City trip to Milan? Sleeping, aperitifs, restaurants, and shopping: everything at a glance
Milan: the city full of beautiful buildings, a rich history, culture, and of course, interior design and fashion. You can get lost here for days, enjoying the flamboyant people on the streets, the delicious food, the museums, and the events. The city is developing rapidly, and new, exciting places are popping up every day. This is the Barts Boekje list of Milan, with all the classic and newest spots for your next trip to this fashionable city.
Fancy a solo city trip? These are the best cities to visit on your own.
Milan offers countless hotels, from budget to super deluxe. This is our selection of the nicest to the most beautiful hotels – priced from low to high.
A place in Milan – Super nice budget stay. Basic and urban, but very cool. Includes a great restaurant and a delicious breakfast. Public transport takes you to the city center in no time.
Without Manzoni – Brand new and beautifully sleek boutique design hotel. Very affordable and within walking distance of the city center, attractions, and public transport.
Hotel Viu – Modern design hotel with a lovely rooftop pool and spa. Close to public transport, so you can quickly reach the city.
Hotel Vico – Charming design hotel with comfortable rooms and a fresh pastry breakfast. Strategically located if you want to explore the Navigli district as well as the city center.
Brivio House – Lovely boutique hotel with super tastefully decorated rooms – we love that! The hotel is part of a bombed-out palazzo; the wing has been rebuilt in 70s style. A beautiful example of Italian design.
Crossing Manzoni In the city's fashion heart, you'll find this fantastically beautiful, small boutique hotel with superbly furnished rooms. What a great location!
Galleria VIK Milano – A unique mix of classical and art gallery, but what makes this hotel especially special is the stay in the peak of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Casa Cipriani Milan – Okay, this one is fancy (read: pricey). It's a members' club, like Soho House, that you can also book as a hotel. Then you can use all the facilities. Just above the golden shopping triangle.
Headshot This hotel is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, housed in a recently renovated palazzo. It's part of the Ferregamo family and therefore appropriately chic. Is a night's sleep too expensive? Then you can enjoy a drink and simply take in this beautiful place.
A classic Italian breakfast is essentially just a quick coffee at the local bar, perhaps with a brioche (read: Italian croissant) on the side. But we actually prefer a more relaxed moment in the morning. These are our favorite spots for a delicious cappuccino – and more.
Marquesses 1824 – Truly a classic Italian breakfast: this pastry shop has been in the same family for over 200 years. And you can taste that experience. Sit comfortably at the bar and savor the delicacies with a cappuccino.
Saint Ambroeus Another classic: a very classic bar and restaurant. A chic breakfast spot, so to speak. The crème de la crème of Milan is here. Also great for lunch.
Lubar In a lovely spot near the Modern Art Gallery, you'll find this bar with a beautiful conservatory, where you can enjoy the sunshine – even on a chilly day. Add brioche with pistachio or a Sicilian cannelloni, and your visit is complete.
Signor Lievito – A mini cafe with only cinnamon buns – do we need to say more?
Giacomo Caffè – Near the Duomo, the Literary Café has a wonderful vintage vibe. Enjoy coffee, literature, and art. Combine it with a visit to one of the exhibitions at the Palazzo Reale.
Bar Luce As part of the Prada Foundation—a museum of modern art and exhibitions—you'll find a Wes Anderson-style café here. Perfect for breakfast with a coffee and croissant. It's also a great way to combine a visit to the museum or take some great photos.
Pave – Here too, you'll find freshly made treats: from croissants to pastries. And at one of their locations, Pave Gelati – delicious... yes indeed. gelato, just drop by!
Arket Cafe Sorry, not sorry... Not very Italian, but super delicious. Think cinnamon rolls, or a soy-oatmeal or almond cup, pleur.
Hygge – It might sound a bit more Scandi, but these Italian guys know what good coffee is. And they bake the most delicious croissants and rolls. You can go here for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
God save the food – A nice, trendy spot for a more substantial breakfast. Think eggs, avocado toast, and juices. Also a great spot for lunch.
Say Milan, and you say Italy. And say Italy, and you say—well… food! Milan is an international city, so you'll find a bit of everything. But let's be honest: the Italian food here is truly the best.
What are the places to be In Milan? From a delicious sandwich to a charming trattoria and fine dining – these are our favorites.
Right Sandwich It's still quite difficult to find a good sandwich for lunch. But at Panino Giusto, you'll find delicious sandwiches at great prices, in various locations throughout the city. Tip: order the fries too – they're super delicious!
Via Stampa Local Italian cuisine, wine bar, and bakery. Everything is equally delicious and authentic. Close to shops and easily accessible from the city center.
A place in Milan – As mentioned at the hotel: this is also a very nice restaurant, with pure, seasonal ingredients. You can eat here almost all day long, and they also regularly organize events, such as a jazz evening.
In Saint Lucia – Near the Duomo, you'll find this very classic restaurant. Overlook the grumpy waiters for a truly authentic Milanese experience, alongside the locals. Classic seasonal dishes: simple and pure.
paper moon – Right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, behind Louis V, you'll find Papermoon. Here you'll find modern Italian cuisine with a refined edge, yet it remains accessible. There's a beautiful courtyard garden where you can relax and enjoy the view from spring onwards.
