Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Getty

Whether you’re heading to Milan for Fashion Week, Salone del Mobile, or cruising through the city during an Italian holiday, there are a few must-see spots you have to visit during your time there. In a city known for its rich history in art and fashion, what better way to experience the area than by fully immersing yourself in the best the culture has to offer? First, book your ticket on the all-business class airline, La Compagnie, (they just opened a route from New York City to Milan), then read on for some of our favorite things to see, eat and, yes, shop in Milan.

Shopping

Prada

Prada shop is seen in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Milan, Italy, on march 04 2020 (Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

One can’t visit the fashion capital without shopping iconic Italian fashion brands, like Prada. To make the trip extra special, visit the location of the first-ever Prada boutique which opened in 1913 by Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada’s grandfather. A Prada store resides in the same location today, which is within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a breathtaking glass-domed shopping center designed in 1861 and completed in 1877. Visit: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 62, Milano; prada.com

DMAG Warehouse

Get more bang for your buck at Milan’s well-known outlet shop, DMAG Warehouse. Its three locations carry all the major high-end brands, at can’t-miss prices. Visit: Via Bigli, 4, 20121; Via Vincenzo Forcella, 13, 20144; Via Alessandro Manzoni, 44, 20121; dmag.eu

Art

Laboratorio Paravicini

Switching gears from fashion to ceramics, this family-run shop creates beautiful bespoke hand-painted plates in a picturesque studio filled with its one-of-a-kind designs. Visit: Via Nerino, 8, 20123 Milano; paravicini.it/en;

Rossana Orlandi Design Gallery

The design doyenne transformed an old tie factory into one of the most important gallery spaces in the design world, which launches and solidifies designers and artists. The space still contains hidden ties to its original roots, while being filled with exquisite works from prominent artists. Visit: By appointment. Via Matteo Bandello, 14 20123 Milano; rossanaorlandi.com

Restaurants

Osteria al Congilio Bianco

No trip to the Lombardy region would be complete without its staple dish, the saffron risotto. And at al Coniglio, the rice is aged 24 months from the Cattaneo farm in Lomellina. Visit: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 12, 20144 Milano; alconigliobianco

Giacomo Arengario

Enjoy stunning views of the Duomo Cathedral located right next door from the restaurant, which features deco architecture matching the year it was built (1930) creating a setting as beautiful as the food. Visit: Guglielmo Marconi, 1, 20123 Milano; giacomomilano.com;

Ratanà

Located outside the city center, Ratanà is focused on giving traditional Milanese and Lombard cuisine a modern and creative touch. You may have seen it featured on Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, to which we say, yes, it lives up to the hype. Visit: Via G. de Castillia 28, 20124 Milano; ratana.it

Hotel

Galleria Vik Milano

Courtesy Galleria Vik Milano

The location doesn’t get more central than at Galleria Vik Milano, which is situated inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Vik Retreat owners, Alex and Carrie Vik bought the old TownHouse hotel and transformed it into a 5-star property designed to highlight remarkable art from around the world. No two rooms are alike in design or décor, making one’s stay truly immersive. Visit: Via Silvio Pellico, 8 20121, Milano; galleriavikmilano.com

Build Your Own Adventure

Imago Artis Travel

Imago customizes experiences based on personal interests and requests. Every tour is unique, so whether you want the best shopping, dining or artistic experience the city has to offer, they will customize tours to fit your interests and schedules. Visit: iatravel.com