MILAN DESIGN CITY GUIDE 2025
HOTELS
Located in a historic early 20th-century residence near the Fashion District, the Mandarin blends a palette of soft, welcoming tones with sophisticated boiserie crafted by Italian artisans. The Mandarin Bar & Bistrot attracts both locals and visitors, who gather to enjoy inventive cocktails in a striking geometric setting – and, in the warmer months, in the charming tree-lined courtyard. At Seta, a Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Antonio Guida reimagines Italian cuisine with a creative touch inspired by his Apulian roots. For those seeking relaxation, the spa offers a serene wellness sanctuary, featuring a swimming pool, saunas, a steam room, and holistic treatments that merge the finest Eastern and Western therapeutic traditions.
The Park Hyatt Milano masterfully balances history and modernity. Housed in an 18th-century palace, the hotel underwent an impressive renovation during the pandemic, reaffirming its status as one of the best places to stay in the city. Its prime location—right next to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and just steps from Castello Sforzesco and Teatro alla Scala—makes it the perfect choice for first-time visitors to Milan.
Despite being part of a major hotel chain, it retains an intimate charm, with elegant design and an unmistakably Milanese identity: sophisticated, creative, and full of personality. The interiors follow a refined tonal palette, and the rooms exude the discreet elegance of an impeccably dressed Italian gentleman.
Gastronomy is a highlight, particularly at Pellico 3, an exclusive restaurant with just 28 seats, where the menu showcases authentic Milanese and Lombard flavors. Meanwhile, the Mio Lab bar focuses on creative mixology, serving innovative cocktails until midnight. During spring and summer, the experience extends to the outdoor patio, Dehors, a perfect retreat to enjoy a Campari Spritz while soaking in the city’s vibrant energy.
The Bulgari Hotel Milano is the perfect choice for those seeking luxury in Italy’s fashion capital. Located in the upscale Brera district, near the city’s top boutiques and the prestigious Quadrilatero d'Oro, the hotel combines sophistication and exclusivity.
A collaboration between the iconic Bulgari jewelry brand and the Ritz-Carlton group, the hotel offers impeccable service and stunning accommodations, featuring Frette linens, black granite bathtubs, and even a personalized mobile phone. Naturally, the amenities are from Bulgari’s own line.
The restaurant, overlooking historic gardens, and the spa, with a pool adorned in gold and green mosaics, enhance the hotel’s refined opulence. For shopping enthusiasts, a personal shopping service is available, while cultural landmarks like the Duomo and La Scala are just steps away.
RESTAURANTS
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone is one of Milan’s most traditional and charming restaurants, offering a refined dining experience in an environment full of elegance and history. Located in the heart of the Fashion District, this restaurant is a true Milanese institution, known for its menu that combines classic Italian cuisine with contemporary touches. The specialties of the house are typical dishes from regions like Tuscany and Liguria, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The atmosphere at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone is equally impressive, with an elegant blend of classic and modern interiors, including a charming outdoor patio, perfect for dining in a sophisticated and tranquil setting. In addition to the restaurant, the venue houses a gourmet shop where you can find a selection of high-quality Italian products, such as cheeses, cured meats, and wines.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic dishes in Milan, in a cozy and elegant environment, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone is an excellent choice, offering a true immersion in Milanese cuisine and lifestyle.
Armani/Ristorante is one of Milan’s most sophisticated dining experiences, perfectly reflecting the style and elegance of the Armani brand. Located on the top floor of the iconic Armani/Hotel, in the heart of the Fashion District, the restaurant offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, creating the ideal setting to enjoy refined cuisine. The menu, inspired by contemporary Italian gastronomy, features exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, always with an innovative twist.
The atmosphere at Armani/Ristorante is a true reflection of the brand's philosophy: minimalist, elegant, and contemporary. The impeccable décor, with clean lines and luxurious materials, provides a complete sensory experience, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Additionally, the wine list features an exclusive selection of labels, perfectly complementing the dining experience.
For those seeking a high-level culinary experience where the sophistication of design meets the best of Italian cuisine, Armani/Ristorante is an undeniable choice, offering not just a meal, but a true immersion into the world of fine dining and Milanese style.
Ceresio 7 is one of the most sophisticated and exclusive restaurants in Milan, located on top of a restored industrial building, offering a stunning view of the city. Situated in the heart of Milan, this restaurant is the perfect place for those seeking a refined dining experience, accompanied by a contemporary and elegant atmosphere. The Ceresio 7 menu features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared with the impeccable technique that defines contemporary Italian cuisine.
The restaurant is famous not only for its excellent cuisine but also for its unique atmosphere, with an interior design that impeccably blends modern and vintage elements. The main attraction of Ceresio 7 is its breathtaking rooftop pool, offering a luxurious relaxation experience and a spectacular view, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while taking in the Milanese skyline.
STORES
10 Corso Como is one of Milan’s most iconic destinations for fashion, design, and lifestyle. Founded in 1991 by former fashion editor Carla Sozzani, this concept store blends a luxury boutique, art gallery, bookstore, café, and even a small hotel.
Located in the Porta Nuova district, 10 Corso Como is renowned for its sophisticated curation, offering an exclusive selection of clothing, accessories, perfumes, and design objects from renowned brands and emerging designers. Additionally, its space serves as a true urban retreat, featuring a charming garden and a uniquely artistic atmosphere.
La Rinascente is one of Milan's most famous and historic department stores, offering a unique shopping experience. Founded in 1865, the store is located at Piazza del Duomo, providing an impressive view of the Milan Cathedral. With several branches throughout Italy, La Rinascente is an icon of luxury shopping, offering a wide range of products, from designer clothing and accessories to design items, cosmetics, and gourmet food.
