MILAN & LAKES
Italy’s northern edge is where fashion week meets alpine breeze. In Milan, it’s all about precision — sharply tailored jackets, gallery-hopping, aperitivo done right. But just beyond the city, things soften. The lakes shimmer with old money ease and cinematic charm, whether you’re floating past villas on Como, sipping espresso in Lugano, or biking through the hills of Garda. It’s elegance with a view — polished but never trying too hard.
Where We Eat
Food in northern Italy leans subtle and elevated — saffron risotto, freshwater fish, and aperitivo spreads. Up here, meals are elegant without excess, driven by quality, not fuss.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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Milanese comfort food with a contemporary wink. This family-run spot blends old-school trattoria warmth with a modern sensibility — think saffron risotto, osso buco, and tiramisu done right. It’s that rare middle ground between nostalgic and current, where locals gather for unfussy classics that still feel considered. Reliable, easy, and deeply Milanese. Located in Porta Vittoria, Milan. Closed Sundays.
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A stylish, seasonal ristorante tucked inside a former railway building, with a shaded garden terrace for summer dinners. Creative but grounded, Milanese but flexible.
The food respects tradition but doesn’t cling to it — the kind of place where risotto sits beside sea bass ceviche. Located in Isola, Milan
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Tucked on a stepped alleyway above the waterfront, this tiny trattoria serves rustic Lombardian dishes with zero pretense. The vibe is candlelit and charming, in that effortlessly Italian way. Located in Bellagio, Lake Como. Click here.
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Beloved by Milan’s creative crowd, this cozy trattoria turns humble ingredients into destination dishes. Don’t be fooled by the name — there’s plenty for non-tripe eaters too. It’s bold, confident, and totally unpretentious. Located in Porta Romana.
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Technically a wine bar, but the food is way better than it needs to be. Salumi, anchovies, burrata, handmade pastas — the kind of things you dream about later. It’s a locals-only vibe with genuinely standout food. One of the best aperitivo-to-dinner transitions in the city. Located in Via Melzo, near Porta Venezia, Milan.
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Right on the lake, with wooden decks, twinkle lights, and plates that celebrate the region’s freshwater bounty. Elevated but unfussy. Located in Moniga del Garda, Lake Garda.
Street Food
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Just steps from the Duomo, this tiny takeaway shop has been serving golden, flaky panzerotti since 1949. The classic pomodoro and mozzarella combo is unbeatable, but the speck and brie is worth trying too. It’s a quick, nostalgic bite in the heart of Milan’s chaos — expect a line, and expect it to be worth it.
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Beloved by Brera locals, this neighborhood bakery serves focaccia that’s crisped on the bottom and fluffy on top. Order the tomato or olive version and wander through the cobblestoned streets with it in hand. Warm, simple, and satisfying.
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A modern bacaro with a strong cicchetti game—think mini panini, seafood skewers, and fried zucchini flowers. Grab a spritz, snack standing up, or find a spot at the casual upstairs bar. Click here.
Go All Out
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Refined but never sterile, Seta is the signature restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental — where precision, flavor, and aesthetic restraint collide. Chef Guida’s modern Italian tasting menus are masterful, but it’s the service and stillness of the inner courtyard that make the experience unforgettable.
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A Moorish lakeside villa turned Relais & Châteaux hotel, with a three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Gastronomic theater meets northern Italian grandeur. Guests are invited into the kitchen post-dinner — a Cannavacciuolo tradition. Located in Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta.
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Old-world charm with a modern edge, Mistral serves Michelin-starred cuisine on a terrace over the lake, with views straight out of a silk scarf campaign. Formal dress expected. Located in Bellagio, Lake Como
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Two Michelin stars and a cult reputation. A Milanese institution where classic regional recipes get the haute treatment without losing soul. The plating is modern, but the food is rooted in tradition. Their signature “spaghetti al cipollotto” is legendary.
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Ultra-contemporary fine dining in the heart of Milan’s sleekest new neighborhood. Andrea Berton’s philosophy: extract pure flavor from humble ingredients and present them with near-scientific precision.
Best Desserts
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An institution since 1824, this velvet-trimmed patisserie is as much about elegance as it is about sweetness. Order the torta Aurora or seasonal fruit tart — paired with espresso in delicate china, it’s old Milan in pastry form. Ideal for a mid-shopping pause or a post-dinner stroll through the fashion district.
