Prospects of a January buying trip in Central Europe may not speak to sun-seekers, yet Milan has continually proved itself as a worthy place for a winter break. While there are a few firm favourites that we always revisit, our recent trip uncovered some new finds too. These are passed along in the hope that others might fall in love with Milan just as we have.
Bahama Mama- The first non-negotiable on the list is charming Bahama Mama. Visit for pedicures, fresh-pressed juice, Tuscan aperitivo plates and the opportunity to shop for vintage finds. Proprietress Gaia Venuti has successfully created a relaxed place where a woman has everything she needs to pamper herself. If this means discovering a Halston dress while choosing polish colour then so be it. Venuti is also a respected vintage dealer and shares our passion for collecting rare and beautiful accessories.
Viale Col di Lana, 1, 20136, Milan, Italy
+39 02 8940 4538
10 Corso Como- Master the art of slow shopping at 10 Corso Como. The concept store is the work of former magazine editor (Italian Elle, Vogue) Carla Sozzani who realised her vision of making a living magazine in a former Fiat garage. Currently the space features a cafe, roof-top garden, book store, fashion and design shop, and a hotel to boot. We suggest planning a leisurely afternoon browsing session before wandering over to your reserved table for dinner and drinks under the stars.
Corso Como, 10, 20154, Milan, Italy
+39 02 2900 2674
STRAF Bar- Dark and intimate, there’s no better place to be than Straf Bar on a bitter winter’s evening. This we can attest to. Part of Straf Hotel, the cocktail nook is known for its long happy hour, a tendency to mix potent libations and for being the place where the fashion set come to play. The Dress code is directional and well-thought out. But really, this applies to many places in the city. Be brazen in your attempts to secure a table, but don’t expect to find one for a party greater than three or four. Its location is ideal too. La Rinscente Department store is across the street, Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II’s ornate 19th-Century shopping arcade is a two minute amble, while Duomo Milan is 4 minutes away.
Via San Raffaele, 3, 20121, Milan, Italy
+39 02 805081
Duomo Milan- Hauntingly beautiful inside and out, Milan’s Duomo can be found in the city’s medieval centre. Its neo-gothic features includes 135 gargoyles. Recently the cathedral put the collection up for adoption, due to decreased funding for upkeep. The gargoyles are reputed to sell for a cool US$123,000, and adoptees will then have their name engraved on their creature of choice. For the best views of the Duomo, visit the rooftop bars and restaurants positioned above the neighbouring galleria.
Via Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy
Open Monday - Sunday, 8am - 7pm
Hotel Principe di Savoia- It is a special occasion place. The place you escape to with a lover or use as a retreat while attending one of the many fashion and design events on the Milan calendar. It’s also the hotel against which others are compared with but never seem to top. Its landmark building dominates Piazza della Repubblica and while the aesthetics are traditional and ornate, the mood inside is lively. Without name dropping, this place has seen its fair share of talent, celebrity and royalty. This is no faded grande dame. She’s alive and well, keeping up with her of-the-moment guests.
Piazza della Repubblica, 17, 20124, Milan, Italy
+39 02 62301