The store is a true shopping destination, featuring renowned brands and international designers, blending luxury and accessible fashion. Additionally, it boasts a sophisticated and modern atmosphere, with a rooftop terrace that provides stunning panoramic views of the city.
If you're in Milan and want to explore the best in brands and style, La Rinascente is a must-visit.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Milan's most iconic and elegant shopping galleries, known for its impressive architecture and sophisticated atmosphere. Opened in 1867, the gallery connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala and is a classic example of 19th-century gallery design. Its glass and iron ceiling, in the shape of a cross, is one of its most striking features, providing a sense of grandeur and luminosity.
The gallery is famous for housing some of the world's most luxurious stores, including high-end fashion boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, as well as traditional restaurants and cafés, such as the historic Café Biffi. It's a meeting point for both tourists and locals looking for luxury shopping or simply a place to stroll.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not just a shopping destination but also a cultural and architectural landmark, representing the elegance and history of Milan. It is often referred to as Milan's "salon" and continues to be a vibrant center and symbol of style and tradition.
ART
Fondazione Prada in Milan is an impressive example of how contemporary art can be showcased in innovative and interactive spaces. Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, the complex transforms an old distillery into a dynamic cultural center, blending historic buildings with bold new structures like the Torre, a striking white concrete tower that offers a fresh perspective on space. In addition to art exhibitions, the foundation houses a cinema, bookstore, and café, creating an immersive experience for visitors. For lovers of design and contemporary art, Fondazione Prada is a must-visit destination where architecture, culture, and creativity come together in a unique way
The Triennale di Milano is one of the most important cultural institutions dedicated to contemporary design and architecture. Located in the heart of Milan, the Triennale is known for its innovative exhibitions, events, and installations that explore the boundaries of design, art, and architecture. As the name suggests, the Triennale hosts major exhibitions every three years, but it also offers a continuous calendar of activities, including temporary shows, conferences, and special projects.
With iconic architecture designed by Giovanni Muzio, the building houses a museum dedicated to design, an art gallery, a theater, and a public garden, making it a dynamic center of culture and creativity. The Triennale is not only a place to admire design works but also to reflect on how design influences society and everyday life. For those in Milan looking to understand the latest trends in design and architecture, the Triennale di Milano is an essential destination.
GALLERIES
Rossana Orlandi is a celebrated design gallery and concept space located in Milan, renowned for its eclectic collection of contemporary design, art, and innovation. Founded by Rossana Orlandi, an influential figure in the design world, the gallery has become a key destination during Milan Design Week and a hub for cutting-edge design.
The gallery is famous for its carefully curated selection of furniture, lighting, and home décor, often featuring experimental, sustainable, and avant-garde works. Rossana Orlandi’s approach blends established designers with emerging talents, creating an environment where creativity and craftsmanship are celebrated. Many of the pieces showcased in the gallery are one-of-a-kind or limited editions, reflecting a commitment to originality and design excellence.
Set in a charming industrial building in the Tortona district, the gallery itself is a beautiful fusion of modern and vintage design, offering an inspiring space for visitors to explore the latest trends in design. Rossana Orlandi’s vision goes beyond merely showcasing products; it’s about offering a platform for new ideas, challenging traditional design conventions, and fostering a dialogue between designers, artists, and the public.
Nilufar Depot is a renowned contemporary design gallery and showroom located in Milan, famous for its carefully curated selection of high-end furniture and design objects. Established by Nilufar, a leading figure in the Italian design scene, the space is celebrated for its unique approach to design, blending innovative, experimental works with iconic pieces from established designers.
Situated in a spacious, industrial-style building in Milan’s Tortona district, Nilufar Depot is much more than a gallery—it's an immersive design experience. The showroom exhibits an eclectic collection of exclusive furniture, lighting, and accessories, offering a wide range of styles from classic to avant-garde, often presented in themed installations.
What sets Nilufar Depot apart is its commitment to presenting limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces, often produced in collaboration with international designers. The gallery serves as a platform for cutting-edge design, offering works that challenge traditional conventions and push the boundaries of creativity. With its mix of established design heritage and emerging talents, Nilufar Depot is considered a must-visit destination for design lovers during events like Milan Design Week.
DESIGN DISTRICT
Milan is widely recognized as the capital of design and architecture, and the city boasts several design districts that are essential destinations for visitors during events such as Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. Some of the main design districts in Milan include:
Located in the heart of Milan, the Brera Design District is one of the city's most historic and charming neighborhoods, known for its art galleries, design shops, and artist studios. During Design Week, Brera transforms into a vibrant center of exhibitions and design events.
The Tortona District is famous for its creative and modern atmosphere, with many industrial spaces converted into showrooms, galleries, and design studios. This district has become one of the most important centers for contemporary design and is always full of innovative exhibitions and installations.
5VIE is a neighborhood that blends art, design, and culture, known for its focus on experimental and sustainable design. During Milan Design Week, it is recognized for its more artisanal and collaborative approach, featuring exhibitions from emerging designers and innovative installations.
Porta Romana is a district characterized by a mix of modern and historical spaces, where contemporary design meets traditional Milanese architecture. This neighborhood attracts international designers and brands who want to showcase innovative and high-quality products.
Located in the Isola neighborhood, this design district has grown significantly in recent years, becoming one of the most popular centers for alternative and experimental design exhibitions. Isola is known for its creative and youthful atmosphere, with a focus on sustainable and accessible design.
The CityLife district is a modern and futuristic area that houses some of Milan’s most iconic architectural projects. This district includes famous buildings designed by renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki, and Daniel Libeskind. During Milan Design Week, CityLife is an important location for cutting-edge design exhibitions.
These districts, along with other constantly evolving spaces and areas, make Milan a fundamental destination for design enthusiasts.