This city is deemed the fashion and business capital of Italy however it doesn’t always feel that way. Milan was the first city we’ve ever seen of Italy, and while it had its treasures and was quite lovely in its own way it wasn’t what we expected. The city is filled with graffiti, more than we’ve ever seen. It lines almost every shop down the streets of the city. However, there are so many gorgeously dressed people walking around that it almost seems like an urban themed runway show. (We were completely hoping to find The Sartorialist in Milan, he’s been taking pictures there recently but no such luck)
So, what you need to know about Milan. Lets go over the basics:
1. June is the height of travel season around Europe so always be conscious of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings. We always wear an over the body bag while in Europe, its far more difficult to steal.
2. Bring light, airy clothes. Italy in particular is hot and sometimes humid in the summer. With all the walking you’ll be doing you need comfortable shoes and breathable clothes. Our favorite pairing was sandals and a maxi dress with our hair in a bun.
3. You must go to Panzerotti di Luini near the Duomo. Panzerotti’s are Milanese fast food, sweet pockets of deep fried bread filled with goodies. Our favorite was the Fritta which had gooey mozzarella and spicy salami inside it. Hello HEAVEN. They are also only a few euro so very friendly on the budget.
Via Santa Radegonda, 16, 20121 Milano, Italy
4. Gelato. What can we say about gelato other than we got addicted to it while in Italy. We may have even had it for breakfast 2 times while in Florence… In Milan there is a fantastic shop around the corner from Panzerotti di Luini (hello dessert) called Cioccolato Italiani. The Fragola gelato was worth every lick (strawberry for us English speaking folks).
Via San Raffaele, 6, 20121 Milano, Italy
5. The Duomo Milano is absolutely worth seeing. Even if you only have 1 day in Milan this should be on your list! Building began in 1386 and took over 5 centuries to complete. It’s the 5th largest cathedral in Europe and Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned the King of Italy in these halls. We’re a bit of a history nerd so forgive us but there is something incredible about standing in a building that is over 500 years old, that people have walked through for centuries. It’s quite the moment when you realize how much history is standing around you.
Insiders tip: Make sure to bring a cardigan or a wrap if you are wearing a tank top or sleeveless dress. They will NOT let you into the church if you are showing too much skin. This also counts for dresses they deem too short.
6. The finale. One of the best meals we’ve EVER had was in Milan. We had dinner with the European CTO and Country Manager of our company (both Italian) so we trusted they knew were to take us. Once we arrived Prosecco was served while the table was made ready. Once seated the gentlemen started to order… we were in absolute culinary awe. There was buratta, prosciutto, mushroom salad with parmesan and olive oil, a creamy risotto and pasta carbonara. This was all BEFORE the main entree! For the main they brought out these platters of steak that was so delicious we couldn’t stop eating it. There were these little fried potatoes that were so simple yet so flavorful. Oh and the wine! We are kicking ourselves now for not taking a picture of the bottle so we could try and find this stuff in the US. We concluded with tiramisu (we didn’t let anyone touch ours, we ate the entire thing) and Limoncello. Needless to say we slept like a well fed baby that night. If you are ever in Milan, please please go try Dalla Zia.
Via Generale Gustavo Fara, 12, 20124 Milano, Italy
– The Reportery
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