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Rustic-chic with southern Italian roots, Gelsomina’s interiors channel a sunlit nonna’s kitchen with terrazzo floors and linen curtains. Go for the cannolo siciliano — it’s filled to order, perfectly crisp, and not too sweet. Their maritozzi (cream-filled Roman brioche) are also cult favorites.
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Vintage signage and a loyal clientele. Come for flavors like fig, ricotta-strega, and classic stracciatella, all made in-house. Order your cone with whipped cream and crostata crumbles on top — it’s tradition here.
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A third-generation bakery with serious charm. Their millefoglie alla crema is legendary, but don’t skip the seasonal fruit tarts. It’s best enjoyed as takeaway to the lakeside promenade five minutes away.
Where We Wake Up
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A Milanese institution that balances laid-back charm with obsessive attention to pastry. Grab a spot at one of the communal tables and order the croissant filled with pistachio cream — it’s what locals line up for. Coffee is excellent and served without fanfare. The vibe is young, creative, and fashion-adjacent without trying too hard.
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This is where Milan’s chicest people sip espresso standing up at the marble bar. Order the tiny cannoncini or a slice of the classic panettone, made year-round. It’s as much about atmosphere as it is about flavor — old money with a soft edge.
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Set just off Lake Como, this elegant hideaway caters to travelers and locals alike. The espresso is strong, the almond croissants are handmade, and the terrace feels like it belongs in a Slim Aarons photograph. Order the yogurt bowl with berries or the prosciutto focaccia if you’re leaning savory.
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A no-frills, old-world bakery that’s quietly legendary among in-the-know Milanese. The focaccia is pillowy and just salty enough, the cornetti are crunchy on the outside, custardy inside. Come early — it sells out fast. Order a cappuccino and whatever just came out of the oven. It’s not trendy, it’s just right.
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A serene lakeside gem tucked into one of Lake Garda’s more elegant towns. The terrace opens straight onto the water, and the morning light here is cinematic. Order the fresh fruit tart and an espresso doppio — the setting elevates even the simplest meal. Less flash, more soul.
The Night Starts Here
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Low lighting, wood paneling, leather banquettes — this feels more like a Parisian salon than a Milanese restaurant, but that’s the point. Fashion insiders linger over steak tartare and a Negroni before heading to parties in Brera or late dinners elsewhere. Order the paccheri with lobster and a glass of Barolo.
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Always buzzy, always booked, Langosteria does seafood with swagger — think raw red prawns, saffron risotto with scampi, and artful plating under moody lights. It’s not quite a club, but by 10pm the music’s up and stilettos are out. Go for the crudo platter and let the sommelier lead the way.
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Rooftop pool, wraparound city views, and interiors by Dsquared² — Ceresio 7 is for the bold and beautiful. Start with cocktails at the bar, then slide into a corner banquette for beef carpaccio and truffle pasta. From here, it’s a short ride to any club in town.
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Refined but not stuffy, this lakeside spot by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton blends fine dining with relaxed, stylish energy. Order the tasting menu if you’re staying in, or keep it light with grilled lake fish and champagne before heading into Como town. Candlelight, great playlists, and views that steal the show.
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With its Nordic-leaning plating and low-key glamour, Materia is where design lovers dine before heading out. Tucked into a modern space just outside central Como, it’s an unexpected gem. Go for the seasonal tasting menu — light enough to keep the night going, special enough to count.
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Item description
Where We Sleep
VMaison
Milano
A quiet, stylish newcomer tucked behind Corso Venezia that blends Milanese sophistication with playful design.
Why We Like It
It’s boutique without being too try-hard — modern interiors, cushy rooms, and a surprisingly good breakfast spread in a glass-covered courtyard.
Image courtesy of VMaison Milano
Details To know
From ~€290/night
Located near Porta Venezia, walkable to Duomo and fashion district
Each room uniquely styled with color-blocking and luxe textiles
In-house restaurant and cocktail bar open late
Intimate and service-forward
The garden patio doubles as a discreet daytime workspace.
Hotel
Viu Milan
A sustainable design hotel with a rooftop pool, near Chinatown and Isola.
Why We Like It
Wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rooftop that pulls both tourists and locals for the views. Chic, but warm. Stylish, low-key, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Image courtesy of Hotel Viu Milan
Details To Know
From ~€320/night
Located near Isola, Milan’s up-and-coming creative district
Rooftop terrace with pool, loungers, and skyline views
Rooms are bright and airy, some with private balconies
Michelin-starred restaurant Morelli onsite
Gym and wellness space with panoramic views
Great value for design-savvy travelers
Book early for a rooftop table at sunset — they go fast.
