I Spent A Summer Finding The Best Places In Milan, So You Don’t Have To
Lockdowns and quarantine galore, the past year has had the world daydreaming of travel. Whether it be in your backyard or a whole other continent, the deprivation of discovering a new place has left many hungry to get out and take a bite of curiosity. With vaccine distribution on the rise, plans for summer travels have begun with high hopes. I created a travel guide to one of my favorite cities in the world, Milan. I had the opportunity of spending a summer here, and wanted to share all the best (non-tourist) places to visit in hopes that many of you are able to travel here and enjoy the fashion capital as much as I did.
FOOD
Temakinho: This was the best sushi I could find in Italy (within reason, Nobu was certainly #1, but is at the highest price point). The fun Brazilian-Japanese cuisine is like no other, and coupled with the matching interior design this place is hard to resist. I suggest the Brera location, so afterwards you can enjoy the local shops while you walk off a delectable meal.
God Save the Food: My personal favorite was the Brera location, in which you over-look the Chiesa del Carmine, a beautiful 15th century church. If sitting outside isn’t your forte, the contemporary interior is very cozy with seating I could honestly fall asleep in. The cuisine is modern asian fusion, but if you’re looking to eat American for a meal you can get chicken fingers, a club sandwich, or a chicken caesar salad.
Mr Miao: This is the best food in Chinatown, and I suggest getting the Lo Mein (they call it spaghetti on the menu!). They have very limited seating, so this is a perfect take-out restaurant.
ParcoMilano: Italians are known for their aperitivo, essentially the equivalent to an American happy hour but they include a light meal as well. I went to aperitivo all over Milan, and this was by far the best. You can sit outside and enjoy the view of the Arco della Pace, or inside their modern-style restaurant. The drinks were strong, and the food was amazing.
Hamericas: If you want truly American food, this is your place to go, and I wish I was lying when I say I ate here nearly every single day I was in Milan. The restaurant is split in half with two entrances, one side has a pink interior and sells tacos and burritos, the other side has a dark aesthetic and makes burgers, smoked meat, and salads. It doesn’t get more American than that. I suggest going to the Ticinese location (Corso di porta Ticinese, 6), on your way to the Duomo (follow Via Torino east for about 10 minutes). Enjoy a taste of home!
NIGHTLIFE
Old Fashion: This is hands down the best club to go to in the summer, they have a huge outdoor atrium with places to sit surrounding it. The indoor part of the club is very nice as well, but is used for winter clubbing. Things may change post-COVID, but when I went, Americans could get a discount entrance fee of 10 euros and 2 drink tickets. Also, they play American music often, which made it much more exciting. Old Fashion holds all of my best going out memories, and it is my top suggestion for the lively Milan club scene.
Chinese Box: If you are looking for a more low-key night but still want to get drinks and socialize, Chinese Box is your place to go. Not only is it located next to the famous Gucci wall, it is also near the popular attraction Eataly. Upon arrival, you will find people swarming the cobblestone road out front, this was such a great way to meet new people in the city. If you aren’t in the mood for socializing there are tables upstairs under dim lighting that offer a more secluded experience.
Byblos: This is one of the more expensive clubs to get into, so I would usually find a promoter or say I was a model and they would let us in. They’re very concerned with brand image here, which comes through in the interior design and emphasis on high-profile clientele. Along with a tricky entrance protocol, there’s not a lot of dancing…and oddly enough they played the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song when I was there. This isn’t my top choice but I suggest going once for the experience.
Just Cavalli: Designer Roberto Cavalli’s club, which is also a restaurant for fine dining, brunch, and aperitivo, is right next to Old Fashion, and has the same elite status as Byblos but it’s much more lively and fun. Though it can be expensive and sometimes difficult to get into, you are bound to see famous people here.
Alcatraz: This club is massive and dark, the music is so loud you can barely talk, but the dancing? Immaculate. A true club experience, with a unique name to match.
Loolapaloosa: This is more of a bar than a club, it’s much smaller but I had so much fun every time. The best part is that all the bartenders get shirtless, and dance on the bar.
PLACES
TO GO
Brera: This is the coolest area of the city, with a ton of local boutiques.
Il Colonne di San Lorenzo (a.k.a. The Columns): This area has really good shops and restaurants with a youthful vibe to it (Think açaí bowls and streetwear).
Piazza Gae Aulenti: Right by Chinatown, this modern building has shops, cafe’s, and restaurants. While you’re here I recommend checking out the Vertical Forest, two towers with gardens holding 2,000 plant species, as well as Corso Como, a popular area of the city with a plethora of shops and restaurants.
CityLife: This was my favorite spot for a quick bite to eat and browsing through stores. A newer building designed by architect Zaha Hadid, this ultra-modern mall is a must see.
La Rinascente: This high-end department store has 10 floors of designer shopping, and an amazing rooftop restaurant that over-looks the Duomo.
QC Termemilano: If you are looking to wind down, this spa and wellness center is a must. With outdoor pools, an indoor hydrotherapy experience, a salt cave, saunas, and a room full of water beds, this was certainly the most luxurious and unique spa I’ve ever been to. I also got a facial and would highly recommend one to complete your experience.
MUSEUMS
Fondazione Prada: So you aren’t fooled like me, prior to entry it’s good to know that this museum has absolutely no Prada in it. Rather it’s a project by the design house to showcase diverse artwork, and truly is one of my favorite modern art museums I’ve ever visited (view image above for just one of their amazing exhibitions). Upon arrival I recommend visiting Bar Luce at the entrance for a quick pick-me-up cappuccino. This cafe was designed by renowned film director Wes Anderson, and adds a bit of whimsy to begin your visit. There are 10 buildings on the grounds to discover, so I recommend setting aside a whole day to visit here. This includes a restaurant on the 6th floor of the tower in which you can eat amongst artwork and over look the entirety of the museum to complete your visit. With a multitude of buildings to explore, art aficionado’s and curious spectators alike will stumble upon serendipity around every corner.
Armani Silos: This is where you’ll want to visit to see a extensive collection of fashion on display. Giorgio Armani’s Silos is dedicated to his unique designs spanned over decades of his career. Seeing these beautiful garments up close and personal is breathtaking, and at such a high volume this is a location you won’t want to miss. Placed in a building that used to be a silo, Armani kept the name explaining that, “He decided to call it Silos because this building used to store food, which is, of course, essential for life. For him, just as much as food, clothes are also a part of life”. The four-floor museum will be well worth a visit no matter if you are a lover of fashion or not.
Fondazione Sozzani: A gallery founded in 2016 by Carla Sozzani, sister to the previously long-standing Vogue Italia Editor-in-Cheif Franca Sozzani, you will find a celebration of all art forms. Showcasing photography, fashion, fine arts, and applied arts this is a simple and quaint spot to visit for a quick art fix. Centered between traditional tourist hotspots like Parco Sempione, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, and Piazza Gae Aulenti, I highly recommend to add this gallery to your list.