Centro Storico

The construction of Milan’s most famous cathedral started in 1386, and the fabric of the city seems woven into this incredible building, the fifth-largest church in the world. A highlight is the five bronze doors that depict scenes of Milan’s history, and many notable Milanese are buried inside (including one of the architects, Charles Borromeo). The exterior is a panoply of white marble threaded with pink, and the dozens of gothic spires are an icon of the city. Climb up to the roof and walk among some of the thousands of statues, spires, and gargoyles—and take in some of the best views of the city.

At this historic, nineteenth-century bakery, cakes, cornetto, biscotti, chocolates, and tarts are displayed like jewelry behind glass-covered casing. And the sense of history is strong—the bakery has operated continuously here since 1824. A second location opened a few years ago in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, outfitted in green jacquard silk floral wallpaper and velvet armchairs and sofas that feel both welcoming and opulent.

For people who want to be in the center of everything, it’s hard to beat the Park Hyatt, which faces Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in a former bank building from 1870. Aside from the location, the hotel scores big with minimalist rooms done in soothing shades of cream, grey, and ochre. The hotel’s primary restaurant, VUN, was awarded two Michelin stars for chef Andrea Aprea’s take on classic Italian pasta and seafood dishes (the salt cod and black gnocchi draw rave reviews).

Known mostly as one of Milan’s premiere artisanal chocolate shops, T’a now has a popular (and usually packed) bistro in the 17th-century Palazzo Clerici that’s especially popular for aperitivo hour.

The best Tuscan food outside of Tuscany—that’s the idea at Alla Collina Pistoiese. And it delivers. The restaurant has been around since 1938 and is still run by the same family. It’s rightly famous for its steak Florentine and tagliatelle al tartufo, and the local Lombardy wines are a treat. The charming dining room is decorated with vintage, decades-old photographs and potted palms, with high, wood-beamed ceilings and dark wood floors.

When chef Carlo Cracco opened his dining complex earlier this year in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (the famous Milanese shopping arcade that dates back to 1867), it became an instant fashion world hangout.