An Insider’s Guide To Milan

The Northern Italian Metropolis is Italy’s financial hub and economic driver. Perfectly situated between the Alps, the Italian Lakes, and the Ligurian Coast, Milan is worth a trip in every season. Here, we round up the best new places to stay, and where to eat.

• Vico Milano Neri Baccheschi Berti, whose family is behind the award-winning renowned Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany, has created a fashionable under-the-radar hangout from which to explore Milan. Corso Genova, 11

• Antica Locanda Leonardo Corso Magenta, 78

• Matilde Boutique Hotel Via Spadari, 1

• VIU Hotel Milan Via Aristotile Fioravanti, 6

• Senato Hotel Via Senato, 22

• LaFavia Milano Via Carlo Farini, 4

• Portrait Milano This November, the Ferragamo-owned Lungarno Collection revealed the opening of Portrait Milano, one of Italy’s most exciting new hotel launches of 2022. Nestled between Corso Venezia and Via Sant’Andrea, right in Milan's Golden Triangle, Portrait Milano opened its doors on November 23 for a soft opening and will officially open to the public in December. Lungarno Collection has once again collaborated with Florentine star architect Michele Bonan on the interiors, having worked with him on Hotel Lungarno, Portrait Roma and Portrait Firenze. The style of the rooms at Portrait Milano is clearly inspired by the city’s salotti, living rooms, of the 1950s: the blonde Italian walnut and oriental references, typical at the time, transport guests back to the most glamourous houses in Milan. The first floor will house 73 rooms and suites, while the ground floor, the new Piazza del Quadrilatero, will host restaurants, boutiques, and a wellness centre. The rooms and suites will range from 32 to 165m2. Corso Venezia, 11

• La Gioia Via S. Marco, 38

• Lubar Open all day, every day, LùBar is a cool Café and Restaurant, in the heart of Milan. Don't miss! Via Palestro, 16

• Giacomo Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6

• Pastamadre Via Bernardino Corio, 8

• Osteria Serafina Via Luigi Sacco, 9

• Bar Basso The famous Italian cocktail Negroni Sbagliato cocktail was invented here at Bar Basso. The interiors are still the original. Pink walls, wooden panelling, a marble floor, crystal chandeliers lend the original 1930s cocktail bar an atmosphere of timelessness. Via Plinio, 39

Located near the oldest Milanese gardens, 'Giardini Indro Montanelli', Casa Cipriani Milano just opened its doors in September and is the first European address following its success in New York. The building features 15 rooms and suites by Fiorentine Architect Michele Bonan. The property also features a private Club, that includes the Cipriani restaurant with a large terrace, and Bar Arrigo; Socialista, a Cuban inspired lounge with live music and Caribbean flavors; and the Wellness & Fitness Center, a small peaceful oasis in the heart of the city designed by Studio Apostoli.

• Never order a Cappucino after noon.

• No need to leave extra tip.

• Avoid August.

• Travel around by tram.

• Order a Negroni Sbagliato for Aperitivo.