Follow Katie in Milan
If you’ve watched our episode in Milan, you’ll know what we were up against. 35 degrees in an old city with almost no public swimming pools, we were well and truly melting. I was determined to not let the scorching heat ruin my plans to see and sample some of Lombardy’s finest creations. Follow me below to learn the delectable history of Italy’s fashion capital!
And if you don’t believe me about the heat, just watch…
Stop 1: Marchesi 1824
Start your day right at Marchesi 1824.
Where: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
What: Milan’s oldest pastry shop.
Why: Marchesia 1824 is considered the benchmark for Italian pastries, chocolate, and Pannetone. Set in a luxurious up-stairs shopfront in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, you can enjoy your luxurious breakfast looking down into the city’s most exquisite shopping malls which calls itself home to luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Dior. You won’t forget you’re in the fashion capital of the fashion capital at this stop.
Stop 2: Quadrilatero del Silenzio
Get some peace and quiet in the Quadrilatero de Silenzio.
Where: Piazza Eleonora Duse, 3, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
What: A quiet pocket in the centre of Milan, showcasing some of Italy’s finest liberty-style architecture.
Why: If you have any interest in architecture and the art history of Milan. These surprisingly serene streets in the city centre are home to not only the beautiful liberty architecture, but also some fascinatingly quirky sculptures.
Stop 3: Villa Invernizzi
Quietly observe flamingos at Villa Invernizzi.
Where: Via Cappuccini, 7, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
What: Situated next to the Quadrilatero de Silenzio, this was the private residence of Italian cheese mogul Cavalier Invernizzi. The drawcard of this address is the manicured gardens that can be peeped through the fence, where a large group of flamingos have resided ever since the original occupant decided to bring them over from South America. These days they are meticulously cared for, and their bright pink plumage can be enjoyed from a distance where the shrubs run bare.
Why: To see flamingos chilling out in the middle of a city in Italy.
Stop 4: C’era una Volta una Piada
Stop for lunch at C’era una Volta una Piada.
Where: Viale Coni Zugna, 37, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
What: Popular lunch spot serving a Milanese delicacy, the piadina – a stuffed, toasted flat bread,
Why: Delicious food, fast service, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local lunch scene. It was heaving with locals celebrating various events milestones while we were there – one very proud man even introduced us to his daughter, for whom they were celebrating her graduation to become a doctor.
Stop 5: Museo Castello Sforzeco & Museo degli Strumenti Musicali
Indulge your inner history & music buff at Museo Castello Sforzeco & Museo degli Strumenti Musicali.
Where: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
What: Milan’s very own ancient castle, housing a range of museums including that of Ancient Musical Instruments.
Why: You are (or are travelling with) a massive castle nerd who also has a love for all things musical.
Stop 6: Camparino in Galleria
Enjoy cocktail hour at Camparino in Galleria.
Where: P.za del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
What: A very swanky upstairs cocktail bar which proudly boasts its title as the birthplace of Campari.
Why: This is the ultimate Milanese aperitivo experience. Suited waitstaff seat you in the plush cocktail lounge where you can enjoy Campari at its best, along with the daintiest finger food the city has to offer.
Stop 7: el Barbapedano
Taste delicious Milanese cuisine at el Barbapedana.
Where: Corso Cristoforo Colombo, 7, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
What: Traditional Milanese restaurant in the Navigli district.
Why: This is the perfect place to try the deliciously simple Risotto Milanese, veal cutlets, and mondeghili – the Milanese meatball unlike any other. The restaurant takes its name from the legend of a local musician, who is said to have travelled between all the restaurants of Milan to entertain diners. A fitting end to a day of arts and music.
Despite the heat, with a bit of careful planning Milan proved itself as a city well worth the hype! Amongst the chaos and blistering heat, Benny was able to find a few great gems in his Rogue day, which you can read about here.
