MILAN
Have a taste of La Dolce Vita in the most fashionable, and evolving, city in Italy.
Gallery: Fondazione Prada
Keen to explore the culture beyond the famous Duomo? Head to Fondazione Prada, an art exhibition and former distillery dating back to the 1910s, and a charming mismatch of pre-existing buildings and new structures. Don’t miss The Haunted House, a spooky collection housed in a golden four story-building.
Bar: Mag Café
If you can’t pick between a coffee or a cocktail (the classic early afternoon conundrum), come to the cool Mag Café and enjoy either while soaking in the Bohemian atmosphere. Having said that – we recommend Frog, a Grey Goose Vodka based cocktail.
Cafe: Pasticceria Cucchi
Pasticceria Cucchi is popular with local artists, all enjoying a cup of tea with a slice of Panettone or an aperitivo. Bring your partner for a romantic date, or turn on your Tinder profile to find the mysterious Italian artist of your dreams.
Public Space: Parco Sempione
You can bring a lot back from Milan, but sadly you can’t bring your gym pass with you. So, get your trainers on and go for a jog at Parco Sempione. The park’s central location means there are plenty of interesting sights to keep you entertained, and it has a storied history. It was once used to hunt in by Italian royalty, until Napoleon came along with… other ideas. He opened his mini-colosseum, the Arena Civica, in 1807.
Hotel: The Yard
Feeling classy? The Yard hotel is not just simply a boutique hotel, but a taste of pure luxury. (This hotel also features The Wootsu Society, a secret members’ club. Parentheses for maximum secrecy).
Church: Santuario Di San Bernardino Alle Ossa
For the travellers with a morbid streak, Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa is a destination teaming with curiosities. Be impressed, or repulsed, by their Ossuary and the walls almost entirely covered with human skulls and bones.
Bookshop: Verso Libri Milano
The perfect spot for avid readers; meet intellectuals here for deep conversations. Verso Libri Milano hold events ranging from theatre to cabaret to debates.
Workshop: Dues Cafe
Dues ex Machina is an Australian brand that recently set up shop in Italy – they’re passionate about surfing, cycling and motorbikes, and regard their workshops as “temples of enthusiasm”. The Dues Cafe, tucked inside the shop/workshop/exhibition space hybrid, is known as a meeting place for fans of the three worlds. It’s the place to grab a slice of Focaccia and start planning your next great adventure.
Theatre: Piccolo Teatro
Wined and dined at a nearby restaurant? Get ready for a cultural evening at Teatro Piccolo, Italy’s first permanent theatre. It has three venues: Teatro Grassi, Teatro Studio and Teatro Strehler and they do it all. Play, festivals, films, concerts and any number of events – sit back and relax or chat with friendly locals between the intervals.
