EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Milan
Local guide to Milan
A beautiful and bustling hub of fashion, football and art, Milan is a city that is constantly on the go. Aside from its spectacular architecture and world-famous shopping, Milan, as with the rest of Italy, is beloved for its food and drink culture – something to embrace and indulge in during your visit. For guests at the elegant Hotel Principe di Savoia, the best city sights, shopping, and culture are all within easy reach with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Begin your day in Milan with a visit to the Piazza Gae Aulenti, a 10-minute walk away from the hotel.
20124 Milan
Piazza Gae Aulenti
A bold, modern plaza in the centre of Milan, the Piazza Gae Aulenti has become a local favourite since its unveiling in 2012. The focal point of this pristine public square is a contemporary fountain surrounded by bustling cafés, restaurants and shops, and makes for a particularly delightful area to stop and sip a cappuccino amongst the Milanese on a Sunday.
Then take a five-minute walk from the piazza to 10 Corso Como.
T: +39 02 2900 2674 | Corso Como 10, 20154 Milan
10 Corso Como
Located in a picturesque and verdant courtyard, 10 Corso Como’s chic open-air patio is the perfect place for a coffee or cocktail, but that’s just the first of many assets at this multifunctional, beautifully designed space. At once an art gallery, restaurant, bookshop and fashion and lifestyle concept store, 10 Corso Como offers boutique shopping and dining in a relaxed and stylish setting.
From 10 Corso Como, Eataly is a three-minute walk away.
T: +39 02 4949 7301 | Piazza XXV Aprile 10, 20121 Milan
Eataly Milan Smeraldo
Located in the beautiful space that once housed the legendary Teatro Smeraldo, Eataly is Milan’s favourite food store; overflowing with fresh, delicious produce, from barrels of vegetables and freshly baked artisanal bread to prime beef and rare truffles. If you fancy stopping for a meal, there are numerous eateries in-store, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant, Alice, on the first floor.
Then take a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride to the Porta Sempione.
Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milan
Porta Sempione
The Porta Sempione is one of the city’s five oldest gates, as well as the name of the district in which it’s found. Pay a visit to the grand, neoclassical Arco della Pace (“Arch of Peace”) at the entrance to the Parco Sempione, before heading into the park proper for a tranquil walk or to explore the sites, like the Arena Civica, Napoleon’s early 19th century amphitheatre.
Next, exit the park onto Piazza Castello and take a 10-minute walk to the Brera district.
20121 Milan
Brera
A short walk north from the busier tourist areas of the city, Brera is an arty, bohemian district made up of winding streets, ice cream shops and boutiques, and decorated with colourful hanging baskets. Milan can be a fast-paced city, so take some time to wander down the Brera alleys and enjoy a relaxed stroll along the cobbles of this fashionable and historic quarter.
The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk from Brera.
Day two
Start the day with a 10-minute stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica to the beautiful Indro Montanelli Public Gardens.
Bastioni di Porta Venezia, 20121 Milan
Indro Montanelli Public Gardens
Taking an amble through the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens is a relaxing way to experience some true Milanese culture, whilst taking in some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful architecture. Open and green, these gardens have an air of tranquillity and romance, yet are child friendly thanks to the playgrounds and duck pond – ideal for entertaining younger travellers.
Then, take a 10-minute walk to reach Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milan
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the world’s oldest shopping malls, the 19th century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is architecturally stunning and worth a visit even if designer shopping is not on the agenda. This elegant thoroughfare is frequented by the city’s well-heeled, making it the perfect place for people-watching with a gelato or taking a stroll to enjoy the mosaic floors, glass ceilings and luxury wares.
Then, take a 15-minute walk to Villa Necchi Campiglio.
T: +39 02 7634 0121 | Via Mozart 14, 20122 Milan
Villa Necchi Campiglio
The beautifully preserved 1930s Villa Necchi Campiglio offers a glimpse into the life of the privileged Milanese family who commissioned it as both a home and symbol of their wealth and status. Set amongst the serenity of its own private gardens, a guided tour of the villa is a must for all those appreciative of Art Deco architecture and Italian history.
A 10-minute stroll away is the Planetario di Milano, found on the east corner of Indro Montanelli Public Gardens.
T: +39 02 8846 3340 | Corso Venezia 57, 20121 Milan
Planetario di Milano
An institute dedicated to science and astronomy education, Milan’s Planetarium is an essential visit for any budding astronomers. A serene and edifying escape from the bustle of the city, the Planetarium has a full programme of themed events, talks, and shows for adults and children alike.
Then, take a 10-minute walk to the final stop of the day, Bar Martini.
T: +39 02 7601 1154 | Corso Venezia 15, 20122 Milan
Bar Martini
A collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Martini, Bar Martini, with its entirely black and red interior, is a stylish concept bar and restaurant, complete with patio and garden room. Popular with Milan’s stylish set and found in the centre of the city, do as the Milanese do and come for an aperitivo before an evening out, or making dining here the main event.
To get back to the hotel from Bar Martini, walk for 20 minutes or take a five-minute taxi ride.
Explore
Heading out to explore? Download our itineraries for all the ideas you need to make the most of your visit to the capital.