Escaping Heat: The Ultimate Milan Travel Guide

by Sofia Brontvein

Escaping Heat: The Ultimate Milan Travel Guide

24 May 2024

It is time to start thinking about your summer vacation. Milan should definitely be on your list of destinations.

Getting There

The most comfortable flights from the UAE to Milan are offered by Emirates (DXB) and Etihad (Zayed International) — both airlines have fares of around 3200 dirhams. If you are looking to save money, opt for Fly Dubai, whose flights land not at Milan's Malpensa airport, but in Bergamo. The ticket price is around 2000 dirhams, and from Bergamo to Milan, you can get by train, bus, or taxi.

Where to Stay

People usually fall into two camps — those who adore Rome and despise Milan, or vice versa. I belong to those who are head over heels in love with the northern capital of Italy because its much more modern, dynamic, diverse, and aesthetic. If Rome is noisy and eclectic, Milan is sleek and businesslike, yet equally beautiful.

In Milan, I have two favourite hotels — one is right in the heart of the city, near the Duomo, called Room Mate Giulia. If you enjoy walking a lot, love shopping, and don't mind being in a crowd, then this is the option for you. All the main attractions are within walking distance, surrounded by plenty of restaurants and bars, and the major shopping streets are just around the corner. The hotel has a beautiful lobby bar and serves excellent breakfasts. The price per night is around 2500 dirhams.

Source: room-matehotels.com

If crowds of tourists still bother you, I highly recommend staying in the Navigli district. It is definitely my favourite part of Milan — very lively, trendy, avant-garde, and vibrant. Here you'll find the amazing 21 House of Stories Navigli hotel with a cool rooftop bar and pool, where you must watch the sunsets. You'll have to walk or take the metro to the nearest attractions, but you'll be in the epicentre of nightlife. The price per night is around 1000 dirhams.

Instagram: @21houseofstories

Cultural Program

Let's start with the obvious. If you are in Milan for the first time, we recommend buying tickets in advance for the Duomo and still queuing up to climb to the roof of this stunning architectural marvel. It is the only Gothic cathedral in Italy that took 500 years to build.

On the same square is the best museum of modern art in Milan — the Museo Del 900, which houses an excellent collection of 20th-century works. It is probably my favourite museum in the city, even though the Pinacoteca di Brera, where all the Italian classical art is gathered, is considered the main one. Be sure to visit it when you stroll through Brera — the oldest district of Milan with stunning architecture.

Also near the Duomo is another masterpiece of Italian architecture — the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. They say if you spin three times counterclockwise on the mosaic bull's testicles, you'll be extremely wealthy for the rest of your life. We recommend trying this trick and telling us how your fortunes turn out. While in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, be sure to visit Camparino, opened by Davide Campari.

Photo: Laura Adai

To see Leonardo da Vinci's fresco "The Last Supper," you'll need to walk to the Santa Maria Delle Grazie monastery. One of da Vinci's most outstanding works hangs in the local refectory. The monastery was built in the 15th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1993, Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli founded the Fondazione Prada Art Foundation to support emerging and established artists, photographers, and sculptors. In 2015, a centre was built in Milan according to Rem Koolhaas's project to host major exhibitions of the Fondazione Prada. The complex includes the Bar Luce café, whose interior design was overseen by director Wes Anderson.

Photo: Bit Boy

Walking routes

You'll explore the central district of Milan thoroughly, discovering the main attractions. As I mentioned above, you definitely need to spend an evening in the Navigli district, named after the canal system created by Leonardo da Vinci.

The Brera district, also mentioned above, is a must to explore to enjoy classical Milanese architecture. There are also many pleasant restaurants here where you can have dinner. Remember that most establishments in Milan close their kitchens at 2:30.

If you don't mind long walks, stroll to Corso Como 10 — one of the most legendary concept stores in Milan, located in the most modern part of the city. By the way, another worthy concept store is End. It is a branch of the British fashion space located near the Duomo.

When you are tired of the city hustle and bustle, head to Villa Necchi Campiglio to find peace in the shade of trees. Ideally, lounge with a book on a blanket, watching the flamingos and inhaling the scents of all possible flowers.

Instagram: @villanecchicampiglio

Restaurants and Bars

If you want to try Michelin-starred Italian cuisine without overpaying for the brand's strength, go to the bistro at the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel has two restaurants — Seta and Mandarin Garden. Both are overseen by the same chef, Antonio Guida. Seta is a lavish holder of two Michelin stars, while Mandarin Garden is a charming bistro with great cocktails, where I recommend going.

Meat lovers should definitely reserve a table at Beef Bar — an amazing restaurant with an art deco interior at the Portrait Milano hotel. They also excel with pasta and other Italian classics.

At Al Fresco, you'll find excellent food and a very beautiful green veranda. At Antica Osteria Cavallini, you'll experience a relaxed bohemian atmosphere, dining among Milan's beau monde. For tasty pizza, head to Maruzzella, and for other Italian classics, try La Libera.

Instagram: @mo_milan; @ristorantimaruzzella; @anticaosteriacavallini1934

For a relaxed Berlin atmosphere in Milan, head to Frida bar. But if you prefer an aperitif in a luxurious setting, book a table at Ugo — a very beautiful retro interior. Nottingham Forest, created by legendary bartender Dario Comino, is famous for its drinks worldwide. And 1930 is considered the most outstanding and successful speak-easy in the city. To get into the bar, you need to find the secret entrance — through the cafeteria, on the showcase of which stands a Lucky Cat statue.

by Sofia Brontvein