How I Spent Two Days in Milan as a Design Editor
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Milan continues to uphold its reputation as a design and fashion capital of the world. Unlike other cities that hold the same title, like New York and Paris, Milan lends itself nicely to a short vacation. Of course, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy during a longer stay—from the city’s seemingly endless shopping to its iconic landmarks. But hear us out: After traveling to Milan for two days, we learned that time frame is all you really need to feel like you’ve made the most of your visit... that is if you thoughtfully plan it out.
In November 2023, I had the pleasure of exploring Milan with House Beautiful’s video producer Kaitlin Kemp. We worked with Imago Artis Travel, a Rome-based company founded by Italian art historians who are also licensed tour guides, to craft a design-forward itinerary. (The company is also a celebrity go-to with clientele like Diane Keaton and Viola Davis!) Take a look at everything that made our list—including where we stayed, shopped, dined, and explored—that’s actually worth visiting. Any of these editor-approved recommendations are sure to elevate your trip, visually and beyond.
The Accommodations
With an abundant collection of dreamy hotels to choose from in Milan, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a good one. We stayed at Portrait Milano, a former Archiepiscopal seminary turned hotel destination. It’s the ideal spot if you’re drawn to both historic and contemporary spaces. The oasis will make you feel like you're far away from the bustling city when you're right in the thick of it in reality. Marked by an ornate Baroque gateway, the restored location boasts a more than 30,000-square-foot piazza that’s open to the public. The column-lined area doubles as a pedestrian promenade for leisurely city walks, where visitors can also pop into high-end boutiques, try the hotel’s gourmet dining options, or view temporary art installations.
Throughout the hotel—which is part of the Ferragamo family’s hotel management company the Lungarno Collection—fashion and design are at the forefront. Inspired by 1950s parlors in Milan, the rooms take on either a red or green theme with chrome, Italian walnut wood, and rattan accents. Many of the bathrooms are completely encased in white Carrara marble with impressive lighting, a freestanding tub, a grand walk-in shower, and massive mirrors all over. The bathroom alone made me want to move right in (I swear it would’ve been impossible to feel bad in such a crisp, clean space), but the rooms also have a spacious walk-in closet and fully equipped bar to round out their appeal.
The accommodations also feature a thoughtful design touch through wall art. Each room showcases framed patent prints of Salvatore Ferregamo’s iconic shoe designs, often paired with complementary prints of furniture pieces.
The Shopping
It’d be a true shame to visit the cosmopolitan metropolis without going on a shopping spree, whether you prefer to window shop or are on a mission to bring home a suitcase brimming with treasures. As you plan your outing, consider these stops.
Illulian specializes in custom contemporary rugs ranging from eccentric, kaleidoscopic patterns to sleek, timeless styles. Along with mesmerizing rugs, the showroom boasts antique tapestries, contemporary furniture, and design objects.
Prepare to make room in your suitcase for delicate goods if you visit Laboratorio Paravicini. Located in a hidden courtyard, the shop’s hand-decorated ceramics don dreamlike and exotic motifs. The idyllic plate sets make excellent inspiration for a tablescape refresh or plate gallery wall.
It would be remiss to go to Milan and skip the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The famous landmark and shopping center is worth a walk-through to see the architecture (look at the ceiling and floor!) alone. (It even inspired the setting of Wonka.) But it’s also home to fashion houses and restaurants. We popped into Liberia Bocca, a tiny library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and Marchesi 1824, a pastry shop with mint marble walls and floral jacquard silk wallpaper (bring home chocolates as a gift!), among others.
Anyone who can’t resist smelling an entire candle aisle will enjoy Fuegia 1833. At the perfume house’s Milan gallery, you can experience a variety of one-of-a-kind scents. They’re made from ingredients of vegetable origin in roughly 400-bottle batches.
Founded in Milan circa 1940, Fornasetti is widely known for its porcelain and handmade decorative objects. Each room of the company’s store on Corso Venezia boasts a different color palette and theme, offering a visual feast of contemporary and vintage wall plates, furniture, and more.
At Kitchen Milano, you’ll find sleek, well-made kitchen and dining supplies—from a sculptural wood cutting board to a culinary centerpiece base. (We were even able to take a negroni-making class at the store through Imago in which we made four versions of the iconic cocktail while enjoying delightful bites. If you want to go for an aperitivo that’s more involved, this is the way to do it.)
The Dining
Meals (and aperitifs!) are crucial to familiarizing yourself with any culture. When in Milan, don't pass up the opportunity to try the city's iconic food and drink including risotto alla Milanese, panettone, and negronis. The spots we'd go back to not only offer good bites, but the vibes are also immaculate.
For pre-dinner apps and drinks, N'Ombra de Vin is unmatched. Housed in a dimly lit, underground wine cellar, the historic spot’s ambiance is fueled by a vaulted ceiling, rustic columns, stone flooring, and shelving packed with wine bottles.
Travelers willing to venture away from Milan’s center should head to Rataná for dinner. The sustainability-focused eatery offers modern Milanese fare with seasonal ingredients, so the menu is always changing. (After only one visit, we suspect it’s always good.) Interior furnishings and decor nod to the building’s storied past, and garden seating adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Cova Montenapoleone 1817 is one of Italy’s oldest cake and pastry shops. Stop by for a quick espresso at the bar, or rendezvous with friends for coffee and a sweet treat while situated in the elegant interior that’s outfitted with shimmering chandeliers and blue and gold velvet seating. (We visited the establishment during a coffee experience crafted by Imago in which we learned all about Italian coffee culture at various cafés. Pro tip: It’s frowned upon to have a cappuccino past noon!)
Whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast or lunch, 10_11 Restaurant delivers. We’re particularly fond of the abundant breakfast buffet, where you can indulge in an impressive selection of croissants, sandwiches, breads, juices, and more.
The Exploration
No trip is complete without an excursion or two. From visiting a major landmark to wandering down a specific street, you can easily broaden your exploration of Milan with these pursuits.
Via Abramo Lincoln is practically the Notting Hill of Milan. The small street is lined with colorful homes and lush plantings that make for an excellent daytime stroll.
As one of the largest cathedrals in the world that took more than 500 years to build, the Duomo di Milano is an itinerary requirement—even if you simply gaze at the colossal structure’s exterior, which is a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical elements. But if you’re up for it, it’s worth touring to see the impressive stone pillars, statuary, stained glass windows, and terraces along with the archeological area and museum. (Go into this knowing the city’s center, where the Duomo is located, tends to be a crowded spot!)
For a palette cleanser tied to nature, walk through (or even picnic in!) the Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano (BAM). The contemporary botanical garden is made up of pathways and sections of greenery with a variety of plantings throughout.
Love looking at designer spaces for inspo? Us, too. Let’s obsess over them together.
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