Milano Spritzy Snapshot – A Cosmopolitan City Full of Fashion, Food & Flair

When I was younger I was desperate to go to Milan thinking about all the fashion and food, but all I kept hearing was how industrial a city it was. After visiting all the other key Italian cities I finally made it to Milan and it was everything and more I had dreamed of originally.

It’s a more cosmopolitan city than a lot of other Italian places I’ve visited. It combines breath-taking art and history with bustling trendy areas like Navigli and fashionable Brera, providing a unique blend of old and new. In addition is has one of the most spectacular buildings I’ve ever experienced with the imposing Duomo Cathedral, a sight that cannot be missed. See my recommendations below to spritz up your Milan trip.

• Best Spritz – Any bar in Navigli – Milan is known as the place where aperitivo originated from (aperitivo being an alcoholic beverage pre-dinner to open the stomach before eating) and Navigli is the epitome of all things great about aperitivo. The vibe along the canal is pulsating with life and people just enjoying themselves. The colourful buildings, the live music and the selection of food snacks often served alongside your aperitivo drink of choice, make this the perfect spot to enjoy your spritz alongside the canal.

• Bar / Restaurant with a View  – Signorvino – Recommended by our Italian wedding planner, Signorvino offers unrivalled views of the magnificent Duomo Cathedral. Not only are you in a prime position but unlike a lot of the tourist traps, this place has a great selection of spritzers, vino’s and food to accompany the views.  Top tip, become a member to enjoy a good discount on food and drinks and make sure you don’t get conned by the tourist trap restaurant next door trying to take you from the queue and seat you in there instead…

• Best Traditional Trattoria –  Osteria Della Darsena, also in Navigli this place is a great traditional trattoria, delivering delicious food with large portions and good customer service. We had the Osso Bucco milanese risotto and I would highly recommend it.

• Best International Restaurant – Su Garden – When you are travelling for a while some times you get a craving for some alternative cuisines to the local dishes. Luckily Milan doesn’t disappoint in International flavour options with an abundant range of restaurants to choose from. This chinese restaurant was a real standout for us. The duck was delivered with crispy, crackling skin and succulent meat with a number of delicious other dishes alongside it. The staff were all really friendly and attentive and the evening was topped off with a lovely setting and good wine options.  

• Hidden Restaurant Gem – Enoteca Il Cinghiale Rosso – This place is really unexpected. Located in an area surrounded by office buildings and busy roads there is a hidden gem of a local restaurant set in a unique garden oasis. Offering great value for money lunch deals and delicious pasta and antipasto plates.

• Best Panini’s  –    La Prosciutteria Brera – This place maybe small but it is big on flavours. Full of fresh ingredients this place has some of the best panini’s on offer. In addition you can choose from a selection of delicious antipasto platters and a lovely wine list. All offered up at a reasonable price and in a lovely part of Milan.

• Must do – Duomo Cathedral Rooftop – If there is one thing you can’t leave Milan without doing it’s visiting the Duomo. Religious or not this is an amazing feat of architecture and beautifully designed both inside and out. To really get the most of it though make sure you book the rooftop tour. This was an unbelievable experience and sight to see as you wandered on the top of this incredible building and city.  I also can’t recommend enough paying the extra for the elevator fast track too. On a hot day it’s quite the climb up (250 stairs) and there were people really struggling once reaching the top.

• Top tip  – The Last Supper – If you an art lover, make sure you pre-book to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper mural a long time in advance to avoid disappoint as it is very hard to get in to see.