01 Milan is buzzing during the Salone del Mobile, so why not visit a hidden gem close to the Duomo, the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro? Built in the 9th century, the church is an architectural highlight to visit where a spectacular 97 cm deep altar creates an optical illusion, a masterpiece of that time.
02 The most vibrant part of Milan is definitely Isola District, a neighbourhood with cool vibe and a lot to see. The perfect time to arrive is Saturday when you can taste, smell and touch the best of their street market goodies.
03 Walk down the cobblestones of Cinque Vie and find art and inspiration in all the corners. Piazza Bollomero is a perfect spot for an aperitivo, but you can also walk in Restaurant B for a risotto, pizza or pasta, it never disappoints.
04 Baroque beauty Palazzo Litta is a vibrant place during the design week, offering cultural programmes, exhibitions and cultural events during the design week.
05 You might get a little overwhelmed by all the novelties of Italian design during the Salone, so just enter and enjoy a little meditation and peace at the garden of Fondazione Stelline.
06 Have fun&share fun! Spirit the Milan is a perfect place to get lost and depending on which day you visit, join the party of love music, tango nights or jazz&blues festivals. Ask for a wine of Lombardy served with some Italian bites, as there is no Milan design week without an Italian cocktail or two.
07 Join the bustle of Via Sarpi and Milan’s Chinatown. Here you find the ADI Design Museum that was created to showcase the entire repertoire of projects in the historical collection of the Compasso d’Oro award, to promote the quality of Made in Italy design. During their exhibitions you can get lost in a very creative representation of Italian design.
08 Visit Piazza del Quadrilatero, a very-Italian colonnaded square that was originally the cloisters of a 15th-century seminary. Here you find Portrait Milano, with laid back buzz, lounge music and art books all over to welcome you at the hotel reception. Insider tip: creamy and delicious: ask for an Italian hot chocolate here.
