El Brellin

It used to be the old grocery store where the washerwomen of the picturesque Lavandai alley stocked up on hot water, soap and brushes. Today, it is a romantic place that still has the feel of an old tavern, where fireplaces and coffered ceilings recreate the atmosphere of yesteryear. It is entered through a small garden, bordered by the period wash-house so often photographed that it is an integral part of the iconography of the Navigli. You can still see the stone brelle on which the washerwomen rubbed their customers' clothes, kneeling on the wooden brellin. Admire the unusual collection of goose games from the last two centuries that decorates the two rooms on the ground floor. Watching the elegant clientele that frequents the restaurant, try the dishes of Milanese cuisine: cassoeula, rustin negàa with Milanese risotto and riso al salto. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Officina 12

Lightened Milanese dishes and in the 'Sala Fuoco', with visible grills, a fine selection of fine meats. Black Angus tagliata, Scottona fillet, Fiorentina steak and Irish rib-eye steak. A spacious restaurant, capable of seating more than 150 people in its three dining rooms, also very romantic and candlelit. It has a small garden with outdoor tables on the Naviglio and a larger, indoor one. There is a beautiful steel counter surrounded by exposed brickwork where you can try, even at aperitif time, one of the over 100 labels of the Gin Bar, one of the first and most complete in the city. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

LA LIBERA

Since the early 1900s, this characteristic restaurant has been serving regional dishes of both meat and fish in a seasonal menu that is attentive to the provenance of the raw materials and flanked by a number of historical dishes that are offered all year round. Among these, of course, cannot miss his majesty the cotoletta alla milanese, a timeless classic here executed with great skill. The two current owners have given the restaurant a more international feel to the interior thanks to plays of light and mirrors reminiscent of the atmosphere of typical French bistros, further accentuated by the notes of jazz music in the background. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Duomo di Milano

The Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece dominating the square of the same name, is a timeless symbol of the Lombard city. Begun in 1386 and completed only in the following centuries, this cathedral is the fifth largest in the world and is distinguished by its imposing architecture enriched by more than 3,400 statues, sharp spires and imposing portals. The façade, a triumph of white Candoglia marble, enchants visitors with its majesty and detail, inviting them to explore the equally stunning interior. Here, coloured stained glass windows tell biblical stories, while the sun filters through, creating plays of light that seem to dance between the naves. Below, the ancient archaeological area reveals the foundations of pre-existing churches, revealing layers of Milanese history. Climbing the terraces, a breathtaking panoramic view of Milan opens up, allowing a closer look at the spires that seem to touch the sky, with the golden Madonnina watching over the city. A visit to the Duomo di Milano is not only an immersion in faith and art, but also a journey through the history and identity of a city that has been able to preserve its glorious past while proudly projecting itself into the future.

QUADRILATERO DELLA MODA

The Quadrilatero della Moda, also known as Milan's fashion district, is an area that stretches between four prestigious streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia. This labyrinth of elegant streets is the beating heart of Italian and international haute couture, a paradise for fans of luxury shopping, design and cutting-edge trends. Filled with haute couture boutiques, showrooms, and world-famous ateliers, the Quadrilatero is home to the most exclusive and renowned brands on the fashion scene, from Giorgio Armani to Versace, from Gucci to Prada, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for the latest trend or a unique piece. In addition to luxury shopping, the district offers a wide range of historical buildings, art galleries and chic cafés, where fashion and culture come together to create a unique atmosphere. Here, historical architecture and contemporary design coexist in perfect harmony, testifying to Milan's ability to innovate while keeping its roots strong. Visiting the Quadrilatero della Moda means plunging into a world of elegance, where every street and every shop window tells stories of creativity, luxury and passion for beauty. It is an experience that goes beyond mere shopping: it is a journey into the heart of fashion, which fascinates and inspires, leaving an indelible imprint in the memory of those lucky enough to walk its streets.

CITY LIFE

CityLife, located in the north-west of Milan, represents one of the most innovative and ambitious urban projects in Europe. Built on the ashes of the former Fiera di Milano, this district is a perfect mix of modern architecture, green spaces and functionality, symbolising the city's futuristic vision of progress and sustainability. Designed by world-famous architects such as Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind, CityLife is distinguished by its three iconic towers: the Isozaki Tower (The Straight), the Hadid Tower (The Crooked) and the Libeskind Tower (The Curved), which stand as modern monuments, defining a new skyline for Milan. Beyond the imposing towers, CityLife offers a large pedestrian and cycling area, a large urban park covering some 170,000 square metres, making it the second largest green space in the city. This space is designed to promote the well-being of citizens, offering playgrounds, jogging paths and relaxation areas surrounded by greenery. The project also includes a modern shopping district housing high-end shops, gourmet restaurants and spaces for cultural events, making it a landmark for shopping and leisure. CityLife is also committed to environmental sustainability, with buildings designed to reduce energy consumption and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. Visiting CityLife means discovering the most modern and futuristic face of Milan.

TEATRO ALLA SCALA

The Teatro alla Scala in Milan, inaugurated in 1778, is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and a pillar of Italian culture and musical history. Located in the heart of the city, a few steps from the Duomo, the theatre boasts a neoclassical façade that conceals a sumptuous interior, capable of thrilling audiences not only with its performances but also with its architectural beauty. La Scala is famous for its exceptional acoustics and for being the birthplace of many world premieres of unforgettable operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini and Rossini. Its orchestra, chorus and corps de ballet are among the most internationally renowned, attracting world-famous artists, conductors and musicians. Inside, the theatre's ornate boxes and red and gold velvet auditorium, under an imposing crystal chandelier, contribute to a magical and timeless atmosphere. Every performance at La Scala is an event, ranging from opera to ballet, from symphonic music to world premieres, keeping Italian theatre traditions alive while innovating and welcoming new productions. In addition to the performances, La Scala houses the Theatre Museum, which offers visitors the chance to explore the rich history of the theatre through a vast collection of costumes, musical instruments, portraits and set designs. The museum also tells the stories of the great personalities who have graced its stage.