My first (and so far, only) trip to Milan, Italy, was a bittersweet experience. I had just arrived in one of the world’s fashion capitals when I learned my grandmother had passed away. A week before, when I told her about my plans to visit Italy, she smiled and was genuinely happy for me. I held onto that memory as I explored the city, turning to some serious retail therapy to cope. A sequin-covered Fendi Baguette couldn’t bring her back, but it sure became a statement piece in my closet! Despite my limited time in Milan, I had done plenty of travel research beforehand, which helped me cover an impressive amount of ground (about 30,000 steps a day!) and experience the best the city has to offer. So, without further ado, here’s my fashionista’s guide to Milan, home to some of the most iconic fashion houses in the world.
Where to shop in Milan
Must-Hit Stores
Rinascente : Milan’s OG luxury department store. Think floors of designer goods, epic beauty counters, and a rooftop café overlooking the Duomo.
Wait and See : A boutique packed with curated vibes. Perfect for scoring unique fashion and accessories. I got my mom a spoon that says "mama" here. They also have really funky clothing.
End. Milano : Streetwear lovers, assemble. From limited-edition sneakers to everyday cool, this is the spot.
La Double J : Maximalists, rejoice! Bold prints and eclectic homeware will have you adding everything to your cart.
Neighborhoods You’ll Love
Quadrilatero della Moda : AKA the Fashion Square. Hit up Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga for big-name boutiques like Gucci, Prada, and Versace.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II : Shop and serve looks in Italy’s oldest shopping arcade. The architecture is chef’s kiss.
Milan’s dining scene is a vibe. From farm-to-table bistros to gelato stops, here’s where you’ll want to indulge.
Hot Spots
San Maurì : Farm-to-table realness with ingredients straight from the source.
Altatto : Vegetarian fine dining that slays the game.
Nebbia Milano : Modern Italian with a creative twist.
10 Corso Como : High-end café meets fashion-forward concept store. Shop, sip, repeat.
Antidoto Bistrot : Dreamy garden vibes that feel straight out of a Pinterest board.
- Grom : For your Italian Gelato fix.
- Erba Brusca: Garden produce cooked in a modern, Italian style.
- Ca’palletti: Traditional Italian food in a comfortable setting.
- Zelo restaurant: Gourmet Italian cuisine in an upscale setting.
- LùBar: Mediterranean restaurant with Sicilian touches. It's the aesthetic of this place for me.
- La Gioia: Fine dining Italian cuisine in a trendy atmosphere.
- Gloria Osteria: Traditional Italian food in an eclectic setting. Great for interior design lovers!
Hotels to Call Home
From boutique to upscale, Milan’s hotels are just as fashionable as the city itself.
Boutique Beauties
Room Mate Giulia : Colorful, quirky, and walking distance to the Duomo.
Senato Hotel : Minimalist-chic vibes with a side of sophistication.
Matilde Boutique Hotel : Cozy but make it glam. Perfect for a more intimate stay.
Vico Milano : An under-the-radar gem with serious design cred.
- Speronari Suites: Modern vibes complete with a sauna and gym.
Luxury Legends
Bulgari Hotel : Ultra-exclusive with a dreamy garden. Basically, live like a celeb.
Casa Cipriani : New and über-luxe, complete with iconic Cipriani dining.
- Mandarin Oriental : Five-star everything. Splurge-worthy and then some.
- Armani Hotel: Best in class comfort with Armani aesthetic.
Things to Do in Milan (besides shop)
Milan isn’t just a shopping mecca (SHOOK); it’s bursting with culture and history too. These are the spots that’ll have your tik tok blowing up.
Must-Sees in Milan
Duomo di Milano : Climb to the rooftop for skyline views and major main character energy.
Sforza Castle : A medieval fortress serving architecture goals and history vibes.
Fondazione Prada : Art meets fashion at this edgy contemporary space.
Explore Brera District : Artsy, upscale, and full of galleries, chic boutiques, and cozy cafés.
Navigli District : Milan’s trendy canal-side neighborhood packed with restaurants, bars, and indie shops. Think sunset strolls and Aperol spritzes.
Mudec : A museum dedicated to art and culture with exhibits that’ll blow your mind.
Piazza dei Mercanti : Step back in time at this medieval square—it’s like walking through a history book.
- The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio : One of Milan’s oldest churches. Quiet, beautiful, and super underrated.
What to wear in Milan
Packing like a Pro
For your first trip to Milan, I suggest packing sleek and chic pieces. That way, you can take timeless pictures around the fashion city and mix and match your wardrobe. Also, you can then focus on sourcing unique pieces when you are there, and will be able to tell how they will mix with your classic items by trying them on togehter.
Meet Me in Milan
Whether you’re here to max out your credit card, fill your camera roll, or just live your best life, Milan is it. This city is all about leveling up your wardrobe with its fashion-forward stores, and seeing historic landmarks too LOL. Remember, you only live once...dress accordingly.
Bring us to Milan! Tag @shopmotonera in your photos and let us know your fave spots!
