This Summer, Escape to Milan!
- Aurora Rocca
- May 8
- 3 min read
Milan, the beating heart of Italian fashion, design, and modern glamour, is more than just the home of Prada and Versace. It's where old-world charm collides with contemporary elegance, and where every cobblestone street might just double as a runway. Whether you’re in town for Fashion Week or just a stylish weekend escape, Milan delivers an impeccably curated mix of culture, cuisine, and couture.
Where to Stay: Two Ultra-Cool Hotels to Check Into
Room Mate Giulia Located just steps from the Duomo, this boutique hotel offers quirky design meets Milanese flair. Think mid-century furniture, bold color pops, and rooms with vintage art deco touches, perfect for selfies that scream editorial.
Aethos Milan Nestled in the Navigli district, this design hotel feels like a private members' club. Velvet, brass, curated art, and vintage records set the tone, ideal for fashion lovers seeking that effortlessly cool, lived-in vibe.
Day 1: Classic Milan with a Stylish Twist
Morning: Iconic Sights & Coffee Culture
Start at the Duomo di Milano, the gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. The rooftop views are breathtaking (and highly Instagrammable, think spires, skyline, and soft morning light).
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is next door, Italy’s oldest shopping arcade and a literal cathedral to fashion. Grab an espresso at Marchesi 1824 (owned by Prada) and window-shop your way past Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more.
Lunch: Milanese Elegance
Head to Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone, an upscale trattoria tucked inside a 16th-century palazzo courtyard. The setting is pure Milanese elegance, perfect for a pasta-and-Prosecco moment under the lemon trees.
Afternoon: Museum-Hopping & High Fashion
Take a stroll to Fondazione Prada, a contemporary art museum housed in a former distillery. The sleek gold-clad building is a magnet for creatives and fashionistas alike.
Walk through the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Rectangle), Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone are Milan’s high-end fashion epicenter.
Evening: Aperitivo Like a Local
Milan invented the aperitivo so when in Rome (well, Milan)... do it right. Try Nottingham Forest, an experimental cocktail bar ranked among the world’s best, or Ceresio 7 for rooftop drinks overlooking the city.
Dinner: Where the Stylish Dine
Book a table at Giacomo Bistrot, where locals, fashion editors, and celebrities converge for truffle risotto, velvet banquettes, and vintage interiors.
Day 2: Artsy Vibes & Navigli Nights
Morning: Brunch & Design Culture
Start the day in Brera, Milan’s artsy district, with brunch at God Save the Food, a minimalist-chic spot with oat lattes, avocado toast, and sleek interiors.
Explore Pinacoteca di Brera, an art museum housed in a grand palazzo. Even the courtyard is photogenic.
Midday: Trendy Neighborhood Stroll
Wander through Corso Como, especially 10 Corso Como https://10corsocomo.com/en- concept store, part gallery, part café. It's a treasure trove for fashion lovers.
Walk down to Isola, Milan’s emerging cool-kid district. Think indie boutiques, graffiti walls, and hidden design studios.
Lunch: Urban Chic
Try Ratanà, located in a converted early 20th-century building. The modern Milanese menu is as beautifully plated as it is delicious.
Afternoon: Canal-Side Chic
Explore Navigli, Milan’s canal district. Vintage shops, art galleries, and tiny cafés line the waterways. Grab a gelato at La Gelateria della Musica while browsing local art markets.
Evening: Dolce Vita After Dark
Start with an aperitivo at Mag Café, a bohemian cocktail bar with vintage furniture and creative mixology.
For dinner, Trattoria Madonnina https://trattoria-madonnina.menu-world.com/ is low-key, authentic, and buzzing with locals. If you want more glam, go to Langosteria, one of Milan’s top seafood spots.
Finish your night with dancing or DJ sets at Plastic, an underground club with fashion-world cachet.
Milan is a city where fashion is a lifestyle, not just a label. Every piazza is a runway, every café a front row. Pack your statement sunnies, A chic jacket , and don’t be afraid to overdress, because in Milan, there’s no such thing.
Getting There: Direct Flights from Ireland
From Dublin (DUB):
Aer Lingus: Offers direct flights to Milan Linate Airport (LIN), with return fares starting from approximately €89.20.
Ryanair: Provides direct flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), with return fares starting from approximately €45.98. Skyscanner
From Cork (ORK):
Ryanair: Operates direct flights to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), with return fares starting from approximately €75. Skyscanner
*Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change based on availability and booking time.
Comments