Milan, Italy has lingered just off my “must visit” list for a while. I’d fallen into the trap of thinking it’s an industrial and fashion focused city, perhaps a hopping off point for exploring the nearby more alluring regions and their food. But a quick, early Summer trip to Milan proved me wrong and had me hankering for a return visit in very quick time. So, here are my five reasons why you to visit Milan right now (and a bonus one)…
Reason 1: The Food
It’s always about the food. I mean, it’s Italy. But the food in Milan is a sleeper hit. The northern Italian city’s cuisine reflects centuries of foreign influence, blending Spanish and Austrian elements into hearty, meat-focused dishes defined by comfort, simplicity, and inventive flair – the very essence of Italian cooking.
And the dining options range from the seriously chic to the family style rustic. The Michelin Guide selected Zelo at the Four Seasons Milano, was my refuge – with its garden views and sun-drenched dining room as well as generous breakfast buffet; linguine with lobster and sea urchin or a simple grilled fish. But for me it was the vitello tonnato, a most misunderstood dish, that salty funk from the tuna and slivers of beef, that was my undoing.
A highlight was the moody but beautiful Sogni. The seafood heavy menu and the cocktails (and some celebrity spotting), makes this a worthy detour. Keeping with the theme, Torre, located on the sixth floor of the eponymous Fondazione Prada building, was designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2018. Cooly elegant, the menu is surprisingly hearty – fried eggs with pumpkin and pecorino or fish of the day with a tangy hollandaise.
For something more rustic, head 30 minutes from Milan’s center, Al Garghet is a gem. The interiors are cluttered with bric-a-brac but the menu is pure Milan. focuses largely on Milanese cuisine with hearty risottos, osso buco, and Milanese cotoletta, which covers the dinner plate.
Heading onto streets, I made a beeline and braved the lines for the famed Panzerotti Luini, with its fried bread stuffed with sweet or savory fillings.
Reason 2: The Four Seasons Milano
When in Milano, treat yourself. The Four Seasons is a brand that has perfected the art of knowing exactly what their guests want and when they want it. This grand dame is in the heart of the high-end Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quarter) is set in a 15th century former convent, surrounding a leafy courtyard. It’s steps away from all the big fashion names, restaurants and more and is the perfect base for exploring this unique city. And, to me, the hotel felt essentially like upscale Milan society’s living room. It was a truly social space and had a buzz about it many hotels would long for.
The newly renovated suites are chic (that word again), but not overwrought. Spacious without having redundant space that many rooms of its caliber have. The studio suites hits that “sweet” spot between form and function, with garden views, cosy white interiors and a separate sitting area with pops of color.
If you are going all out, I recommend the Renaissance Suite, the ceiling has the building’s original stucco and has been completely reimagined by celebrated designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The spa is below level, in essentially a cellar, and feels like a cloistered escape – with a 20 meter indoor pool and a menu of treatments designed to soothe even a Type A personality.
Perhaps my favorite spot in the hotel was, Camino, a bar off the lobby, which preserves the sweeping arches of the building’s past. It also serves cocktails, an excellent wine list and light bites.
Reason 3: The Duomo and surrounds
You can’t come to Milan without visiting the Gothic masterpiece that is thw Duomo. And, even for the height averse, I am going to recommend going the full tourist. Book ahead, skip the line as the old adage goes. The views, yes stunning, but it’s the artistry of this, one of the world’s biggest cathedrals that will impress even the most travel weary soul.
The nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, yes, beset by gawping visitors at any time, but a must visit. It’s showstopping soaring glass ceilings and the vastness of the structure are stunning. Follow the signs to the Aperol Terrace, which is insanely busy, touristy and completely OTT.
Reason 4: The Art Scene
We all know the Last Supper is in Milan. But there is more to explore than this, admittedly iconic work.
Contemporary art is the star at Fondazione Prada, Miuccia Prada’s art collection. The area, almost like an industrial park, is a work of art from its golden haunted house and tower housing its permanent collection to its revolving temporary shows. After visiting, stop at Bar Luce, the Art Deco–inspired bar designed by director Wes Anderson.
You can thank Napoleon for the Pinoteca di Brera. Founded in 1776 (opened to the public in 1809) and, since then, has become a repository for works scoured from across Italy. Napoleon was the instigator behind this, using it to house the artworks pilfered from across Italy, with a plan to make it “Louvre of Italy”.
Today it has an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bellini. Perhaps the most famous is Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss, in front of which you will see young lovers re-enact the pose. As an aside, the Brera neighborhood is one of the coolest in Milan.
Reason 5: The Fashion
OK yes, I would be remiss not to mention the fashion, because it’s too obvious. But, it’s just so so good. That said, Milan’s fashion isn’t just about the clothes. The city is a manufacturing and design powerhouse.
The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral), is Milan’s luxury shopping district, and one of the most famed in the world. So-called because it is criss-crossed by four prestigious streets – via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. Meanwhile, the original Prada store, founded in 1913 in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, still drawing the crowds and a shoppers.
For those planning a splurge, don’t forget non-EU residents can claim their tax back before they leave. February 1, 2024, the reduction of the minimum spending threshold for Tax Free Shopping changed from €154.95 to €70.01 -s you can do the girl math on that. The tax refund process is much simpler now, but you can find more details here.
Bonus Special mention: The Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Milan will host the opening ceremony on 6 February at San Siro Stadium, in addition to the ice sport events: figure skating, short track, speed skating and ice hockey. Skating!!!
So, Milan SHOULD be on the bucket list
Food, history, art, and of course, fashion. It’s pretty much a perfectly fashionable storm!
*Ready to book a trip to Milan? Qatar Airways offers 21 direct flights per week from Doha (DOH) to Milan (MXP)
*I was a guest of the Four Seasons Milano.
While you are here…
Thank you for reading! This is a new series highlighting my life of eating outside of Doha – coming up, more of London, Cairo and Milan (and a few places in between) on the blog in coming weeks!
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You can read my other reviews here and check out my Foodie Map of Qatar here.
Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
