Milan: First Time Visit
Day Note:
This is your first day in Milan so you should relax a little and enjoy the atmosphere close to your chosen hotel. You are only minutes from one of the world's great shopping areas known as the golden square - Quadrilatero d'Oro - bordered by Via Montenapoleone and Via Della Spiga, where the fashion Gods have their temples and within a few steps of three iconic buildings, the Duomo, La Scala and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Start at Piazza Del Duomo and...
read more-
1 show detail
Starhotel Rosa
Contact:
- +39 02 8831
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Fontana 3
-
Map
Description:
Part of the Star Hotels Group, Starhotel Rosa is a good addition to comfort and style in Milan. The entrance to the hotel is in Via Pattari on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, close to the Duomo. It has a large atrium with modern furniture and tastefully done rooms that combine the latest amenities with traditional decor. It is suitable for tourists who wish to visit Milan's main attractions while staying royally in a grand and opulent setting. The area is a pedestrian precinct and is well-connected by public transport.
Author note:
Classic Hotel in great location.
-
2 show detail
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Contact:
- +39 02 7252 4301
- visit website
Location:
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
-
Map
Description:
Construction of the "Galleria", a typically 19th-century public building now used for events, began in 1864 following a series of competitions for the design won by Giuseppe Mengoni. Large plaster eagles support its dome, 47m high and made of iron and corrugated glass. Note the telamons and caryatids on the interior façades and the Neo-Renaissance-style stucco work and graffiti. The floor of the octagon was completely restored in 1966 in rare marble mosaic showing the emblems of Italian cities. The art nouveau Bar Zucca (once the historic Camparino) facing the Piazza Duomo is the traditional stop for an aperitif and neighbours the elegant restaurant Il Savini. Feature of interest: On the mosaic floor note the symbol of the city of Turin - the black bull with worn genitals. Legend has it that revolving three times on one leg placed exactly in that position brings good luck.
Author note:
Take a coffee and just watch the fashion show!
-
3 show detail
Piazza del Duomo
Contact:
- +39 02 7252 4301
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza del Duomo
- Milan,Milan 20121
-
Map
Description:
The gigantic central square in front of Milan cathedral has always been a reference point for Milan's town planners. It was a meeting point for important roads before and during the Roman period. In the 4th century, it was a religious centre with the construction of the Basilica of Santa Tecla, and the Baptistry of San Giovanni alle Fonti (both demolished in the mid-14th century and their foundations can be seen below the space in front of the cathedral). Since 1386, the cathedral has been the religious and cultural centre of the city. Symmetrical porticoes line the longer sides (with the Arengario pavilions built in 1939 and the Royal Palace on the south side and Galleria on the north side). In the centre stands the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II by Ercole Rosa (1878) which was covered until a few years ago by flashing advertising signs.
-
4 show detail
Bistrot Duomo
Contact:
- +39 02 877 120
- visit website
Location:
- 2 Via San Raffaele
- La Rinascente
-
Map
Description:
In an elegant and spectacular setting (upstairs at La Rinascente overlooking the Duomo rooftop), this restaurant delights day shoppers or pre-theatre diners with international dishes like Gazpacho (in summer), baked eggplant with veal meatballs, basil and tomato Sauce. Dessert highlights include Clafoutis, a cherry-flavored custard cake.
Author note:
La Rinascente, Milan's best department store.
-
5 show detail
Santa Maria Nascente (Duomo di Milano)
Contact:
- +39 02 8646 3456
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza del Duomo
-
Map
Description:
Watched over by the Madonnina, the cathedral's high rose marble spires represent the city's most famous artistic and religious monument. The dimensions of Christendom's third biggest church are still awe-inspiring at 108m high (to the tip of the tallest spire) and 158m long. A range of architectural styles feature: doorways are 17th century, the central balcony from the late 18th Century and the three main upper windows early 19th-century pieces by Carlo Amati. The cathedral's vast interior overwhelms: its impressive pillars, vaults and streamlined arches enhanced by light that floods through the splendid stained-glass windows and the wonderful statuary surrounding the naves.
