Inspiration

Only For Design Lovers: A Travel Guide To Milan

Ciao! It’s time for one of the design industry’s biggest trade shows – Salone del Mobile in Milan – so make sure you plan ahead to get the most out of the city. As always, Domkapa has your back – check out our new travel guide to Milan!

A global hub for design and fashion, Milan is a must-visit for any design lover. From inspiration to innovation, the city has everything you need to fuel your creativity. That’s why Salone del Mobile takes place here – an unmissable event for those looking to make an impact in the design world.

Read the full article to discover the best places to visit, eat and stay. You can thank us later!

TO SLEEP

Casa Baglioni

Casa Baglioni, designed by Spagnuolo & Partners, draws inspiration from Milan’s 1960s art and design scene. Nestled in a refined Liberty-style palazzo dating back to 1913, this boutique hotel is located in the heart of Brera, one of Milan’s most elegant districts.

With just 30 meticulously designed rooms, the interiors showcase pieces from Gala Rotelli’s Cromie Domestiche collection, blending vibrant glass, metal accents, handcrafted ceramics and bold colours. A perfect choice for a stylish Milanese stay, offering an ideal base to explore the charm of Brera.

Where: Via dei Giardini, 21

Palazzo Cordusio

Palazzo Cordusio, a 19th-century architectural gem designed by Luca Beltrami, has been transformed into a luxury hotel that exudes sophistication. This exclusive retreat offers 84 elegantly designed rooms, where walnut wood, white marble and soft natural tones create a refined atmosphere.

Adding to its timeless elegance, the interiors feature furnishings and lighting by design icons such as Gio Ponti, Vico Magistretti and Patricia Urquiola. The bespoke furniture, crafted by Molteni, reinforces the brand’s status as a global design leader.

Where: P.za Cordusio, 2

VIU Milan

Hotel VIU Milan is a modern architectural masterpiece nestled in the Porta Volta district. Designed by Arassociati in collaboration with Nicola Gallizia, the hotel stands out with its eco-friendly glass façade, adorned with a lush hanging garden.

Inside, its 124 rooms exude refined luxury, where warm walnut, oak and rosewood panels create a rich contrast against the timeless elegance of classical furnishings.

Where: Via Aristotile Fioravanti, 6

TO EAT

A restaurant scene showcasing tables and chairs, ready for diners to sit down and enjoy their dining experience. Berton Ristorante in Milan at the Domkapa's travel guide to Milan.
Image Source: Berton Ristorante

Berton Ristorante

Guided by Chef Andrea Berton’s philosophy, Berton Ristorante is an intimate, refined and elegant space where the kitchen is the heart and the guests are the soul. Returning to his craft, Berton showcases a modern Italian tasting menu, celebrating innovation and flavor.

Located in Porta Nuova Varesine, a district envisioned by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the restaurant was designed by Vudafieri Saverino in 2013. The studio crafted a harmonious blend of paper, wood, cement and metal, weaving a love story between food and design. The result is a serene, light-filled atmosphere, where gastronomy takes centre stage and large windows welcome abundant natural light.

A modern and linear location that reflects an elegant and minimalistic cuisine.

A Sadler Ristorante scene showcasing tables and chairs, ready for diners to relax and enjoy their dining experience. At the travel guide to milan by domkapa.
Image Source: Sadler Restaurant

Sadler

Chef Claudio Sadler reimagines classic Italian cuisine with innovation and character, striking the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary style.

In a city synonymous with style and refinement, Sadler Restaurant is a testament to both. Its ambiance is sophisticated yet inviting, where every detail serves a purpose, celebrating textures and flavours. A luscious, unforgettable dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Restaurant patio with tables and umbrellas, beautifully situated in front of a majestic cathedral in Milan.
Image Source: Giacomo Arengario Milano

Giacomo Arengario Milano

For those who love a delicious meal with a view, Giacomo Milano is the perfect choice. Here, you can soak in the history and mysteries of the Duomo di Milano while indulging in exquisite cuisine.

Located in the Arengario, the restaurant draws inspiration from the prestigious building that houses it. The stunning Art Deco architecture sets the stage for an atmosphere of refined exclusivity, offering a retreat from the bustling crowds. Inside, black lacquered wood and mirrors create a sense of mystique, while just steps away, the dining room impresses with golden wood accents and a coffered ceiling, adding to the grandeur.

TO VISIT

Duomo Di Milano

The Duomo di Milano or the Milan Cathedral, is the cathedral church of Milan, dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. Conceived by the Italian architect Simone da Orsenigo, it is a remarkable place if you love Gothic Renaissance architecture.

Duomo di Milano features an incredibly welcoming vibe and beautiful coloured-glass windows that reflect an ethereal light on the cathedral’s floor that cannot go unnoticed.

The stunning Duomo in Milan, Italy, showcasing its intricate Gothic architecture and towering spires against a clear blue sky.
Image Source: PhotoHound

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II

The Vittorio Emanuelle II Gallery was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and it was one of the first European galleries to use glass on the ceiling. Some details were conceived by different artists representing art, agriculture and science, featuring amazing architectural details you will never forget.

In this gallery, you can find remarkable places such as Campari, Caffè Ristorante Biffi, Bocca Library, high-fashion stores and the Town House Galleria.

The interior of Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II with people, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere.
Image Source: Sumfinity Photography by Nico Trinkhaus

Alla Scala Theatre

Alla Scala Theater is one of the most important opera theatres throughout the world and it was built by order of Maria Theresia Walburga Amalia Christina von Österreich to replace the Regio Ducale Theather, destroyed by a fire. It also has a museum that features important pieces of art, such as paintings, drawings, documents and statues related to opera.

Inside Alla Scala Theatre, red seats are visible, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Image Source: Domina.it

Porta Sempione

Porta Sempione, or Simplon Gate, is one of Milan’s historic city gates, distinguished by the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) – a majestic neoclassical triumphal arch that once marked the entrance to the city through Milan’s ancient Roman walls.

Situated in Piazza Sempione (Simplon Square), this landmark offers panoramic views and showcases intricate reliefs depicting key moments in European history alongside classical mythological figures such as Mars, Ceres, Minerva, Apollo and Victoria-Nike.

The Arch of Triumph in Milan, Italy, showcasing its grand architecture and intricate sculptures against a clear blue sky.
Image Source: Chefron

If you’re in Milan for Salone del Mobile, why don’t you visit these places and let us know all about your experiences with them? And, if you know other places that may fit this travel guide to Milan for a design lover, feel free to share them with us!

Buon viaggio, Godetevi la vostra visita!

 

Featured Image: Rudy Balasko

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Salone del Mobile 2025: Experience Design At Its Finest

We are working every day to bring you the most stylish ideas to fulfil your inspiration and to create the best interior design projects so feel free to follow our Instagram Page and subscribe to our newsletter.

    Request Sample Box

    I agree to receive personalised marketing communications about future promotions and campaigns

    I have read and agree with Domkapa's Privacy Policy

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.