Cruising Through the Streets of Milan: A Traveler’s Guide to Italy’s Fashion Capital
Cruising through Italy’s fashion capital Milan in a vintage Fiat 500 with the charming Federico, I really start to fall for the place. Milan may not have the romance of other Italian cities, but during the 21/2-hour drive with my local guide, I learn it’s full of surprises.
Explore Milan’s Hidden Gems
We stop at the incredibly ornate art nouveau buildings in the Quadrangle of Silence – including the secret garden of Palazzo Invernizzi, to spy its pink flamingos – before pulling up at the pretty multicoloured houses along Via Abramo Lincoln. The city also has buzzing bars in Navigli, its canal district, where Gino12 is heaven for gin lovers.
Experience Milan’s Fashion Scene
The Fiat 500 tour costs £172 for two people and is one of the trips offered by the recently opened Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan hotel, where rooms are minimalist and fashionably chic, with crisp white bedlinen, fancy coffee machines and big windows. Another excursion offered by the Palazzo is a 3-hour vintage shopping tour, £50 per person, with locals Elisa and Gilberto.
Indulge in Italian Flair and Culinary Delights
As we browse, you can pick up designer pieces and vintage items in preloved shops like Bivio Milano and Vesto Milano. Then, make a pit stop at Forte restaurant’s bar for aperitivo, Milan’s pre-dinner drinks, where I sip on a negroni and discuss everything, from Milanese risotto to what makes a good carbonara.
Embrace the Beauty of Venice
Milan is close to another famous city, Venice – so a long weekend visiting both is entirely possible and, frankly, a brilliant idea. The next day, after a 21/2-hour train ride, I arrive in the floating city. Venice is also known for its rich history, charming mask-making classes, and culinary delights.
Create Unforgettable Memories in Venice
You can visit Giudecca Island for a mask-making class and the pretty island of Murano to meet bead experts and create your own pieces. Venice is also known for its delicious cicchetti – bar snacks of cheese, salami, and bread.
Final Thoughts
I toast my twin-city adventure and vow to return to both. Whether you choose to explore Milan, Venice, or both, the experiences will leave you craving for more. And next time, I’ll get those Dior shoes….
FYI
The Bellini cocktail was created in Venice in 1948 at the legendary Harry’s Bar. Double rooms at Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan cost from £140 per night, and at Avani Rio Novo Venice from £145 per night. Fly from the UK to Milan from £19; fly from Venice to the UK from £22.