Palazzo Albricci
Peregrini
A design-forward hideaway in the historic heart of Como, merging noble heritage with unexpected minimalism.
Set inside a 15th-century residence, this family-owned property has just a few rooms — all designed with refined restraint. Expect stone archways, custom furniture, and an intimate, high-touch stay that feels equal parts gallery and home.
Image courtesy of Palazzo Albricci Peregrini
From ~€320/night
Located in central Como, a short walk to the lake
Breakfast is homemade and served in the courtyard
Rooms feature curated art, raw materials, and Aesop products
Hosts are deeply involved — they’ll text you personal tips and bookings
No on-site restaurant, but they’ll direct you to excellent nearby options
Popular with creatives and Milanese weekender types
The hidden hammam room in the cellar is by appointment only.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Il Sereno
Sleek, contemporary, and dramatically perched over Lake Como — unapologetically modern in a sea of old-world grandeur.
Why We Like It
This is Lake Como stripped of its ruffles. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno brings clean lines, infinity-edge everything, and a low-key glamour that still feels like a splurge.
Image courtesy of Il Sereno
From ~€650/night
Located in Torno, on a quieter stretch of the lake
All suites have floor-to-ceiling lake views
Michelin-starred restaurant with lakefront terrace
Heated freshwater pool suspended over the lake
Complimentary boat transfers with their custom Riva
Spa set inside a centuries-old boathouse
Vibe leans young and international
Book Suite Lago if you want the clearest, most cinematic lake view.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Details To Know
MUSA Lago
di Como
Part boutique hotel, part gourmet playground — this new addition is making waves with design-savvy travelers.
Why We Like It
With just 12 rooms and a focus on culinary and sensory experiences, MUSA feels fresh. Think garden yoga, mixology labs, and views that hit differently at every hour.
Image courtesy of MUSA Lago di Como
Details To Know
From ~€700/night
Located in Sala Comacina on the western shore
Design-forward suites with lake-facing balconies
Signature restaurant Roteo led by a young, ambitious chef
Lakeside bar has quickly become a local favorite
Pool, gym, and curated wellness offerings
Concierge arranges experiences like cliff dining and foraging
Ask for the suite with the free-standing tub and fireplace combo.
Portrait
Milano
A Lungarno Collection masterpiece set in a 16th-century former seminary — minimalist rooms, maximalist details.
Why We Like It
Everything here is intentional, from the leather-trimmed room keys to the curated mini bars. If you want a quiet retreat in the heart of Milan’s action, this is it.
Image courtesy of WWD
Details To Know
From ~€850/night
Located in Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s fashion district
Interiors by Michele Bönan — all tailored elegance and texture
Private entrance to the seminary’s cloistered courtyard
Bvlgari toiletries and curated book collections in-room
Gourmet restaurant, high-end boutiques, and gallery onsite
Discreet service and celebrity clientele
The courtyard is open to the public during the day — early mornings are the most serene.
Grand Hotel
Tremezzo
The definition of Lake Como glamour — historic, floral, cinematic, and fabulously over the top.
Staying here is like being inside a Wes Anderson fantasy, if Wes went full Italian Riviera. Floating pool? Check. Bellini carts? Check. Every view — from every room — is postcard perfect.
Image courtesy of Condé Nast
From ~€900/night
Located in Tremezzo, directly across from Bellagio
Three pools: one in the garden, one indoor, one floating on the lake
T Spa is set in 18th-century villa with ESPA treatments
Five restaurants, including fine dining and pizza-by-the-garden
Live music in the salon most evenings
Riva boat rentals from the private dock
Walkable to Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese
The signature 'Lake View Prestige Room' offers the most classic experience.
Villa Lario
An ultra-private estate with just nine suites, perched over Lake Como with space to breathe.
Why We Like It
Understated luxury meets architectural elegance — with dramatic water views, lush gardens, and a peacefulness that feels rare even here. More sanctuary than hotel.
Image courtesy of Villa Lario
Details To Know
From ~€1000/night
Located in Pognana Lario, a secluded area on the lake
All suites face the lake and feature Carrara marble bathrooms
Michelin-starred chef occasionally helms private dinners
Infinity pool built into the cliffside
Only accessible by boat or private road
Custom experiences include stargazing dinners and silent boat rides
No two stays are the same — staff curate every visit based on guest preferences.
