What could I possibly say about travelling to Milan that I haven’t said already in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015… You get the idea. Well, as it turns out, a lot actually.I’ve always been incredibly fond of, nay, in love, with the northern Italian city that used to cop a lot of slack in the past for not being as charming as other Italian cities. It’s wonderful to see Milan is becoming recognised as a place with so much to offer. I mean, it even took out Wallpaper’s coveted Design Award for Best City earlier this year.Oh yes, Milan is definitely experiencing a thrilling renaissance, thanks to continuous exciting destinations like the extraordinary, ever expanding Fondazione Prada designed by OMA, and various other significant cultural and commercial openings. The city has now well and truly entered 21st century with its own Apple store designed by Foster + Partners, alongside countless other new retail openings. Milan has always been the place synonymous with fashion and design, and of course – shopping. Mamma mia, somebody save me from all the shoes and luxury leather goods, please! Gaah!

Apart from this, I just wanted to reiterate some super important points, which I’ve spoken about a million times before, but I will keep saying it until I’m blue in the face. Here goes:

Only wear comfortable shoes. And clothes. Obvs. Milan can get pretty warm during the days of Salone, although evenings are typically cooler, so be prepared. And make sure the bag you’re carrying isn’t too big otherwise you’ll fill it with too much crap. Never take anything printed on paper, digital material only – it’s better for the environment and also for your back.

Some of my favourite places to eat in Milan are Osteria del Binari (rocking Cotoletta alla Milanese in a beautiful setting with a stunning courtyard), Giacomo Bistro (an institution with several locations around town, but my favourite is the original with the library – an insanely beautiful interior if you ask me, and the food is delish), Torre de Pizza (best Bistecca alla Fiorentina in town, I reckon), Pasticceria Marchesi (there are three locations around town now, but my favourite is the old-school original one on Corso Magenta – so charming, it hurts). Of course, Fondazione Prada is an absolute must when in Milan, and Wes Anderson designed Bar Luce is known for its sandwiches – kind of expensive though, but pretty yummy.

Far out, there’s a lot more I could say here, but today is about sharing some of the most interesting new openings since our last trip to Milan, which I will be sure to check out myself. And if you’re ever after more ideas on amazing places to stay, eat, drink, shop and see – check out our Milan guides from the past years via links below. I promise you’ll find plenty of good stuff on those pages too.

If you’re not going to Milan yourself this year (and even if you are, for that matter), don’t forget to book your tickets to our MILANTRACE 2019 talks in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide this year. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Ciao for now,
Mama Yellowtrace xx