City break: a long weekend in… Milan

By Nadia Hamam

Exactly 10 years ago, Milan welcomed the World Expo with lots of hype. Six months of extravagance enchanted 20 million visitors. What is left over? Tons of treasures! Renovated infrastructure, emerging neighbourhoods, hidden gems… the Lombard capital has been completely transformed. 

Vibrate arty, between foundations and installations 

Held every three years since 1923, the Triennale Milano is a major international event for design and architecture. A series of exhibitions enchants the city.

Another magnet for art lovers is the Fondazione Prada. South of Porta Romana, Rem Koolhaas‘s OMA studio has revamped an old distillery to create…

The former rough suburb has been transformed into SouPra (South of Fondazione Prada), a trendy neighbourhood where the offices of renowned companies such as Bottega Veneta are turning old industrial buildings into modern spaces. All this on the outskirts of the city, with the Vettabbia Park offering a delightful taste of the countryside.  

Immerse yourself in striking, unconventional architecture 

Taste Northern Italy 

Nervetti, liver pâté, gnocco fritto… This is an opportunity not to be missed to discover the true meneghina (Milanese) cuisine, which goes far beyond ossobuco and risotto allo zafferano.

Authentic trattorias serve up classic dishes from Italian cuisine: mondeghili, meatballs fried in butter, cotoletta alla milanese, a thick cut of veal, fried veal brains, ravioli al brasato and cassoeula, a stew made with pork, beef, vegetables, and blood sausage. And for dessert, don’t forget to try torroncino, a hazelnut-flavoured ice cream.

Alongside “home-style” cooking, Michelin-starred restaurants such as BU:R are revisiting the region’s culinary heritage with panache. Want to take home some high-quality local specialties? Head to the stalls of the Peck grocery store and delicatessen to sip a unique cappuccino before packing.  

Ride from one curiosity to another 

To appreciate the unusual side of Milan, put on your trainers or hop on a BikeMi, the local version of the Parisian Vélib’ bike-sharing scheme. Near Piazza Vetra, the heart of Milan’s nightlife, murals tell the story of the city. The igloos on Via Lepanto, built in 1946 by engineer Mario Cavallè, look like urban UFOs. 

To be captured from one pavement to the next: the narrowest street in Milan – Via Bagnera, next to the Duomo – the scene of Italy’s first serial killer; the vedovelle, Milan’s typical fountains; the mosaic of the faceless Duce in Milan Central Station; or the Cà dell’Orecchia (House of the Ear) at Via Serbelloni 10. 

The tales surrounding these great works are fascinating. Reserve the late afternoon for a cult itinerary in the up-and-coming Navigli district, which is undergoing a renaissance. Follow the canals to the nearby suburbs, where a cycle path connects parks and historic sites. On your way back, enjoy an aperitivo ( just a few pounds, with an all-you-can-eat buffet) in one of the trattorias in the Darsena! 

Our adresses 

Grand Hotel et de Milan 

There is a special atmosphere in this typical Milanese aristocratic house, which opened in 1863. Located in the city centre, it remains the favourite address of celebrities seeking refinement and privacy. Don Carlos and Caruso, these two restaurants, offer a gourmet immersion in local culinary traditions.  

Via Alessandro Manzoni, 29, Milan (20121) 

Tel. : +39 02 723141 

BU:R

Welcome to the effervescent world of Eugenio Boer! His creativity is expressed in every direction, layering concepts on top of each other. Inspired by history, art, and the chef’s Milanese-Dutch origins, his compositions are pure moments of delight. One Michelin star.

Via Mercalli Ang. Via San Francesco d’Assisi, Milan (20122) 

Tel. : +39 02 62 06 53 83 

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