Milan: Not just a trip, a Lifestyle

As the tourist season kicks off, Milan is abuzz with excitement. This vibrant city, often touted as the Italian capital of fashion, art, and finance, transforms into an iridescent hub of festive activity, drawing visitors from around the globe all year round. From its iconic landmarks and historic architecture to its vivacious festivals and world-class museums, Milan is a delightful mix of summer activities, bustling markets and a sprinkling of la dolce vita that Italy is so famous for.

But while Italy has always been one of the most appreciated destinations by Middle Eastern travellers, Milan in particular has increasingly become a favoured hotspot for tourists from the GCC who enjoy indulging in luxury shopping, cultural experiences, and exclusive events.

“Middle Eastern tourists are among our top tier visitors and some of our best customers,” says Fiorenza Lipparini, Director General of Milano & Partners – the official destination management organisation of the City of Milano. “This doesn’t come as a surprise because we share a lot in common including our ancient cultures, our love of good food and even our obsession with design and fashion. Milan is a combination of all of these things and this summer we’re inviting our Middle Eastern tourists to visit Milan not as a destination, because Milan is more than a trip, it’s a lifestyle.” 

Fiorenza Lipparini, Director General of Milano & Partners

A PERFECT DAY OUT 

For those of you who prefer to skip the legwork and simply be served, we went ahead and curated a perfect Milanese summer’s day out including exploring some of the city’s best landmarks, restaurants, art exhibitions including Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and, of course, a bit of some lux shopping. 

Morning Breakfast: As anyone who’s been to Italy knows, the day doesn’t start without a coffee. And where better than the Longoni bakery to kick off the day: dip a naturally leavened pumpkin croissant in your cappuccino as you savour the morning sun in buzzing Porta Romana; or head to the nearby Marlà, a sweettooth’s paradise in Corso Lodi. As you pass through Porta Venezia, make your way to Brera, the artists’ quarter with its famous Pinacoteca, home to Italian and foreign art masterpieces of the likes of Mantegna, Tintoretto, Hayez and Caravaggio. Quaint artisan shops and lush gardens, cafés and bistros as well as hidden courtyards nestled behind the doors of historic buildings make for an artsy and sophisticated neighbourhood. Key highlights include the Orto Botanico, the cloisters of San Marco and San Simpliciano – two churches rich in history – and a second coffee of the day at Bar Jamaica, where you can enjoy a more intellectual and bohemian atmosphere.

Afternoon Lunch: Pause for lunch at Giacomo Arengario for the best view on the Duomo from its terrace, before heading to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping. Centred on Piazza del Duomo, the huge Duomo complex, with its cathedral being the largest in Italy, features several different areas to explore. A visit to the terraces provides an up-close look at the unique Cathedral’s unusual gargoyles, ornate sculptures, and stunning architectural details that are hard to fully appreciate from Piazza del Duomo below.  

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Treat yourself with an evening at the majestic Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s world-famous 18^th-Century theatre known for its opulent design and for hosting Italian opera and ballets. If you already have plans for the night, you can still enjoy a visit to the theatre museum with an affordable ticket, from which you can catch a glimpse of the theatre itself from the boxes – or consider booking a guided tour of the theatre for a more in-depth experience. Housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is Leonardo Da Vinci’s work of art ‘The Last Supper’, while the Ambrosian Library, one of Europe’s first public libraries dating back to 1607, is where some of Leonardo’s original sketches are kept. For the lovers of modernity, contemporary architecture is found in the futuristic CityLife district (designed by architects Arata Isozaki, Daniel Libeskind and Zaha Hadid) with its Three Towers and the Bosco Verticale. 

Evening Aperitif: There’s no doubt one of Milan’s defining features is its classic aperitif, a tradition that has evolved and reached its peak here. The modern concept involves enjoying a beverage before dinner, typically around 6pm-7pm, accompanied by a buffet of dishes and appetizers. By paying only for one beverage, one can effectively enjoy a full meal, often extending the aperitif until late. The best place for it would be the Navigli district, a must-see, forming the heart of the Milanese summer experience, both day and night. At sunset, stop by one of the numerous bars along the canal or the nearby Darsena. Another highlight is the Vicolo dei Lavandai, offering a glimpse of a foregone era, where the famous antique market takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

Late Night Dinner: And if hunger sets in and you’re ready to join your friends for a hearty meal to replenish the energy spent exploring, Porta Romana is again our top pick for both lunch and dinner, offering a diverse selection of regional and international cuisines. Some recommendations include: 

·  Trippa: A meat-lover haven, offering traditional tripe, fried tripe (a must-try dish), ossobuco, vitello tonnato, and various pasta dishes like gnocchi and tagliatelle;

Trattoria Trippa Milano

·  Giulio Pane e Ojo: Bringing Roman cuisine to Milan with fresh pasta dishes such as carbonara, amatriciana and cacio e pepe, as well as Roman-style artichokes, supplì, and meat dishes;

