top of page

Travel Diaries - Milan

  • jasminmanzano
  • Jan 25
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 27

Woman smiling widely in a grand, ornate mall with arched glass ceiling at night. Shops lit up in background, including Louis Vuitton.
Dual images of Milan Cathedral; left shows statues and city skyline, right highlights ornate facade under a clear blue sky.
Gothic cathedral spires and statues under a clear blue sky. Intricate carvings and cityscape in the background create a historic atmosphere.
Gothic spires with statues atop a cathedral overlooking a city under a clear blue sky. Sunlit, detailed architecture creates an awe-inspiring mood.
Stained glass and ornate sculptures adorn a cathedral interior. Warm light illuminates pillars and paintings. Candles flicker, creating a serene mood.
Café scene with pastries, cappuccinos, and a marble table. Elegant building view through window; "Prada" visible. Cozy and inviting.
Elegant shopping mall with arched glass ceiling, ornate architecture, and luxury store signs. People walk indoors under diffuse light.

My husband and I made a short, but sweet mid-week trip to Milan this winter. I was joining him on his work trip and got to enjoy a couple of solo days in the Italian fashion and design capital of the world. It was my first time in Milan (shocking, I know) and it was amazing to experience the buzzing city in the lead up to Milan Fashion Week. I'm forever a city girl, so I genuinely enjoy places like Milan where there's something to see and do, even if it's in the most chaotic (but always intentional) circumstances.


We stayed in the Fashion District, within walking distance from the Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It was inspiring to be surrounded by breathtaking architecture and literal runway models. I have never felt more motivated to look fashionable while functional, something the Italians know how to do so well.


During the day while Mario was at the office, I ventured into the city to explore the nearby areas. On the afternoon that we arrived, I had booked myself a self-guided tour of the Duomo di Milano which included access to the terraces. I 100% recommend this activity and couldn't stop gushing to my husband how spectacular it was to be amongst the spires and statues. And after speaking with our Milan-based friends, it occurred to me that none of them have seen it themselves despite living in Milan for years. But it is the typical attitude of locals of any town that you don't typically do the touristy activities unless there's an incentive to do so. Living in London has proved that, but it is our goal to be tourists in our own city every now and then.


Highlights of this Milano trip:

  • Hands-down visiting the Duomo during golden hour light and getting the chance to walk around the terraces. The amount of detail and artistry that went into the cathedral's architecture: they don't make buildings like this anymore and it's a pity.

  • Spending our mornings together in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and at Marchesi for their cappuccinos and pasticceria. Always La Veneziana for Mario, and La Treccia con lampone for me. I still dream about it if I'm being honest.

  • Walking through Parco Sempione towards Castello Sforzesco in the winter sun.

  • Getting to see our friends in their city and catching up with them over pasta and pizza.

  • Simply walking around the Piazza del Duomo and people-watching: everyone is so fashionable and stylish.

  • Flying in and out of Linate and seeing the snowy Alps from my window seat - hoping next winter we'll get to experience them ourselves!

Comments

2345
bottom of page