Fake it 'til you lake it
Idroscalo might be an artificial lake, but it's a whopper and it's the ideal place to try your hand at some watersports in Milan - from kayaking and canoeing to water-skiing. It's also surrounded by bars and restaurants so you can grab a bite between paddling, and in the summer season you can enjoy outdoor concerts on the lakeside.
Get the middle finger at Piazza Affari
Don't worry, you'll only be getting the middle finger from a statue - not the locals. This square is the most important place in Italy when it comes to finance, and home to Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial L.O.V.E sculpture, which is a giant, raised middle finger. The acronym stands for liberta, odio, vendetta, and eternita which translates as freedom, hatred, vendetta and eternity. Make of that what you will!
Fill your face at Luini's
Luini's bakery has won awards - that's how good it is. It's a traditional little bakery in the city best known for its panzerotti, which are fried like a deep-fried calzone filled with savoury fillings such as mozzarella and tomato. Buon appetito.
Get your da Vinci on
It'd be rude not to, let's be honest. The interactive Leonardo3 Museum is a celebration of all things da Vinci, including digital restorations of his paintings and even working models of some of his inventions. You can see a restoration of the iconic Last Supper painting here, as well as a model of his Flying Bicycle design which is...well, exactly what it sounds like.
Park yourself
Sempione Park is a gorg park right in the middle of the city. Think Central Park vibes but a smidge smaller and with less hotdog carts. There's plenty of lakes, greenery and picnic spots though - and even Arco della Pace - AKA, the arch of peace which is well worth a snap in front of.
What events can I go to in Milan?
Milan's event calendar is as packed as a Prada sample sale! There's always something happening to get your fashion-fix or culture-crave sorted. Jot these down...
Milan Fashion Week (February & September) - the crème de la crème of fashion, where the streets become runways. It's like the Oscars, but for clothes - and without any drama from Will Smith.
Design Week (April) - Milan turns into an IKEA catalogue, only cooler (if that's even possible). Think futuristic furniture and designs that'll make your living room jealous.
Salone del Mobile (April) - the world's biggest furniture fair, where chairs are art, and sofas are masterpieces.
Festa di San Giovanni (June) - fireworks and partying - because Italians don't do things by halves.
Milano Film Festival (September) -it's movie magic time, but with more espresso and less popcorn. Think Sundance, with Italian subtitles.
Milano Music Week (November) - where the city's soundtrack is live music, and every corner's got a beat.
Milan Jazz Festival (November) - it's like your Spotify jazz playlist, but live and with more sax appeal.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Market (December) - a Christmas market where you can shop like an Italian grandma. Think crafts, food, and oh-so-many trinkets.
Where's the best nightlife in Milan?
Milan's nightlife? It's like a catwalk after hours - sleek, chic, and always buzzing. From stylish lounges to clubs where you dance 'til dawn, Milan knows how to party (with a touch of class). Here's the scoop on where to strut your stuff:
Just Cavalli Milano - where the fashion elite mingle. It's like a runway show, but with more cocktails and less attitude.
Terrazza Aperol - sip an Aperol Spritz while overlooking the stunning Duomo. It's the Instagram spot of dreams, trust us.
Alcatraz - no, not the prison - but just as legendary. This massive club is where you go to lose yourself to the beat... and maybe find yourself at the bar.
Blue Note Milano - jazz, baby! It's all smooth tunes and even smoother drinks. You'll feel cooler just walking in.
Armani Privé - ever wondered where the Armani-clad crowd go? Right here. It's sleek, exclusive, and yes, you'll want to dress up.
Hollywood Rythmoteque - get ready to party like a movie star, or at least with people who look like they could be.
Tunnel Club - under the railway arches, this spot is for the underground music-lovers. It’s less about the chandeliers, more about the bass.
Bobino Club - an all-in-one cocktail bar, club, and summer garden. It's like three nights out in one!
What's the food like in Milan?
We know food's at the top of everyone's travel checklist, so let's take a catwalk through some of Milan's most mouthwatering bites...
Risotto alla Milanese – not just any risotto - it's like the Versace of rice dishes (we're not being dramatic). Saffron-infused, creamy, and with a touch of luxury. You'll feel fancy with every spoonful.
Ossobuco – veal shanks cooked low and slow in a white wine broth until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. It's like a warm hug from an Italian nonna.
Panettone – Milan's answer to fruitcake, but way, way better. This tall, fluffy, sweet bread is studded with candied fruits and raisins - you might have even had the butchered 'British' take on it at Christmas, but this is the real deal. Don't blame us if you can't stop at one slice.
Aperitivo – Milan's chic pre-dinner ritual. Think of it as happy hour with style. Prosecco, Campari, and a smorgasbord of nibbles that put your usual 'picky bits' from home to shame.
Cotoletta alla Milanese – it's like the schnitzel's Italian cousin, but crunchier and with more flair. A breaded veal cutlet fried to golden perfection.
Panzerotti - not to be confused with the legendary Italian opera singer. Think of this as a deep-fried pizza pocket - usually stuffed with cheese and tomato, but fillings can vary between anything savoury and delicious.
Gelato – because in Milan, even the ice cream is designer. The flavours are as bold and creative as the city itself.
Negroni – not food, but it's essential Milanese fuel. This is a cocktail so stylish, it should have its own runway show.