·  Fratelli Torcinelli: Specializing in Apulian cuisine and street food, featuring focaccia, torcinelli, orecchiette pasta and meat dishes;

·  Pastamadre: An intimate, family-run restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes from the Italian tradition, including seafood pasta;

·  Autem: A modern and refined restaurant offering a sophisticated gastronomic experience;

·  Yapa: A restaurant with Asian and South American influences, where you can enjoy flavours from other continents, such as tuna ham and a typical Peruvian beverage;

·  Giannasi: A small kiosk in the heart of Porta Romana, famous for serving the best rotisserie chicken in Milan;

While this is just one way to spend a day wandering the streets of Milan, this summer the city is showcasing the spirit and authenticity of each area through a campaign designed to promote various itineraries across seven neighbourhoods. These unique and evocative routes encourage tourists to discover the hidden gems of the city, going beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

For art and music lovers there’s definitely plenty of inspiration to be found in the spirited local galleries and lively concert venues that showcase both emerging and established talents. While haute couture enthusiasts will need to wait until September/October for the new Spring/Summer collections, numerous exhibitions by designers and artists are not to be missed in the meantime. 

SUMMER ART EXHIBITIONS 

“From the Heart to the Hands” by Dolce & Gabbana, at the Royal Palace until July 31^st, has been attracting swarms of visitors since its opening last April. An open love letter to Italian culture, the exhibition combines the historic creations with the various aspects that have always inspired the designers’ work: art, architecture, craftsmanship, cities and their regional landscapes, music, opera and ballet, popular traditions, theatre, and la dolce vita. In typical Dolce & Gabbana style, it’s an explosion of colours, materials, sequins and embroidery able to arouse the interest even of those who may not have a particular interest in fashion.  

A remarkable exhibit “From the Heart to the Hands” by Dolce & Gabbana

Also still ongoing until July 28^th is Nari Ward: Ground Break, at Pirelli HangarBicocca, celebrating Nari Ward, one of America’s leading contemporary artists. Ward presents a striking array of works spanning the last 30 years, alongside new creations, fostering a dynamic interplay between sculpture, video, and installation.

The late Pino Pascali exhibition at Fondazione Prada showcases over fifty works by the artist from Italian and international museums, as well as significant private collections. The exhibition features reproduced photographs by renowned photographers like Claudio Abate, Andrea Taverna, and Ugo Mulas, capturing the artist in playful poses beside his sculptures, including one memorable shot of him doing a somersault underneath them. Open to the public until September 23^rd. 

Triennale Milano showcases “I Am a Dragon: The True Story of Alessandro Mendini” and “What?” until October 13th. A comprehensive retrospective of the work of this influential architect, designer, artist, drawing inspiration from one of his iconic self-portraits where he depicts himself as a mythical being made up of the qualities of a poet, architect, designer, craftsman, manager, artist, graphic designer, and even a priest. Philippe Starck, who shared both creative and professional experiences with Mendini, pays tribute to his great master with ‘What?’, designed as an immersive journey into Mendini’s mind.

LIVE MUSIC CONCERTS

And if you feel like music is pulsing through your veins, don’t hold yourself back from enjoying one of many performances until September 8^th with the initiative ‘Milano è Viva’ at the Sforza Castle.

Last weekend over 130,000 fans descended on Milan for Taylor Swift‘s double concert at San Siro, with the final tickets selling for an astonishing 13,000 euros!

Milan also hosted international stars like Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Nicki Minaj, and Doja Cat in the last few weeks, and some of the upcoming performances include Travis Scott and DJ sets featuring Mike Joyce, Venerus, and Max Cooper.

AROUND MILAN

Milan serves as an ideal base for delightful summer getaways, offering easy access to stunning destinations like Lake Como, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and tranquil lakeside activities. A short trip to Verona lets you stroll through the city that inspired Romeo and Juliet’s timeless love story, immersing yourself in its romantic atmosphere. For those seeking picturesque coastal scenery, the breathtaking Cinque Terre is just a train ride away, with its charming villages perched atop stunning cliffs.

Moreover, Milan’s excellent transportation links make it highly accessible from various parts of Europe. With efficient train services connecting it to major capitals like Munich, Brussels, and Paris, travelers can easily explore the best of Italy and beyond while enjoying the vibrant cultural scene that Milan itself has to offer.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, according to a CNN report, Milan recently charted at No. 13 on the World’s Top 100 City Destinations Index and is set to conquer the top 10 this year, making it one of the top global tourist destinations in 2025.

Milan is more than just a city; it’s an experience that captivates the senses and invites exploration. With its rich tapestry of art, fashion, and culinary delights, combined with a thriving calendar of events, Summer 2024 offers visitors the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves deep into its vibrant culture and create unforgettable moments. 

As it continues to rise in global tourism rankings, this dynamic metropolis solidifies its place as a must-visit destination for travellers from all corners of the world. Whether you’re indulging in luxury shopping, savouring exquisite cuisines, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, Milan is ready to welcome you with open arms.