Hidden gems of Milan

Milan’s art museum with rotating exhibitions from around the world. Inspiring museum shop, café, and a space where you can also read or work.

One of the most famous street-food stops in Milan. Since the 1940s people have lined up here for panzerotti, fried dough filled with tomato and mozzarella, simple but legendary.

Hands down my personal favorite pizza in Milan! This Neapolitan spot is a must-try if you love authentic Italian pizza.

French-style bakery with amazing croissants and breads. Perfect for a morning treat.

A massive contemporary art space inside a former factory. Must-see: Seven Heavenly Palaces by Anselm Kiefer.

A peaceful hidden courtyard behind the church, perfect for a quiet escape in the city. During Design Week, it usually hosts some of the most beautiful exhibitions in Milan, making it a must-visit for art and design lovers.

One of Milan’s coolest summer spots, it's a restored 1930s outdoor pool with a relaxed, artsy vibe. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a drink by the water. There're cultural events happening all the time. It can get busy, so booking ahead is a good idea!

A beautiful square in the Magenta neighborhood that becomes especially magical in spring when the magnolia trees are in bloom. It’s one of Milan’s favorite seasonal spots, with pink flowers framing the elegant buildings around the square. Don't miss the surrounding streets, which are just as charming, full of unique historic palazzi, perfect for a quiet Milanese walk and snapping a few photos of the architecture.

One of Milan’s most unusual churches, a small chapel decorated with human bones and skulls in intricate patterns. Creepy, but at the same time, fascinating.

A rustic spot on the southern edge of Milan serving traditional Lombard cuisine. I love it personally: its cozy countryside vibe, with wooden interiors, fireplaces, and seasonal decorations that make it feel almost like a little mountain lodge in the city. Also, the food is delicious!

One of Milan’s most colorful corners, this street is full of pastel‑colored houses that instantly lift your mood. Locals call it the “Rainbow Village,” and it’s perfect for a slow, quiet walk, the kind where you can stop to take photos of the charming houses and enjoy a little slice of Milanese calm.

One of my favorite coworking spots in Milan, the design is beautiful, modern, and inspiring. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance, it gets busy!

One of Milan’s oldest museums. Beyond its collection of Renaissance art, it houses Leonardo da Vinci’s original notebooks, yes, the sketches and writings of the genius himself! Plus, it has works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other masters, making it a must-visit for art lovers who want a mix of history, mystery, and incredible beauty all in one spot.

A Liberty-style beauty in Porta Venezia. Sculpted caryatids, decorative gates, every detail is picture-perfect for design lovers. If the main door is open, check the inside as well, it has a very elegant interior!

One of my favorite spots for a quick, delicious lunch in Milan. Their focaccia sandwiches are huge, packed with amazing ingredients, and so addictive. There’s usually a line, but trust me, it’s 100% worth the wait!

A lovely, elegant spot in Milan with fresh, delicious seafood. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner when you want quality food in nice stylish setting.

A cemetery that feels like an open-air museum. Sculptures, mausoleums, and incredible architecture tell Milan’s history in stone.

A tiny botanical garden hidden behind Brera’s streets, perfect for escaping the city buzz. It’s my favorite little spot to read a book, enjoy a peaceful lunch, or just soak in the greenery in the heart of Milan.

Located inside Portrait Milano, a luxury hotel, this hidden courtyard feels like a little oasis in the city center. I’ve tried one f the best brunches here: a huge choice, everything from fluffy pastries to perfectly brewed coffee, all served in a serene and elegant setting.