Where? Milan, Italy

When? October 2020

Why? This month I was luck enough to be invited to Milan, Italy’s style capital, for a fabulous fashionista weekend break. Keep scrolling to see my Fashion Trip Itinerary & Best Instagram Locations in the city.

Style traveller tip: The Duomo Milano is physically and culturally the centre of the city and where pretty much everything happens. If you do wish to get a taxi anywhere out of town (like to the Fundazione Prada) I would recommend the metered taxis, as Uber in Milan is much more expensive than in other cities.

Where we stayed?

We stayed in two very stylish but very different hotels. The first was the doyenne of Milanese fashion hotels The Grand Hotel Et De Milano and the second, the ultra-modern, luxurious Armani Hotel Milano.

They are both extremely central, located just 5 mins walk from the Duomo and it just so happens they are next door to each other. So whether you’re into traditional palatial hotels or modern New York style, glass properties you have plenty of choice.

Where To Stay
The Armani Hotel

For a touch of modern Milan check in to the Uber trendy Armani Hotel. Owned by the man himself, Giorgio Armani, Italy’s most beloved fashion designer, the word stylish doesn’t even begin to describe how chic and utterly fabulous this hotel is.

With glass floor-to-ceiling windows with 360 degree views of the city, New York loft style restaurant and stunning rooftop spa and pool, it’s THE place to see and be seen in Milan.

It’s without doubt one of the hottest fashion hotspots in the city. We stayed in an incredibly chic suite where everything functions from the in-room iPad. From closing the curtains, ordering sushi on room-service to watching TV on a hidden panel that rises up from the foot of the bed, everything happens at the touch of a button.

If you’re into chic hotels, it doesn’t get any more stylish than the Armani Hotel.

Grand Hotel et De Milano

The oldest and one of the most historical hotels in the city, the Grand Hotel et de Milano is the archetype of traditional elegance.

Hosting royalty, celebrities and being home to the famous composer Verdi for 15 years, artists like Tamara de Lempicka and other creatives have graced the hallowed hallways of this exclusive property throughout history.

Regardless of its illustrious past, stay there now and you’ll still rub shoulders with politicians, fashion designers and musicians. I sat at dinner and fashion designer Paul Smith was at the table next to us!

We stayed in the Windsor suite pictured above. Guests can book in for photo shoots with Milanese celebrity photographer Gianluigi Di Napoli and take home a portrait beautifully presented on parchment as a reminder of your stay. Ask at reception for details.

As you’d imagine with a property with so much history the interiors are a decadent mix of baroque and rococo furnishings.

Each decade of the hotels heritage has been persevered in its beautiful interiors. Including the Verdi suite which was recently renovated to the original resplendence of the era when the composer himself stayed there.

Fashion Trip Itinerary & Best Instagram Locations

The Duomo Di Milano (blog opening shot)

The epicentre of activity in Milan is the Duomo. The spectacular gothic cathedral took almost six centuries to build and is the cultural hub of the fashion capital.

Top tip – We took our insta shots here at 9am before the crowds started to arrive. The side angle is more imposing than the front facing and easier to shoot without other people in the frame. If you get a chance go inside head up to the roof for awe inspiring vistas.

If you arrive at the Duomo for sunset head to the Terrazza Aperol or Terrazzo Duomo 21 for cocktails with the most epic view of the Duomo.

The epicentre of activity in Milan is the Duomo. The spectacular gothic cathedral took almost six centuries to build and is the cultural hub of the city.

Shopping

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (Above)

As you know Milan is one of major fashion capitals of the world so it would be rude not to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is one of the oldest and perhaps most beautiful shopping malls in the world.

Dating back to 1877 the central dome of the sprawling building offers the most elaborate back drop for your insta shot. Alternatively have lunch or tea on the indoor balconies for a birds eye view of best designer shops in Milan.

Tea Rose (pictured above)

Brainchild of renowned creative director Alessandra Rovati Vitali, Tea Rose is an enchanting concept store located in the heart of Milans Fashion Quarter (and next door to the Grand Hotel Et De Milano).

Filled with the most divinely curated fashion, homewares, florist and crystals space, it’s a magical paradise of all things aesthetic, which you can purchase and take home with you too.

They also organise sublime events and weddings, which judging by the boutiques interiors are the most fairytale events imaginable. If you love fashion I would recommend a quick stop off at this beautiful store.

Fondazione Prada

Co chaired by Miuccia Prada (the world famous designer) and Patrizio Bertelli the Fondazione Prada is an institution dedicated to contemporary art and culture.

It’s about a half hour drive from the centre of Milan but is well worth it if you’re an art lover.

Bar Luce, the on site cafe (pictured above) is an instagram heaven, designed and curated by film director Wes Anderson who created The Grand Budapest Hotel and other epic films.

Restaurants and Eating Out in Milan

Navigli

The quintessentially Italian canal area of Navigli is the most idyllic spot for an authentic Italian night out complete with pizza, pasta, waterside al fresco bars and musical street performers.

Nicknamed the ‘Venice of Milan’ it’s the perfect dinner spot. Take a seat in one of the many restaurants and bars overlooking the water and enjoy a glass of chianti and spaghetti Vongole. (pictured above and below)

Hipster Heaven

If you’re looking for alternative style scene in Milan head to Brera where the hipsters, cool kids and art students hang out.

Small bars spill out onto the main road which is filled with trendy fashion boutiques and edgy interior stores.

Go shopping in the afternoon and stop off for drinks and pinchas (nibbles which come free with all drinks) as you watch the Milano style crew strut by.

Fashion brunch at Il Salumaio (pictured above)

During Milan Fashion Week the models, designers and editors make a bee line to Il Salumaio. It’s the perfect brunching spot for ladies who lunch.

Set in a spectacular neoclassical courtyard just off Via Montenapoleone, (Milan’s designer fashion street), enjoy a chilled glass of Prosecco while you watch the paparazzi bulbs flash as the celebs walk in.

LuBar

Villa Reale is an enchanting Neo-classical palace and gardens in central Milan. It was Napoleons Bonaparte’s home in Milan for a short period of time.

Today it’s a lovely place to go for a nature walk within the city and take in some culture at the Milan modern art gallery, which is housed in part of the palace.

Stop off for lunch at the instagram ready Lu Bar Cafe, followed by a lovely walk in the grounds and a mooch around the modern art gallery.

Identita Golose Milano

A new concept to the Milanese foodie scene, Identita Golose Milano is a restaurant with a rolling rosta of the best chefs in Italy and a weekly changing menu.

The purpose of the ever evolving restaurant is to bring fine dining to the masses. They create affordable set menus where guests get to taste the highlights of Italy’s most celebrated chefs and regional dishes.

Housed in a breathtaking, modern, futuristic space, it’s almost like eating in the middle of an art gallery, only here the art is on your plate as well as the walls.

That’s all from Milan. I hope that you enjoyed my Milan Fashion Trip Itinerary & Best Instagram Locations. Let me know in the comments below and for more of Bonnie’s Italian adventures click here.

Next stop Cambridge, England. To follow Bonnie’s travels on Instagram click here.

Bon voyage xx