Duomo

Milan is known around the world as a fashion capital. For Italians, it is also a place where business and finance rule the city. Most often viewed as the cold hearted Milanese by Southern Italians, it is a place to see and be seen where wealth rules the city. It also possesses one of the world’s most famous Opera houses: Teatro all a Scala. If you find yourself in this city during fashion week, you are not going to be disappointed by the tall skinny models. However, if you are there for only a short period of time, the itinerary below will help you plan your stay.

Begin your day with a nice espresso or cappuccino and a “cornetto” (similar to the French Croissant but with a filling inside and a bit more sweet). Continue by going to the Duomo, which is one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. If time permits, go the roof which is covered with statues and see the city from up top. Continue your visit through the stylish Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where you can enjoy a five Euro coffee in the Gucci store. If you are one of the few lucky ones that can afford to shop or if you are like the rest of us who want to admire the beauty which is so far reached, continue your walk to the fashion triangle.

Vittorio Emanuele

Fashion Triangle also known as the Golden Triangle is just north of the Duomo, around the streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga and Via Manzoni.  It hosts all of your famous Italian designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Versace, Valentino, Cavalli, Gucci and Prada to name a few. Continue your visit by going to Luini Panzerotti for the best Panzerotti in Milan. You will know it is good as you will see a line up outside.

Continue your day by going to Pinacoteca Ambrosiana to explore some 15th-16th century art among some other paintings from other periods. Then continue to Castello Sforzeco which is a Renaissance palace which today contains exhibitions of applied arts, archaeology and antique furniture collection, among other things.

Typical Street of Milan

Finish your stay, by going to the area called Navigli (a place I called home for over 4 months). Navigli is the area where historic canals still remain. It hosts many restaurants which between the hours of 6 and 9pm host “Happy Hour” or “Apparativo” in Italian. This is where for 6-10 Euros, you can get an alcoholic cocktail and an open buffet usually with pizza, some meat, cold cuts, appetizers and desserts. Milanese usually end their day by going on a “Passagata” or a walk around the neighbourhood and enjoy a late night “Gelato”. If you are craving crepes and you are in the Navigli area, right on the corner they make Crepes, order it with custard and you will not be disappointed!

If you have more time in Milan or if you have more than 3 months to plan your stay, you should check out Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper which is located in Santa Maria Della Grazie.