The first time I visited this city, I wasn’t very impressed. This time, however, things were different. I went to visit a very close friend of mine who lives in Milan and was lucky enough to visit the city insider-style. Milan in itself is not beautiful but there are some things worth seeing, and tasting. Especially tasting.

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The one historical site that is a must-see is the Duomo, an impressive cathedral constructed in 1386, and also the center of Milan. Aside from the cables and renovation, it is quite a beautiful piece of architecture.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

After your small dose of cultural heritage, have lunch at Maio at La Rinascente – the rooftop restaurant of the department store which overlooks the piazza del Duomo. The glass roof makes for a warm and sunny ambiance even while you dine indoors. The risotto here is highly recommended and like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

The rooftop itself looks very chic, with large umbrellas and cream-colored sofas to lounge upon while picking on fresh Italian cuisine in designer sunglasses – a mandatory part of the Milan-esque uniform.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

The indulgent foodie weekend continued with Joe Cipolla Steakhouse on Via Vigevano, in the Naviglio Grande / Porta Genova area. DELICIOUS steak and more reasonable than New York steakhouse prices. They served us a platter of parmesan slices, with Italian olive oil and fresh bread to start, a unique touch that we thoroughly enjoyed. The ambiance was very cozy and warm and well, perfect. The decoration was rustic and charming too.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

If you’re looking for a little Asian fusion, try La Perla d’Oro, also on Via Vigevano. The seaweed salad is delicious, and you can’t go wrong with the fried banana and ice cream dessert. A modern and trendy ambiance tops it off.

Photo credit: milanodebere.it

One of my favorites in Milan is a brunch cafe called That’s Bakery, again on Via Vigevano. The ‘fried chicken’ dish is amazing, and definitely nothing like the fried chicken you are thinking of. Rather, it’s a tempura chicken, with tempura zucchini and roasted potato wedges. They also had mouth-watering cupcakes which we were too full to taste! That’ll be for next time.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

It’s hard to resist all these wonderful restaurants after being accustomed to the mediocre food quality of London (generally speaking).

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Another Milan-essential activity is shopping. There are some windows with great visual merchandising:

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

You can start off with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, opened in 1867 for shoppers, and still a major shopping galleria today, which both Louis Vuitton and Prada (located in the galleria) can attest to.

Photo credit: Tai Yuni

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is a highly recommended area to start splurging. A wonderful brand I am now a fan of that I’ve seen for the first time in Milan is Liu Jo – classy, simple, stylish and sophisticated. And your purchase comes in a reusable seemingly water-resistant bag. It’s that little extra touch that makes all the difference.

Photo credit: lu-yi.blogspot.com

As always, have a great trip! xx