The fashion capital full of class and culture

Milan is a shopper’s paradise and, close to the hotel, Via Tortona offers a wide selection of hip design showrooms, small designer boutiques and temporary stores, and if high quality handbags are of specific interest, have a look in M8 at number 20.

If you happen to be here on the last Sunday of the month, a special treat for collectors the world over is the antiques market situated along the Alzaia Naviglio Grande, just 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel. It sells furniture, objects for the home, old books, jewelry etc. and has 400 exhibitors, some of whom also have their own stores nearby.

Where fashion morphs into culture

As the fashion capital of Europe, some would say the world, it’s maybe not surprising that Giorgio Armani's own museum, Silos, is a popular destination. Dedicated to his work of the last 40 years and displaying around 600 of his incredible designs, the museum is a five-minute walk from the hotel on Via Bergognone. Mudec, Milan’s museum of culture, is located in Via Tortona, in what was once housing for the Ansaldo manufacturing complex, and has become a focal point of contemporary art. Since Fashion is not only clothes, Milan is at the forefront of design in decoration trends and furniture as well, find out more about Milan Design Week as well as the exclusive events of Fuorisalone and Salone del Mobile, musts for any design fanatic.

A little further away, on San Vittore, is the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Technologia which showcases the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. As well as descriptions in English beside the many models of his work, there are also those taken directly from the artist’s notebook. It’s utterly fascinating to see the real words of the military engineer, musician, inventor, mapmaker, architect, sculptor, painter, and natural thinker.

Da Vinci’s Milan of masterpieces

There are some parts of Milan that you should definitely aim to see, the first of which is the square and terraces of Duomo di Milano, a stunning gothic cathedral that was some 600 years in the making, part of which was by da Vinci.

And one of the artist’s most famous masterpieces, The Last Supper, resides in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. At almost nine meters in length, it really needs to be seen up close for its magnificence to be fully appreciated.

Escape the city with some Italian park life

Solari Park is about 15 minutes from the hotel by foot and there you’ll find a play area for children. To get to the beautiful Parco Sempione, the biggest park in the city, it’s around 30 minutes by public transport but you’ll not be disappointed.

As well as its sprawling green space the medieval Castello Sforzesco is found within the grounds, along with an incredibly well-stocked aquarium (Acquario Civico), and the Arena Civica, and iconic sports arena from the early 19th century where you can even have a run around the historic track.

Families and children in Milan

The parks are popular with young, energetic members of the family but if you need to spark off some creativity with them then we recommend the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum). The museum is located within the leafy grounds of Giardini Pubblici, a public park situated in the historical center of Milan near Corso Venezia. It features six display areas that cover everything from the history of mankind to the study of paleontology (with real dinosaur skeletons to view!) and zoology.

The pleasure of Italian food

The streets between Via Savona, Via Tortona and Via Stendhal comprise a melting pot of venues ranging from Milan’s hippest spots to those specializing in pre-meal apericenas as well as lounge bars and more traditional restaurants.

Our favorites along these streets include Langosteria 10, arguably the best seafood restaurant in Milan. It offers delicious Mediterranean dishes including a delectable plate of oysters and all within an elegant, atmospheric setting. Traditional Milanese food can be enjoyed in Osteria del Binari which is open for lunch and dinner and has the option to savor a perfect wine suggested by the sommelier in the fresh air of their large garden terrace.

If all you need is brunch, pop into God Save The Food for high quality snacks that will set you up for the day. Their tasty avocado salad is my choice. Remember too, before you even step out through our doors we offer you the Nhow Milano restaurant and bar for fresh, creative cuisine in exclusive, sophisticated surroundings.

When evening comes, Milan’s nightlife inspires

There is no disputing that the nightlife hub of Milan is the lively Navigli area, so full of varied bars, clubs and eateries that it’s difficult to pick out just a few. Al Fresco offers comfort and a cosy way to enjoy a drink or meal, including a terrace option if the weather permits. Rita and Cocktails offers aperitifs but as can be guessed from the name, is most visited for their amazing cocktail selection. Pick one of their original mixes, watch them delight in putting it together, and then sit back and enjoy as you take in the very cool surroundings.

More cocktails are on offer at the Blue Note Milano Jazz Club which gives the opportunity to enjoy the finest combination of music and food. Whether there for their simple but refined cuisine or to finish the night with one of over 200 cocktails, you’ll have a special atmosphere created by some marvelous live musicians.

An evening movie is another way to relax from a busy day and there are three venues - Mexico cinema, Orfeo and Ducale – that provide original language films, all just a short walk away from the hotel allowing you to saunter happily back to bed afterwards.

Getting around Milan

As with any major European city, when walking is not your chosen method, there are other options on hand. Heading downtown from the hotel will take you no more than 15 minutes by car or taxi. Public transport also connects most of the city and either tram or metro will have you where you need to be quickly while also giving you the chance to watch locals go about their daily business.

Lake Como: if it’s good enough for George Clooney…

An idyllic day retreat from Milan is Lake Como, just one hour north, with it being best experienced from early spring until late fall. In the foothills of the Alps, the lake and its numerous towns are rightly famous as havens of luxurious tranquility with Michelin-star restaurants, boutiques as well as water sports and boat trips. Bellagio is, by far, the most loved of Como’s lake towns and you can get there easily by car or by train, leaving from Cadorna station. A trip to Milan just keeps on giving.

About Desislava Bankova

I am Desislava Bankova and I’ve been working at the NH front office for five years as receptionist, concierge and reservation agent. Six months ago I started working in Guest Relations and I’m very happy with the path I chose. The best part of my work is the people; the ones I have met, the ones I have worked with and all the guests that enrich my memories and my journey. I can honestly say I love my job! We have a great management team and staff, who make this a great place to work! 

Relax in an urban boutique oasis after a long day exploring Milan. See our boutique style hotels in Milan.