What We Do
Milan & the Lakes strike a rare balance between edge and elegance. In Milan, it’s all about quiet icons—hidden chapels, design galleries, and fashion that whispers instead of shouts. Just a short drive north, the lakes slow everything down: aperitivo on a dock, villas wrapped in wisteria, forested trails and vintage boats. It’s a region of contrast, but always impeccably styled.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Fondazione Prada
This contemporary art complex is a Milan essential—not just for what’s inside, but for the space itself. Housed in a reimagined gin distillery, it blends cutting-edge exhibitions with sharp architectural contrasts. Stop by Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson, for an aperitivo and a bit of surreal nostalgia.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Largo Isarco 2, Milan
Price: €€
Vibe: Conceptual, architectural, design-lover bait
Need to Know: Go early in the day—crowds build fast, and you’ll want space to linger.
Villa Carlotta
One of Lake Como’s most beloved villas, this 17th-century estate is home to manicured gardens, a notable art collection, and views that stretch for miles. A perfect cultural interlude between lake swims and long lunches.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Tremezzo, Lake Como
Price: €€
Vibe: Romantic, classical, picture-perfect
Need to Know: Spring is peak bloom season—especially for azaleas and camellias.
10 Corso Como
Equal parts gallery, fashion boutique, and concept café, this iconic Milanese spot set the standard for curated lifestyle retail. You’ll find avant-garde fashion, design books, and one of the most photogenic courtyards in the city.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Corso Como 10, Milan
Price: €€–€€€
Vibe: Eclectic, iconic, fashion-insider
Need to Know: The upstairs gallery often has rotating exhibitions worth catching. Make time for an espresso in the courtyard.
Armani/Silos
A minimalist temple to the world of Giorgio Armani. The museum showcases his work across decades, with an emphasis on silhouette, restraint, and the evolution of timeless style.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Bergognone 40, Milan
Price: €€
Vibe: Sleek, reverent, fashion-first
Need to Know: It’s rarely crowded—go midday for a peaceful walk through fashion history.
Libreria Bocca
Tucked beneath the arcade of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this historic art bookshop has been around since 1775. Come for rare prints, artist monographs, and that old-world Milan atmosphere.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
Price: €–€€
Vibe: Scholarly, elegant, niche
Need to Know: Ask for signed or out-of-print editions—they often have quietly spectacular inventory.
Antonia
A fashion-forward multibrand concept store set inside a 19th-century Milanese palazzo. Think cult labels, emerging designers, and rare finds you won’t see in the U.S.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Cusani 5, Milan
Price: €€€
Vibe: Elevated, directional, style-savvy
Need to Know: Ask the staff for limited pieces—they often keep the best in the back.
Fondazione Pirelli HangarBicocca
A massive industrial space turned contemporary art haven in Milan. Known for site-specific installations and immersive exhibitions, including Anselm Kiefer’s haunting permanent installation, The Seven Heavenly Palaces.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Location: Via Chiese 2, Milan
Price: Free
Vibe: Raw, intellectual, quietly monumental
Need to Know: It’s a bit outside the city center — best paired with a driver or as part of a more alternative Milan day.
Rossana Orlandi
A Milanese design temple set in a former tie factory, now home to wildly curated furniture, lighting, and objets from up-and-coming designers and legacy names alike.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Matteo Bandello 14, Milan
Price: €€–€€€
Vibe: Maximalist, artsy, bold
Need to Know: Come with an open mind and a fat wallet — this is where interior editors shop.
Villa Monastero
An ornate lakeside villa in Varenna with impossibly photogenic terraced gardens cascading down to the water. Also home to a small museum and scientific conference center — odd, but very charming.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Varenna, Lake Como
Price: €10 for gardens and house
Vibe: Belle Époque meets botanicals
Need to Know: Best seen in the morning before the light gets harsh — and before the crowds descend.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Take a Riva on Lake Como
There’s boating on Lake Como, and then there’s doing it right. Charter a vintage Riva (or sleek modern equivalent) for an afternoon or golden hour cruise. Most depart from Como, Bellagio, or Tremezzo and include a skipper, champagne, and full flexibility.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Lake Como
Price: €450 for a 2-hour private cruise
Vibe: Glamorous, cinematic, undeniably Como
Need to Know: Book ahead in peak season — the Rivas go fast.
