Milan: a city where timeless sophistication and contemporary edge converge. Here, every experience is crafted with an appreciation for artistry, from exquisite Italian cuisine to curated boutique shopping and architecturally stunning spaces. This guide brings you the essential destinations for a seamless blend of Milan’s iconic glamour and modern allure. Explore this city through a lens of refinement, where each stay, sip, and sight offers an immersion in the ultimate Milanese elegance.

Where to Stay

Matilde Boutique Hotel
Nestled near the iconic Piazza Duomo, Matilde Boutique Hotel offers an intimate blend of Milanese charm and understated elegance. Each room is an inviting escape with sophisticated touches, while the restaurant serves as a hidden gem for elevated Italian cuisine—perfect for discerning travelers seeking Milan’s refined heart.

Aethos Milan
In the spirited Navigli district, Aethos Milan is a sanctuary of style, where vintage Italian design meets contemporary cool. With the exclusive ZAÏA restaurant and the atmospheric Doping Bar, Aethos curates an immersive experience that feels both personal and effortlessly chic.

Sina The Gray
Just moments from the Duomo, Sina The Gray is an avant-garde oasis with a playful edge. Distinctive rooms feature artful interiors, and the vibrant ARIA terrace is a prime spot for sunset cocktails. A stay here positions guests at the crossroads of Milan’s fashion and cultural pulse.

where to eat

Nobu Milan

Located within the Armani Hotel, Nobu Milan seamlessly combines traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, all presented in a sleek, modern setting. Signature dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño highlight the menu, offering a refined dining experience that reflects the elegance of its surroundings.

Chatulle

Situated in the heart of Milan, Chatulle is celebrated for its authentic Italian culinary traditions, with a special emphasis on Milanese specialties. The restaurant's chic and refined atmosphere, adorned in warm beige and gold tones, provides a cozy yet sophisticated dining environment. During the summer months, guests can enjoy dining in the beautiful garden, surrounded by flowers and lemon trees.

Carlo e Camilla in Segheria

Housed in a former sawmill, Carlo e Camilla in Segheria offers a unique dining experience that merges industrial aesthetics with haute cuisine. The restaurant features a communal cross-shaped table and minimalist decor, creating a dramatic yet inviting ambiance. The menu, crafted by renowned chef Carlo Cracco, reinterprets traditional Italian dishes with contemporary flair.

where to GO

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Known as Milan’s “living room,” this elegant 19th-century arcade is home to luxury boutiques, fine dining, and iconic Italian brands. Stroll beneath the glass dome and mosaic floors, admiring the beautiful architecture, and indulge in a little shopping or an aperitivo at one of the upscale cafés. It’s a place where Milan’s heritage meets its cosmopolitan charm.

Duomo di Milano
Milan’s iconic cathedral, the Duomo, is a marvel of Gothic architecture and a must-see for every visitor. Climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic views over the city, where the intricate spires and statues create a breathtaking backdrop against the Milanese skyline. This is more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive experience in history and artistry.

Navigli District
The Navigli District, with its historic canals and vibrant energy, offers a refreshing change of pace from the city’s polished core. Known for its artistic flair, the area is lined with galleries, artisan shops, and al fresco dining along the canals. At sunset, Navigli transforms with lively aperitivo spots—perfect for savoring the local culture in a relaxed yet stylish setting.

WHERE TO have a drink

1930 Speakeasy

Hidden behind an unassuming façade, 1930 is Milan's most exclusive speakeasy, renowned for its Prohibition-era ambiance and meticulously crafted cocktails. Access is by invitation only, often extended to patrons of Mag Café, adding to its allure. Inside, the intimate setting, adorned with vintage décor, transports guests to a bygone era, offering a unique and memorable experience.

Bar Basso

Established in 1947, Bar Basso is a Milanese institution celebrated for introducing the "aperitivo" culture to the public. It is famously known as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, a delightful twist on the classic Negroni, substituting gin with sparkling wine. The bar's timeless interior, featuring chandeliers and wooden wainscoting, exudes old-world glamour, attracting a diverse clientele of locals and visitors alike.

LùBar

Situated within the Villa Reale, LùBar offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle. This café and restaurant blend Mediterranean flavors with Sicilian influences, providing a tranquil setting for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, or dinner. The lush garden and elegant interiors create a romantic ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely drink accompanied by refined cuisine.