Ralph's Bar – The bar at the Ralph Lauren store. A bit upscale, yes, but the Lobster Roll is to die for And the courtyard is beautiful. Worth it just for a drink and a peek. For lunch or dinner, definitely make a reservation.
James A truly established name in Milan – and one of the best places to enjoy truly good food. You can choose from several options: the restaurant (a bit more upscale), the bistro (for a more casual evening), or the rosticceria. For coffee and treats, there are also several cafeterias and a pastry shop. All with a lovely vintage ambiance.
The Speciality – For us, the best pizza in town. In this authentic family restaurant, you can choose from a huge variety of pizzas. They also have excellent other dishes, but we come here for La Pizza. During fashion week, you'll find the crème de la crème of fashion here. Always make a reservation.
Emoraya – Okay, if you really don't feel like Italian food, you really can't miss this place. This Japanese restaurant blew us away and offers something a little different than pasta carbonara.
lubna – New & hot – and already featured in the AD (no, not the Algemeen Dagblad, but Architectural Digest). An architectural gem with a matching interior. Delicious modern dishes with beautiful presentation. Reservations can only be made a few weeks in advance, and you really need to be there early. Also a great spot for an aperitif.
Trattoria Del Ciumbia Another relatively new hotspot in the heart of Brera. Classic trattoria style with a modern twist, nestled in a delightful retro atmosphere. In the basement, you'll find a small disco with a DJ – perfect for a bit of dancing.
Contrast Looking for fine dining? This Michelin-starred restaurant is highly recommended. You'll be surprised by every dish, and the courses just keep coming.
Gloria Osteria New on the menu of the Parisian hospitality giants of Big Mamma Group: Gloria in Milan. A historically decorated restaurant with a classic yet modern Italian menu. This is a real night out!
Dreams A beautiful restaurant, housed in a former daycare center. The renovated building is styled with a combination of Art Deco and Milanese charm.
Ristorante Abba – Housed in a former paint factory, you'll find this stunning, minimalist restaurant. The chef focuses on seasonal ingredients, with a simple and uncluttered approach.
Vest – Delicious Mediterranean cuisine in the center of Brera. The fish dishes are especially excellent here – served in their most authentic form.
ōdachi – Japanese meets Milan in this surprising fusion venue. An interesting combination, but also simply delicious! Everything in the decor—with contrasts in texture and color—stimulates your senses.
Well, most people come to Milan to shop – whether it's for fashion or interior, this is the place to be. You don't need any help with that, of course. But we're happy to give you a list of our favorite local boutiques that you just need to know how to find.
CLAN Upstairs – Trendy men’s and women’s store, largely consisting of own brand and some smaller brands.
END. – Boutique department store with all the major streetwear brands. You'll find a strong selection of sneakers, the latest fashion brands, and great home decor. There's often a line, but it's definitely worth it.
Antonia There are several locations, but on the beautiful Piazza Quadrilatero, you'll find this clothing store's latest addition. They offer high-end fashion and accessories for both men and women.
Tearose Boutique Milano – Fine boutique with unique women's fashion, combined with a strong selection of perfumes and accessories.
Candiani Denim – For the connoisseurs and denim lovers of the famous Candiani fabrics, there is now also a store with their own collection.
The Cloister – A delightful combination of vintage and modern – perfect for just browsing.
Como Course 10 – Boutique department store with high-end designer clothing – definitely worth popping in and admiring all the beautiful items.
Vibi Venice Have you seen them yet, those velvet mules? Everyone in Italy wears them. You'll find them in this shop, in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
Wait and see – Cool shop with clothes, trinkets and gadgets.
SCOUT – Nice young shop with street fashion and a small selection of vintage.
Slowear – A lovely boutique for men, with a refined Italian look. And right next door: Sloware18, for women.
Aspesi – A lesser-known Italian brand, but definitely worth it if you love minimalist style and quality.
Apero time is generally before dinner – around 11:00 a.m. for lunch and around 6:00 p.m. for dinner. But of course, you can also go to most bars for a drink after dinner.
In other words: it's always time for a drink in Italy. Here's our list of favorites for an aperitif or a drink.
Noise – In the same beautiful palazzo as Antonia and Portrait, you'll find this trendy and well-decorated bar. Good music, tasty drinks, and plenty to see!
Palinuro bar – Okay, maybe not what you expect in this list, but this all-natural wine bar is definitely worth it.
Ralphs Bar – As also mentioned with restaurants: here you can enjoy a good aperitif – including some snacks, of course.
Vesta Fiori Chiari – Right in the heart of Brera, you'll find this modern spot with delicious drinks. The seating is semi-outdoor, making it perfect for all seasons.
Armani Hotel – On the top floor of the Armani Hotel, you'll find a stylish bar with comfortable lounge seating and delicious drinks. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful view from here.
Lubna – As mentioned before: the hotspot, and perfect for an aperitif with tasty snacks.
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