“Milano,” as the Italians call this city, has been shaped by a long history that includes the Celts, Romans, Spaniards, and the Italian Visconti and Sforza dynasties. Each of these groups has left its mark over Milan’s 2,600-year history, contributing to its rich architectural and cultural heritage. While the Salone del Mobile, held from April 8 to 14, 2025, is Milan’s premier event, the city’s true essence reveals itself through leisurely exploration and its vibrant streets, offering hidden gems at every turn.
History enthusiast will enjoy exploring Cathedral Square, where the Duomo di Milano stands as a stunning example of “flaming Gothic” architecture. This openwork giant, which began construction at the end of the 14th century, features a panoramic platform and a dome topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary.
Art lovers should not miss the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco, “The Last Supper.” Additionally, a stroll through the artistic Brera district is highly recommended. We suggest visiting the Pinacoteca housed in a 17th-century Baroque palace or the Ambrosian Library. La Scala, along with its counterparts in Paris, Vienna, London, and Munich, ranks among the five most famous opera houses in Europe. Even contemporary art enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in town, which boasts numerous galleries and the Galleria D’Arte Moderna (GAM, via Palestro 16).
Milan’s cultural landscape gained a striking new landmark with the opening of Palazzo Citterio in December 2024. Nestled in the artsy Brera district—just steps from the iconic Pinacoteca di Brera—this 18th-century palazzo has been exquisitely reimagined as a contemporary art haven.
Part of the ambitious ‘Grande Brera’ vision, which unites the Palazzo, the Pinacoteca, and the historic Braidense Library, the space offers a seamless dialogue between the classical and the modern. Inside, over 200 works span the giants of 20th-century art—think Modigliani, Braque, Picasso—alongside Italian luminaries like Morandi and Boccioni. It’s not just a museum—it’s a bold statement in Milan’s ongoing love affair with art.
Milan is a global fashion hub, attracting the fashionable crowd from around the world. However, it wasn’t always this way. The city’s rise as a fashion center began in 1961 with the founding of the Salone del Mobile, the central event for furniture designers and all industries related to interior design. In 1979, Milan Fashion Week was launched, joining the ranks of Paris and New York. However, the Italian Week is considered by many to be more creative, than its competitors.
In Milan, fashion and style are celebrated every day. In the city center, near the Milan Cathedral, you’ll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a grand shopping arcade built between 1865 and 1877. It is a neoclassical passage formed by the intersection of two streets in the shape of a Latin cross, topped with a convex glass dome. Inside, you’ll find a lively trade in goods for every taste, including Italian-made gloves, books, and atlases, interspersed with displays from famous brands.
Before diving into the boutiques and arcades, one should try Italian coffee, preferably espresso. A great place to do so is at the Lo Zucca cafe (known also as Miani Caffè or Camparino in Galleria, Piazza del Duomo 21), where both the coffee and the famous Campari aperitif are excellent. At Armani/Bamboo Bar (via Manzoni 31), a superb espresso is complemented by a minimalist interior designed by the famous couturier.
Your journey to relaxation can begin at the QC Terme. Once a humble tram depot, now a sanctuary of serenity — QC Terme turns industrial heritage into immersive luxury. Upstairs, you’ll find elegant saunas and a refined tea lounge, perfect for easing into relaxation. But descend into the depths and the real enchantment begins. Below ground lies a labyrinth of stone chambers, where thermal rituals unfold: warm and cold plunge pools, geysers, a Jacuzzi waterfall, and more. The undisputed centerpiece? The Underwater Museum — a crystal-walled thermal bath that glows around ancient archaeological ruins, blending history with indulgence. Step outside, and you’ll discover three open-air thermal pools scattered across a tranquil garden, plus a steamy tram-turned-sauna that nods to the building’s storied past.
It’s no secret that people go to Florence for fabrics, to Rome for accessories, and to Milan for shoes. Fashionable, branded shoes, as well as clothing, can be found in the areas of Via Monte Napoleone and Via Spiga. However, Italy remains famous for its handicrafts and artisans, even in these times of globalization. Some of these artisanal shoe stores can be found along Via Torino or in the area around Castelo Sforzesco. Italians take pride in looking good, and even those who don’t participate in fashion shows visit local parrucchieri (hairdressers) during Fashion Week to feel part of the excitement. Milanese fashion salons cater to all tastes, from trendy establishments like Aldo Coppola, Toni & Guy, and Jean Louis David, to individual stylists. Simone Rubertelli, for example, travels to clients during Fashion Week and owns two salons whose names and interiors change every year (“Rubertelli 1963” is the latest name). He’s constantly busy cutting, dyeing, consulting, and styling, yet in the evenings, he transforms the reception desk into a bar and becomes a DJ, spinning vinyl records.
In addition to stylists, people in Milan love to visit spa centers. One of the most famous is “A Lion”, inspired by Roman thermal baths, in the Boscolo Milano Hotel, designed by architect Simone Micheli. This center features waterfalls, saunas, baths, and a 15-meter screen that alternates sounds and images to relax and harmonize the senses, along with six beauty salons offering unique treatments.
It’s worth noting that many luxury hotels in Milan have spa centers, so if you’re a fan of wellness treatments, consider choosing your accommodation accordingly. Access to the spa is often included in the room rate, or guests enjoy special discounts. Some recommended options include the Mandarin Oriental, Bulgari, Palazzo Parigi, or the Excelsior Hotel Gallia near the central station.
Learn more about the Events during SALONE DEL MOBILE 2025
https://www.salonemilano.it/en/events