Bernina Express Day Trip
One of the most scenic train rides in the world, connecting Tirano (a few hours from Milan) to St. Moritz via the Swiss Alps. Panoramic carriages, glacier views, and engineering marvels.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Departs from Tirano, Italy
Price: Around €65 roundtrip
Vibe: Epic, cinematic, bucket-list
Need to Know: Bring your passport — you’ll cross into Switzerland.
Monte Brè Panoramic Hike
If you’re near Lake Lugano, this is the move. Take the funicular to the top of Monte Brè and hike down with lake views, forest trails, and tiny villages along the way.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Price: €25 roundtrip funicular
Vibe: Alpine, airy, understated
Need to Know: Start early — most of the descent is unshaded.
Row a Boat in Milan’s Idroscalo Park
Once an airport for seaplanes, Idroscalo is now Milan’s best-kept secret for outdoor sports. Rent a rowboat, go paddleboarding, or take a lakeside run.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: East Milan
Price: From €15/hour
Vibe: Urban nature, retro-cool, off-radar
Need to Know: Open-air concerts sometimes happen here in summer — check the calendar.
Hike the Greenway del Lago di Como
A curated walking trail that weaves through lakeside villages, gardens, and historic villas along the western shore of Lake Como. It’s less strenuous than a mountain hike but rich in views and atmosphere.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Starts in Colonno, ends in Griante
Price: ~Free
Vibe: Serene, photogenic, slow-travel
Need to Know: Wear real shoes — the trail shifts between cobblestones, roads, and grassy paths.
Swim in Lake Garda’s Thermal Springs
Head to Parco Termale del Garda, where you can swim in warm thermal waters surrounded by lush vegetation and historic villas. It feels part spa, part jungle dreamscape.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Colà di Lazise, Lake Garda
Price: €36 for a day pass
Vibe: Restorative, local, enchanting
Need to Know: Go in the late afternoon for golden hour steam rising from the water.
Nightlife
Nightlife
Bar Basso
A Milanese institution where the Negroni Sbagliato was invented. Retro interiors, heavy glassware, and a scene that feels timeless. Come late, order the house classic, and watch Milan pass you by.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Plinio, Milan
Price: €€
Vibe: Old-school, cinematic, buzzy
Need to Know: It gets packed — come early if you want a table.
Armani Privé
Glitzy, moody, and velvet-drenched, this is Milan’s fashion-world answer to a classic lounge-club hybrid. Expect Champagne, high heels, and curated playlists.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Gastone Pisoni, Milan
Price:€€€
Vibe: Luxe, late-night, sceney
Need to Know: There’s a dress code. You’ll want to meet it.
Terrazza Aperol
Right in Piazza del Duomo, this splashy rooftop bar leans touristy by day but turns into a sleek, Milanese hangout by night. DJs, Aperol on tap, and front-row views of the cathedral make it worth a stop — especially before heading deeper into the city.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Price: €€
Vibe: Loud, bright, fashion-forward
Need to Know: Come early for sunset. It fills fast, and reservations don’t always hold.
LùBar
Set inside the neoclassical Villa Reale, LùBar feels like a Sicilian garden party meets Milanese chic. Palms, antiques, and linen everything. The crowd is stylish, the lighting golden, and the menu runs light Mediterranean (think pistachio arancini and tuna tartare). Come for dinner and linger through aperitivo — this place is a scene.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Palestro 16, Milan
Price: €€€
Vibe: Botanical, flirty, fashion-adjacent
Need to Know: It’s technically a café, but in the evening, it hums with energy — especially during Fashion Week. Book ahead for dinner on the terrace.
Ghe Sem
Dinner, drinks, and dim sum with a DJ in the back room. The Milanese love it because it doesn’t take itself too seriously — and because it keeps the energy up well past midnight.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Corso Garibaldi, Milan
Price: €€
Vibe: Funky, fashion-y, unexpected
Need to Know: Book ahead — it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Musa Lago di Como
On the quieter side of Como, this boutique hotel’s waterfront bar becomes a vibe after dark, with curated music, natural wine, and locals mixing with chic Milanese weekending out of town.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Sala Comacina, Lake Como
Price: €€€
Vibe: Intimate, design-forward, serene but social
Need to Know: You don’t have to be a guest — but you will want to be.
