A Design Lover's Ultimate Milan Travel Guide

Milan, the renowned capital of fashion and design, is where timeless elegance seamlessly intertwines with contemporary sophistication, creating a city that epitomizes style and innovation. Beyond its reputation for high-end shopping and its glamorous fashion weeks, Milan offers a vibrant cultural experience, with everything from centuries-old cathedrals and art galleries to trendy cafes, bustling nightlife, and world-class dining. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, cuisine, or cobblestone streets, Milan has something for every traveler, especially those with a keen appreciation for design.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect Milan adventure, including detailing the best neighborhoods to stay, the best things to see, and the must-visit restaurants for a true taste of Italy. Whether you’re looking to sip espresso by the Duomo, shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or enjoy an aperitif in the trendy Brera district, we’ve got you covered.

Pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and get ready to explore everything Milan has to offer—from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. Keep scrolling for your complete guide to the best places to eat, stay, and play in Milan.

Vico Milano provides a luxurious yet intimate stay in central Milan, blending fashion, art, and personalized hospitality. Conceived by Neri Baccheschi Berti—whose family is behind the renowned Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany—this boutique guesthouse is a hidden gem located on Corso Genova, within walking distance of the Duomo and the trendy Via Tortona district.  

The property’s roots in creativity run deep, having once housed a factory that produced the iconic Legnano racing bikes and later serving as a showroom for the family’s fashion brand. Designed by Sicilian architect Giuseppe Alito, the guesthouse is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring custom furniture created by artisans from Tuscany and Sicily. Every corner reflects Neri’s global inspirations, with unique touches like Greek green marble, antique Persian carpets, and modern lighting from Michael Anastassiades. After a long day of sightseeing, Vico Milano's enormous Moroccan-tiled showers will be a welcome sight, as will the House Bar, where the barmen whip up innovative riffs on classic Italian cocktails in an intimate setting.

With only seven rooms, the Vico Milano provides an under-the-radar luxury experience. Guests are welcomed as personal friends and offered bespoke services that immerse them in authentic Milanese culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, staying at Vico Milano promises to leave you feeling at home in one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Craving some classic Milanese cuisine for dinner? Bice Milano is the place to go. With a traditional style and beautiful ambiance, you'll truly feel like you're in the heart of Milan. Strictly homemade pasta and risotto; you can't go wrong. 

Another dinner spot, Giacomo Bistrot is an iconic spot for fashion week. It has multiple locations throughout Milan, so you're bound to step inside one. Known for its delicious fine meat dishes, Giacomo Bistrot's food and atmosphere will leave you satisfied. 

Another fashion week spot and just a short walk away from the Duomo, Dal Bolognese will be full of fashion connoisseurs and delicious food. If you're looking for an elegant and chic spot for dinner in Milan, you won't be disappointed with Dal Bolognese. 

Want to try a Michelin-starred restaurant while you're in Milan? Try Horto. Amid the city's bustling pace, Horto is somewhere you can slow down and truly enjoy your food. Guided by a philosophy rooted in sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to local production, Horto's meals are guaranteed to be a new tasting experience for everyone. 

At the heart of Milan, chef Andrea Aprea's restaurant is where the timeless traditions of Italian cuisine meet modern innovation. With two Michelin stars, each dish is crafted to deliver an unforgettable journey of culinary artistry.

10 Corso Como is a shopping and dining destination in Milan that seamlessly blends art, fashion, music, design, and culture. With international outposts in Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai, this iconic concept store offers a curated experience of luxury and creativity, making it a must-visit for style and culture enthusiasts.

In the market for some designer vintage? Cavalli e Nastri is the spot. With two boutiques in Milan, Cavalli e Nastri Mora and Cavalli e Nastri Brera, you're bound to find iconic vintage pieces from Gucci to Ferragamo. 

A prestigious fashion district in Milan, Italy, celebrated for its luxury boutiques, elite designers, and exclusive high-end shops, you can't have a real shopping day in Milan until you stop into one of the boutiques at the Golden Rectangle. Often compared to New York's Madison Ave. and London's Bond St., you can find luxury stores such as Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and more. 

The Milan headquarters of Fondazione Prada, designed by the architecture firm OMA under the leadership of Rem Koolhaas, broadens the range of spatial concepts for exhibiting and experiencing art with the public.

A great attraction and close to your stay at Vico Milano, the Mudec safeguards and showcases the ethno-anthropological heritage from the Milan City Council collections. It curates international exhibitions presented through diverse artistic mediums and hosts a dynamic program of events and initiatives in collaboration with the local community.

Obviously, this has to be one of the first things on your list if you're going to Milan. The Duomo's exterior alone is awe-inspiring, with intricate Gothic architecture and thousands of marble statues adorning its façade. During peak seasons, the interior can get crowded, but thanks to timed tickets, you can now plan your visit efficiently. Booking tickets in advance—or opting for a skip-the-line tour—allows you to explore both the cathedral’s interior and its terraces. 

The Duomo's rooftop terraces are an absolute must-see. With 135 spires and over 2,000 statues, the cathedral's intricacies come to life as you wander through interconnecting stairways and pathways.

Teatro alla Scala, or simply La Scala, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world and a symbol of Milan’s rich cultural heritage. Opened in 1778, La Scala has hosted the premieres of many iconic operas, including works by Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, and Giacomo Puccini. With its stunning neoclassical façade and lavish interiors, it remains a mecca for lovers of opera, ballet, and classical music.

Even if you don't have tickets to a show, a visit to La Scala’s museum offers a fascinating glimpse into its history. You’ll find costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from legendary productions, along with a view of the auditorium from the balconies. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the theater’s legacy and behind-the-scenes stories.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of Milan’s elegance. Opened in 1877, this stunning arcade is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world and connects two of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala.

Stepping into the Galleria feels like entering an art gallery. The grand glass dome, intricate mosaics, and elegant ironwork create a spectacular setting, making it a must-see even if you’re not in the mood to shop. Beneath its soaring arches, the Galleria is home to a mix of high-end boutiques such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, along with iconic restaurants and cafes like Camparino in Galleria, famous for its traditional Milanese aperitifs.