, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients that are meant to be shared and enjoyed. This Milan location, having recently opened in 2024, brings traditional classic recipes with a modern presentation.

Alajmo Cortina, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Max Alajmo, serves contemporary dishes with respect to the historical concept of their menu. The cuisine focuses on what can be found in the region, but there is also fish and creative offerings on their tasting menu as well. It consists of a cozy bar on the ground floor, with the restaurant occupying two levels above with sweeping views of the snowy mountains of Cortina.

Close by to the Corso Italia there is the Ristorante de Len, blending the modern and traditional in an alpine ambiance. Much of the menu is influenced by the region, and some of their specialties are vegetable- and cheese-based dishes, such as their fondue. A perfect way to end the day after hitting the slopes or observing the Olympic events.

For those wanting a spot for an après-ski rendezvous, look no further than the bar at Hotel Cortina on the Corso Italia. Here you can sample cocktails, try some of the flambé or other specialties from the chef’s menu, and relax watching the business of the world outside.

One of the most popular restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Ariston Restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Recently renovated, the space has simple clean lines enclosed in warm woods, creating an elegant setting. There is an extensive wine list, which pairs well with the traditional Ampezzo dishes that include various types of homemade pastas, pastries, and desserts.