A day in Milan? Here's how to spend it
Milan might be best known for fashion weeks and design fairs, but there’s more to it than industry events and immaculate tailoring. It’s a city where old-world grandeur collides with sharp modernity, where aperitivo is a ritual, and where design isn’t just celebrated – it’s embedded into the streets, the spaces, and the way people live. Our quickfire Milan itinerary has everything you need to enjoy it like a local.
In just 24 hours, you can tap into the rhythm of Milanese life. From a quiet coffee on a side street to contemporary culture and late-night dancing, this guide charts a course through the city's understated cool.
Where to stay
Casa Brera Hotel offers the kind of quiet elegance Milan does so well. Tucked into the Brera district, it’s equal parts charming townhouse and contemporary retreat. Interiors are refined and residential, the kind of place that feels more like an impeccably designed friend’s flat than a hotel. Step outside and you're in the heart of one of Milan’s most walkable, atmospheric neighbourhoods.
Where to get breakfast/coffee
Skip the big breakfast. In Milan, the day begins at the bar – and bar means coffee. At Signor Lievito, it's done right. This sleek little spot serves up perfect espresso and baked goods that are anything but ordinary. Think crisp cornetti and perfectly laminated pastries, best enjoyed standing at the counter like a local or perched outside watching the world go by.
Where to shop
Fortela, located at Via Giuseppe Sirtori 32, is a boutique that epitomizes Milanese craftsmanship and timeless style. Founded by Alessandro Squarzi, the store offers a curated selection of menswear and womenswear that blends vintage charm with contemporary elegance. Each piece reflects a commitment to quality, with garments crafted from premium fabrics and inspired by classic workwear and military aesthetics. The boutique's interior mirrors this ethos, featuring a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the clothing's artisanal appeal.
Where to grab a drink
Start with aperitivo at Bar Basso, the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato and a Milan institution since the Sixties. High ceilings, mirrored walls, and a crowd that spans ages and wardrobes – it’s as much a cultural landmark as a cocktail bar. For something more low-key, Bar Nico needs to be on your Milan itinerary: a proper neighbourhood wine bar that does away with the fuss and keeps the pours generous. Prefer beer? Head to Panika, a casual spot with good music and a rotating list of craft brews. Nothing fancy, just fun.
The must-see attraction
Design is Milan’s native language, and the ADI Design Museum is a fluent speaker. This former tram depot houses the permanent collection of the Compasso d’Oro – Italy’s highest design accolade – along with temporary exhibitions that celebrate the best of Italian ingenuity. Then there’s the Prada Foundation, where contemporary art lives in a former gin distillery reimagined by Rem Koolhaas. Go for the art, stay for the architecture.
Where to have lunch
Giacomo Rosticceria is everything you want from a midday Milanese meal. It’s casual but elegant, brisk but never rushed, and the menu is a masterclass in simplicity. Think roast meats, seasonal vegetables, and the kind of lasagne that makes you reconsider your return flight.
Where to have dinner
La Latteria is a Milan secret that everyone seems to know about, yet it still feels like a discovery. There are no menus – you’re told what’s on offer when you sit down – and the food is resolutely traditional, cooked by the owners themselves. The dining room is barely big enough to turn around in, but that’s part of the charm. It’s less of a restaurant, more of a well-rehearsed dinner party.
Where to dance
When the night takes a turn for the dancefloor, head to Base Milano. Part cultural centre, part club space, it’s the sort of venue that shifts mood depending on the night – live sets, DJ nights, open-air parties in summer. The crowd is mixed, the energy is loose, and the focus is always on the music. No Milan itinerary would be complete without a visit.
Next up: How to spend 24 hours in Paris.