Author note:
Go to the roof and see the view.
-
6 show detail
Museo Teatrale alla Scala
Contact:
- +39 2 8879 2473
- visit website
Location:
- Largo Ghiringhelli 1
- Piazza Scala
-
Map
Description:
The Museo Teatrale alla Scala was founded in 1913, but underwent a radical restoration and was opened again in 2004. The museum is a music-lover's Mecca: it gathers portraits and statues of the most well-known composers, opera singers and actors. It contains rare, ancient musical instruments such as a XVII spinet with the warning words "Inexpert hand, touch me not!" painted on it. Historical memories and set designs of the Theatre are on display on the second floor. In the first room, it is worth pointing out the still-life of musical instruments painted by Baschenis. The entrance of this museum is in the same building of the Theatre just on the side of the main doors. - Maria Frullini
-
7 show detail
Palazzo Reale
Contact:
- +39 02 875672
- visit website
Location:
- 12 Piazza del Duomo
- Milan,Milan 20122
-
Map
Description:
The seat of government in the city was originally the Palazzo del Broletto, where the municipal institutions were located. It became a noble residence during the rule of the Torriane and Visconti families, who gave it its shape that can in part still be seen, based on a system of two courtyards. Partially demolished to make way for the Cathedral nave, the building was refurbished after 1452 by Francesco Sforza. Used as the seat of power by the Spanish rulers, it underwent substantial modifications until the late 18th century, in particular the extensive work by Giuseppe Piermarini. Alongside the volumes of the Palazzo there is the Arengario, seat of the Palazzo del Turismo, with its two pavilions designed in 1939 (and completed in 1956) by the architects Enrico Agostino Griffini, Pier Giulio Magistretti, Giovanni Muzio and Piero Portaluppi. Feature of interest - On the first floor of the Palazzo, there is the famous 'Sala delle Cariatidi', in the location of the ancient theatre destroyed by fire in 1776. This hall is now undergoing restoration.
-
8 show detail
Antica Gelateria del Corso
Contact:
- +39 02 7639 0904
- visit website
Location:
- 4 Galleria del Corso
- Milan,Milan 20122
-
Map
Description:
Add this as a stop on any itinerary that brings you to the Galleria del Corso. The historical building, filled with elegant furnishings, is spread over three floors to hold the large number of people who come here everyday to try one of its delicious specialities, or for a cup of coffee. The Nescafé machine is a real novelty and can serve six different types of coffee. The weekend brunch from noon-4p on Saturdays and Sundays includes American-style buffet foods, sliced meats, salads, cakes and ice creams.
Day Note:
On your second day, explore slightly further a field, not too far, as Milan's main sights are all within easy reach. The Sforzesco Castle is the first port of call followed by the Pinacoteca di Brera famous for its prestigious collections of ancient and modern art. Lunch at Da Claudio and taste the Milanese-style sushi. The afternoon starts with a visit to the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore with its wonderful frescoes followed by a short taxi...
read more-
9 show detail
Castello Sforzesco
Contact:
- +39 02 8846 3700
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello 3
-
Map
Description:
Built in 1368 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to defend the city from attack, the castle was enlarged by military architect Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian Galeazzo. Destroyed in 1447, Castello Sforzesco was rebuilt between 1450 and 1500 and enlarged under Francesco Sforza's rule. In 1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained its military function and, after successive transformations, eventually fell into ruin. Rebuilt in the late 1900s, from 1893 onwards the castle gradually became home to various cultural institutions and art collections and remains an integral part of the city's culture today. Guided tours are available. Check the website for timing and other details.
-
10 show detail
Castello (Il)
Contact:
- +39 02 86 2913
- visit website
Location:
- 16 Via Brera
- Milan,Milan 20121
-
Map
Description:
This gallery located at Via Brera, 16 was founded back in 1967. Right in the middle of artistic Milan, it secializes in modern twentieth century Italian paintings. It remains closed on Sundays and is open to the public on Monday mornings but only by appointment.
