Achingly cool, the world’s fashion capital Milano, is a non-negotiable stop when planning your next European getaway. From wearable art to sprawling murals covering buildings in vibrant neighbourhoods, it’s time to make tracks to this fast-paced metropolis. We’ve joined forces with the crew at Lavazza (who just dropped their decadent Tales of Milano blend) to suss out the ultimate places to eat, play and stay in Milano. 

Eat

Ratanà
With produce sourced only from local, artisanal farmers, every plate that leaves the kitchen at Ratanà is thoughtfully curated, fusing traditional Milano cuisine with a contemporary edge. Think: pillowy-soft ravioli with salted cherries and pepper, or eggplant tarte tatin with ricotta. 

Trattoria Madonnina
You won’t find a social media presence or even a website for this trattoria—one of Milano’s oldest. Upon arrival, you’ll discover a small, hand-penned menu offering traditional classics like osso buco, risottos and cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded cutlet). In the warmer months, snag a table on the patio and be serenaded by a local musician. 

Piz
For some of the best pizza you’ll ever wrap your chompers around, make a beeline for Piz. While they don’t take reservations—trust us, it’s worth the wait—the staff are known to swing free flutes of prosecco to make the line more bearable. Thin, woodfired perfection, there are only three options on the menu and all are equally delish. There’s the margherita pizza topped with SanMarzano tomatoes and fresh fior di latte, the marinara (tomatoes with crushed garlic and basil) and the delicata bianca (fior di latte, chives and poppy seeds). 

Altatto
Housed in a former bakery, Altatto is 100% vegetarian, which can be a welcome relief after Milano’s many meaty offerings. With a cool, contemporary interior and outdoor courtyard, it’s unlike anything else you’ll experience in Milano, which is what makes it so special. Choose between two rotating tasting menus, paired with natural wines. 

Cantine Isola
A Milano institution, this 126-year-old wine shop can be found nestled in Chinatown’s bustling centre. Slinging 1,500 wines by the bottle,  you’ll want to carve out a few hours here—if not to simply sip on the sidewalk, people watch and snack on charcuterie and cheese. 

Bar Basso
If you want to live your best Tiktok life, visit the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato to enjoy a pre or post-dinner cocktail. In 1967, barman Mirko Stocchetto took over neighbourhood fave Bar Basso and accidentally swapped gin for prosecco, creating the now iconic tipple. With 500 cocktails to choose from, you might want to book multiple visits here. 

Play

Tick Off The Big Hitters
When visiting one of Italy’s most famous cities, be sure to tick off the must-sees first. We’re talking about the awe-inspiring Duomo, Milano’s best-known landmark. The 14th-Century Gothic cathedral sits right in the centre of the city and is truly breathtaking. Next, wander to Santa Maria delle Grazie and crane your neck skywards to see arguably the world’s most famous painting, ‘The Last Supper’. The mural, crafted by Leonardo da Vinci back in 1494, is unsurprisingly a popular tourist attraction so pre-book your tickets. Round out your day with a tour of Sforzesco Castle, one of Europe’s largest citadels. You’ll find museums, stunning artwork and architecture, before wandering out the back gate to find Parco Sempione, Milano’s prettiest park. 

Shop Til You Drop
You’re in Italy’s fashion capital after all, so it would be remiss not to give your credit card a little work out at the city’s array of achingly stylish shopping precincts. Perhaps the most famous is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping arcade. Wander high-end retailers like Gucci and Prada, before stopping for a bite to eat at Biffi, a cafe that has been serving hungry and thirsty visitors since 1867. Next wander the famous ‘golden quadrangle’ encompassing Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Montenapoleone where you’ll find the likes of Dolce e Gabbana and Armani. For an outdoor shopping experience (and something a little more wallet-friendly), stroll Corso Buenos Aires where you’ll find every European retailer you could possibly think of. 

Discover The Navigli District 
Want to bask in more of da Vinci’s beauty? Rent a bike and cruise alongside the postcard-perfect canals of the Navigli District. Designed by Da Vinci himself, the labyrinth of canals is now lined by colourful homes, market stalls, cafes, restaurants and bars that are perfect for perusing along the way. Carve out at least half a day here to really soak up the atmosphere. 

Explore Milano’s Street Art
Slightly off the tourist track, Isola is a destination worth visiting on your next sojourn to Milano. Isola, which means island, was once cut off from the rest of the city and seen as a less desirable place to reside. Today, it’s a vibrant, open-air gallery where you’ll find large-scale murals and thought-provoking pieces adorning the building's walls commissioned by local artists. You can explore the streets solo or jump on one of the many guided walking tours to learn more about the people behind the paintings.

Stay 

Boujee

Casa Baglioni
Nestled in Milano’s art district of Brera, this culture-soaked hotel only opened its doors in February and has already gained a cult following. Inside are 30 suites decked out in minimalist chic designs inspired by 1960s Milano with mid-century Milanese artwork at every turn. Be sure to book yourself a meal at the hotel restaurant run by Michenlin-starred chef Claudio Sadler. 

Mid-range

Maison Milano UNA Esperienze
You can’t beat the location of this hotel, found just a short stroll from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There are 27 spacious rooms available with large bathrooms and some with terraces to soak up the city views. You’ll even get a welcome drink on arrival so the holiday can start asap. 

Budget

Ostello Bello Hostel
Friendly staff, central location and large, vibrant rooms—you’re getting serious bang for your buck at Ostello Bello Hostel. There are ample common areas to lounge in after a big day of touring (movie room, terrace, bar) plus you get free daily brekky, supper (usually pasta) and a welcome drink.