When I first moved from the US to Italy in 2017, Milan wasn’t on my radar for a potential home. Based on my limited experience there, it seemed like any other global city.
However, when I moved there for work in 2019, I quickly fell in love with the city’s architecture, diversity, and beauty. Here are my tips for exploring the city like a local.
Visit Milan’s diverse neighborhoods
When planning a trip to Milan, it might seem logical to stay near the Duomo, as many of the major sights are concentrated there. For a more local experience, though, I recommend staying outside the tourist epicenter.
For example, the Porta Romana neighborhood is known for its hip bars and restaurants, and is home to the Fondazione Prada contemporary art center. For visitors who want to take in Art Nouveau architecture, museums, and gardens, I suggest checking out Porta Venezia.
Luckily, because of Milan’s extensive metro and tram system, you can stay in any of these nearby neighborhoods and still be at the major tourist sites within minutes.
Try all the delicious food the city has to offer
One of the best things about Milan is the diverse dining scene. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here.
Traditional Milanese dishes are typically meat- and dairy-focused and feature ingredients like risotto, mondeghili (meatballs), and costoletta alla Milanese (veal cutlet). In my opinion, it would be a shame to visit Milan without trying at least one hearty, warm, porridge-like risotto (especially if you’re visiting in the winter).
However, if you have time for a few meals in the city, follow a local’s lead and head to one of the many spots that go beyond Italian cuisine, from fine-dining fusion to street food.
I especially love visiting Gastronomia Yamamoto, a Japanese homestyle restaurant near the Duomo, and Cittamani, a contemporary Indian restaurant in the Brera neighborhood. Chinatown is also a great spot to visit for good street food.
If you’re planning on dining at a sit-down restaurant, however, I always recommend making a reservation in advance.
Explore the city’s historic homes
After living in Milan for seven years, I’ve found that although it may seem to be a city of modern apartment buildings and skyscrapers, it’s also home to a network of historic houses that have been converted into museums, known as Case Museo di Milano.
My favorite is Villa Necchi Campiglio — the grand former estate of sewing-machine-empire heiresses Nedda and Gigina Necchi.
Relaxing in the villa’s garden, exploring its ornate sitting rooms, and climbing the elegant staircase are great ways to get a peek into the sisters’ luxurious lifestyles.
I also recommend visiting the nearby Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano, a free museum that houses a personal 20th-century art collection owned by the city of Milan.
The small home is packed with inventive, colorful furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, and sometimes, contemporary art exhibits.
See the works of Leonardo da Vinci
In terms of art, one of Milan’s best-known masterpieces is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” (“Il Cenacolo”). Although it’s absolutely worth seeing, tickets to view the piece typically need to be booked in advance.
However, locals know that da Vinci’s other works can be seen with a little less planning.
For example, at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, visitors can browse the “Codex Atlanticus” — the largest collection of Da Vinci’s original drawings and text — in digital form, and see a selection of the original pages on display. The museum is also home to Da Vinci’s “Portrait of a Musician.”
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