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Aspria Harbour Club
A private, resort-style sports and wellness club tucked away in San Siro. Think lush greenery, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a serious spa, and a gym that doesn’t skimp on amenities. Ideal for a real workout in a retreat-like setting.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via Cascina Bellaria 19, Milan
Price: €60 day pass (non-members)
Vibe: Discreet, high-end, members-club energy
Need to Know: Book spa services in advance — it fills up with locals on weekends.
Yogamilan
This serene, minimalist studio tucked behind Corso Magenta offers daily vinyasa, hatha, and yin classes — many taught in English. The space is bathed in natural light and tends to draw a stylish, international crowd.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: San Beneto, San Marco
Price: €€
Vibe: Haunting, intellectual, deeply romantic
Need to Know: The lighting is intentionally dim — bring a good camera for soft, painterly shots.
Aria Retreat & Spa
On the Lake Lugano side, this luxury wellness hotel offers panoramic yoga decks, hydrotherapy pools, and serene lake-facing saunas. Guests rave about the silence, the air, the sense of total stillness.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Via del Ciclamino 5, Cima (Lake Lugano)
Price: Access included with room; spa treatments €100–€300
Vibe: Zen, secluded, Swiss-adjacent elegance
Need to Know: Book a lake-view treatment at golden hour — it’s something else.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 72 Hours
PART ONE: Start In Milan
Check in, drop your bags, and start strong with a slow morning at Pavé — one of the city’s most beloved bakeries, where the maritozzo is filled with whipped chantilly and the coffee is serious. Walk it off with a stroll through Villa Necchi Campiglio, a perfectly preserved 1930s home that feels straight out of I Am Love. Dip into 10 Corso Como for high-concept retail, or meander Brera for art galleries and curated boutiques like Wait and See and Cavalli e Nastri.
Book a late lunch at Trippa, one of Milan’s most reliable trattorias, then rest up for a big night. Start with aperitivo at Camparino in Galleria (go for a Negroni, obviously), then head to Langosteria — where seafood is elevated, interiors are moody, and the Milanese come dressed. If you’re still buzzing, grab drinks at Bar Basso (a cult favorite) or head underground to Backdoor 43, the city’s smallest cocktail bar — reservations essential.
PART TWO: Morning Moves
Ease into your second day with a stretch at City ZEN, a chic yoga studio where classes are often in English and the post-flow tea is worth lingering over. Then, make your way north to the lakes — ideally with a driver or rental. The journey to Lake Como takes just over an hour, and feels shorter if you stop for espresso in one of the villages en route. If it’s a clear day, head straight for Bellagio via ferry for the full dolce vita moment.
Lunch should be lakeside: try La Darsena in Tremezzo for fresh pasta with a view, then rent a vintage boat for an afternoon spin across the water — ideally with a bottle of Franciacorta in tow. No license required if you stick with smaller crafts, but book in advance regardless. The late afternoon is best spent walking the gardens at Villa Carlotta, then checking into your hotel of choice (you can’t go wrong with Il Sereno or Villa Lario).
PART THREE: An Evening By The Water
Once you’ve unpacked and showered off the boat spray, dress up for dinner. For something festive and glamorous, MUSA Lago di Como blends creative cuisine with a social vibe — it’s where you go when you want dinner and a scene. If you’d rather keep it classic, Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi serves serious Italian luxury on a silver platter, with panoramic lake views to match.
After dinner, grab a nightcap at your hotel bar or stroll along the promenade — the air smells like jasmine and the sound carries across the water. If the mood strikes, you can dip into one of the lakeside hotel bars (GHT’s T Bar is open late) or just sit beneath the cypress trees and enjoy the quiet. Como at night has a kind of cinematic stillness you can’t fake.
PART FOUR: The Final Day
Start with an early swim, whether it’s from a dock, a pool, or your suite’s private deck. Breakfast should be unrushed — Villa Lario does a beautiful one with local jams and pastries. If you’re up for a little adventure, take a detour into Switzerland: Lake Lugano is just a short drive away, and feels like a secret cousin to Como with fewer crowds. Or, for something more active, arrange an e-bike tour through the hills or along the water’s edge.
Make your way back to Milan by mid-afternoon and drop into Pasticceria Marchesi for a last espresso and a pastry box to go. Depending on your departure time, you can sneak in one final dose of culture — Fondazione Prada is a sharp, elegant sendoff. Or, just walk it out — past the Duomo, through the arcades, soaking in the Milanese rhythm one last time. Leave just tired enough to feel like you really did it — but never overwhelmed. That’s the Hala way.