-
11 show detail
Da Claudio
Contact:
- +39 02 805 6857
- visit website
Location:
- Via Ponte Vetero 16
-
Map
Description:
Usually crowded, Da Claudio is the answer to the Japanese sushi bar. Here you will find Milanese-style sushi, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, pepper and lemon atop raddichio, and served with crusty bread instead of rice. Daily fresh fish is used to prepare their dishes. They have reasonable rates that wont burn a hole in your pocket. It is Milan's top fishmongery that has most of their menu lists dishes made in raw fish. You need to taste the succulent slices of fish to believe that every visit here is worth it!
-
12 show detail
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 15 Corso Magenta
- Milan,Milan 20123
-
Map
Description:
This church was built in 1503 by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono. The facade, erected between 1574 and 1581, was completed in 1872 by Angelo Colla. There are three floors inside with nineteeth century frescoes on the sides of the loggias and the naves. The internal facade also includes frescoes by Simone Peterzano. In the third chapel on the left, there is a nun's choirbox made in wood by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono in 1500 with an extremely fine organ in the centre made in 1554 by Gian Giacomo Antegnani and painted in tempera by Francesco Medici. There are also frescoes on the walls by Bernardino, Aurelio and Giovan Pietro Luini. Do not miss the frescoes by Bernardino Luini painted from 1522 to 1529.
-
13 show detail
10 Corso Como Café
Contact:
- +39 02 2901 3581
- visit website
Location:
- Via Como, 10,
- 10 Corso Como
-
Map
Description:
Found in Corso Como, one of Milan's most frequented and fashionable spots for night-life, this is a favourite haunt for locals as well as foreigners and models. A deliberately simplistic or minimalistic atmosphere creates a striking canvas for the artistic presentation of the delicate international cuisine. The food goes down well with the house drinks and non-stop music.
Author note:
One of Milan's most stylish shops.
Day Note:
Today, something a little bit different - a visit to some archaeological remains at the Colonne di S. Lorenzo before heading to the Porta Ticinese, a medieval gateway to the city. Lunch at nearby Trattoria Toscana before exploring the canal area of the city. Milan's history is inherently connected with the system of canals, that wind their way through the whole city. Naviglio Grande is the oldest canal, construction took place from 1177 to 1257 and the canal...
read more-
14 show detail
Colonne di S. Lorenzo
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 39 Corso di Porta Ticinese
- Milan,Milan 20123
-
Map
Description:
In front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, there is a square with a row of columns on either side which were taken from a monumental building dating from the 2nd century B.C. and repositioned. Up until 1935, the space between the church and columns was entirely occupied by old houses abutting onto the façade of the church itself. Despite the plans to conserve this ancient urban fabric, the renovations led to the demolition of the old houses and the isolation of the monument.
-
15 show detail
Porta Ticinese Medievale
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- Corso di Porta Ticinese
- Milan,Milan 20123
-
Map
Description:
The ancient Porta Ticinese gate, part of the 12th-century city walls built after the destruction wrought by Frederick Barbarossa, is the only remaining gate along with the arches of Porta Nuova. The present state of the gate reflects the work of Camillo Boito (1861-65) who isolated the surviving structures and completed the missing parts with his own interpretation. Feature of interest: Starting from the ancient gate and moving out of the city, one finds Corso di Porta Ticinese, originally a fortified wall, part of the extension of the city fortifications commissioned by Azzone Visconti in the 14th century. The original character of this district, one destined to craftsmen's workshops, can still be seen in the buildings, featuring a narrow, tall street front and an extensive series of inner courtyards and service buildings further back.
-
16 show detail
Trattoria Toscana
Contact:
- +39 02 8940 6292
- visit website
Location:
- 58 Corso di Porta Ticinese
-
Map
Description:
Do not be surprised by the dark and empty entrance. The party is not there. Keep going ahead passing in front of the kitchens, the bathrooms and make a sharp turn between the waiters. All of a sudden a large room will appear where there are restaurant tables, and the courtyard where you can finally have a cocktail. Although it isn't a very large place, Trattoria Toscana is very charming and makes you forget you are in Milan. In the center of the courtyard is an immense plant with tables all around it, plus chairs and the bar where the pizzetta anti-pastas and other cold first courses are served, as is compulsory at this hour. Always very crowded, it has never lost its image as a trendy vogue bar. It is also very popular with models.
-
17 show detail
Naviglio Grande
Contact:
- +39 02 8940 9971
- visit website
Location:
- Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4
-
Map
Description:
Naviglio Grande was one of the first canals in Milan and was one of the most important engineering works to be carried out in Lombardy during the Middle Ages. For centuries it played a fundamental role in the city's economy by connecting it to the great canal network in Lombardy. Exiting the Darsena along the towpath of the Naviglio Grande, you will see the large residential buildings with fenced courtyards from the early 1900s, arts and crafts workshops, old barges (now turned into bars), the many areas that are undergoing urban renewal, and, further out, the country villas of the nobility (particularly between Abbiategrasso and Robecco sul Naviglio). Make a quick stop near Vicolo Lavandai, the ancient shelter with wooden beams that covers the old communal wash-house, a quaint location that is one of the relatively few remainders of Milan's distant past. Check website for more details.
-
18 show detail
Delle Mole
Contact:
- +39 02 832 3810 / +39 33 8788 9407
- visit website
Location:
- Via Scoglio di Quarto 3
-
Map
Description:
The area around the canals has been one of Milan's most popular night spots for years now. The area is near the historical Porta Ticinese and the columns of S. Lorenzo, and is always filled with a stream of people out for the night. This is a traditional restaurant, with air-conditioning, a summer garden and a boat. You can eat well here and then go out into the chaotic climate of the surrounding area. The cuisine is very traditional, with good fish or meat-based dishes, and excellent first courses and starters. To sum up, this restaurant offers good food in an excellent location.
Day Note:
Now... I hope you bought your tickets! Milan's greatest piece of art, Leonardo's Last Supper, awaits you. Try and arrive 15/20 minutes before your ticket time. Take a taxi or metro (a 10 minute walk from Cadorna station) to the 15th century Renaissance convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Don't forget to view the exquisite cloister by Bramante and remember you only get 15 minutes to see this famed picture. Finally to Peck, by taxi or metro, Milan's best gourmet...
read more-
19 show detail
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Contact:
- +39 02 8942 1146
- visit website
Location:
- 2 Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie
-
Map
Description:
Commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte Solari, this building was intended as a mausoleum for the Sforzesco dynasty, in which the remains of the duke and his wife, Beatrice d'Este, as well as others connected with the family, were to be laid to rest. The adjoining Dominican convent's cloister and sacristy were later renovated by Bramante. The refectory walls are home to Leonardo da Vinci's(1452-1519) Last Supper. Bramante's façade is of particular interest as is the gallery's terracotta ornamentation, which became one of the dominant motifs in northern Italian Renaissance architecture. Guests must book in advance. One of the most famous paintings The Last Supper is housed here. Painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, it is a very complex undertaking and hence a lot of rough sketches were made he finalized the unbelievable painting, which had its huge share of bad luck all the way.
Author note:
Don't forget to book your tickets!
-
20 show detail
Peck
Contact:
- +39 02 8023161
- visit website
Location:
- Via Spadari 9
- Milan,Lombardy 20123
-
Map
Description:
Francesco Peck a ham-seller from Prague set up shop in Milan in 1883. Some 25 years later he sold his shop to Eliseo Magnaghi who managed the store for nearly 50 years before selling it on to the Grazioli family in 1956. Today it is owned by the Stoppani brothers, who bought the store in 1970.
Similar in some ways to Fauchon in Paris or perhaps a mini version of Harrod's foodhall in London, for the Milanese however, this is foodie heaven. For hams and cheeses, for pastas and sauces, for conserves and preserves, for oils and vinegars, you won't know which way to look first!
Don't miss the basement, with its 5000 bottle wine-cellar!
