Milano Design Week Like a Pro

Arrival in Milan

Milan has two international airports, Malpensa (MXP, West) and Linate (LIN, East), Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY, 50 km East) is also considered part of the Milan Airport system. If you’re flying internationally, you’re likely to arrive in Malpensa. For a smooth ride, arrange a transfer to your hotel in advance. Taxis and public transport are of course available, but are likely crowded, so it’s best to play it safe!

Apero Time

Unpack and relax, then head out for a first taste of the city's vibe. Pick any bar and enjoy your first aperitivo! The Italian version of happy hour usually starts after office working hours and drags well into the evening. You should expect your drink to come with plenty of savory snacks. You can also take the underground and get off at Duomo station to enjoy your aperitivo from the Terrazza Aperol overlooking the Duomo, Milan’s grand Cathedral. Spritz is a local favorite and it comes in several variations, but you can choose anything. This is Milan, after all!

Dinner

After your aperitivo, it’s time for dinner! Milan won’t disappoint any picky eaters. It offers great Italian cuisine in regional variations, international cuisine, sushi, you name it. For your first night in town, choose Eataly and pick from one of its many restaurants. It’s in Piazza Venticinque Aprile 10, in the Garibaldi area, just a short stroll from Duomo.

Nightlife

Save your energies for the long week ahead or check out the events in town and dance the night away!

Tortona Design District

Start your exploration with the oldest design area, where everything started.

Tortona is the first Design District organized outside the city center thanks to the imaginative creations of the SuperstudioPiu. Year after year, this space has grown into a trendy location. It has opened inner courtyards to creative installations by famous and lesser-known designers, and it’s now a must-go. Get off the Metro or tram at Porta Genova. Follow the eccentric crowd of design lovers across a pretty, ancient iron bridge that will lead you straight into the action. Wander off the streets, mostly closed to traffic via Tortona, via Savona, via Borgognone and the neighboring areas. Enter each courtyard to explore creations that are either provocative, funny or innovative. Take a gazillion photos and recharge your phone at one of the many available plugs. Keep an eye out for Tortona Rocks, an interesting incubator for young designers. They usually have the craziest ideas and the most intriguing artifacts!

It's good to know that Tortona is crowded. For a better experience, avoid the weekend - this is not the place to visit on Saturday afternoon, or on a busy Sunday.

Where to Eat

Head to La Tradizionale for great food in a great location. The amazing high ceiling and the red brick walls are a sight. Fancy some seafood? Milan isn’t close to the sea, but it has one of the biggest fish markets in the country. The Langosteria and its more casual spin-off Langosteria Bistrot won’t let you down. If you’re looking for an authentic, honest restaurant with a rustic-chic vibe, try Al Fresco or the Osteria del binari. For a Michelin three-star experience, Bartolini al Mudec is the place to go. Chef Enrico Bartolini will surprise you with an eclectic menu, in his restaurant situated inside the Museo delle Culture.

Nightlife

If you’re skipping design-related parties, Tortona is close to the Navigli area, where most of the night life takes place. Take a stroll along the canals that used to be Milan’s waterways, try a pub with live music and enjoy the vibes.

Brera Design District

The area of Brera, with its characteristic streets of cobblestone, art galleries, shops and historical buildings, hosts the Brera Arts Academy. It’s an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques and artsy workshops. Here you will find showrooms of many famous designers and fashion brands, from Valcucine to Cappellini, from Giorgio Armani to ​​Hermès to Dior. The Design Week opens showrooms which normally are reserved only to clients and offers a glimpse into the unique creativity of prestigious masons.

Grab a Bite and Keep Walking!

Grab a focaccia or pizza slice from one of the many bakeries such as Pattini, Pandenus or Spontini. Then head to Brera’s historical Botanical Garden and relax while you enjoy the installations.

Isola Design

Take Corso Como and head north to the super-modern neighborhood of Porta Nuova. With its contemporary Piazza Gae Aulenti and innovative skyscrapers like the Vertical Forest, you can't miss it. Isola Design hosts creations from a collective of young, emerging designers who focus on sustainability and innovation. Explore their ateliers, then grab a gelato at GROM.

Dinner

The area around Porta Nuova and Corso Como is full of upscale and casual restaurants alike, but book ahead to avoid waiting! Try Ratanà for a modern take on the traditional trattoria, or head to Ceresio7 and enjoy the views from their terrace with a swimming pool.

Universitá Statale and Centro

Some of the most spectacular installations traditionally are created in the inner courtyards or chiostri of Milan University. It is only a short walk from the Duomo. Start your day with a leisurely stroll and marvel at the antique buildings now hosting innovative creations. Each year, Design Week brings a new, fresh interpretation of the same spaces. Grab a panzerotto from Luini, a tiny shop tucked away in a side street by the Duomo. While you’re there don’t skip the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its fancy mosaics and elegant shops. No shame if you decide to indulge in shopping near the pedestrian area. Since this is Design Week, you’ll want to take a peek at the top brands showrooms. Artemide, Foscarini and Flos are among the light designers. Loewe, B&B Italia, Natuzzi, Roche Bobois, Baxter and Minotti Cucine are all in the and surrounding neighborhoods. Make sure to check out local events and installations.

5Vie Network

Take a moment to enjoy the Italian interpretation of Starbucks at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Then head east towards another historical area, the 5Vie Network, which comprises the area between Corso Magenta, Piazza Cordusio and via S. Marta. Here you will find art galleries, museums, monuments and intriguing conversations on the role of design. From here, a short walk will lead you to the Castello Sforzesco and the nearby Triennale, which hosts the Museum of Italian Design and contemporary events.

Dinner and More

You’ll probably notice that this area is a bit less touristy, more authentic and full of local, simple restaurants or trattoria. Try Nerino Dieci, Rossini or La Fettunta for a taste of Tuscany. After dinner, head to the nearby Colonne di S. Lorenzo and hang out with the local movida.

The New Kid on the Block: Porta Venezia District

Each year brings changes to the Design Districts, some are abandoned and new ones are created. Porta Venezia is the new kid on the block, and the events organized offer a great opportunity to explore its Liberty architecture with guided tours. Porta Venezia is another great shopping destination, so you might want to allow some time for that, too!

At lunch, try Joia Alta Cucina Naturale. The first vegetarian restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star (in 1996). Or try the newly opened Colombian restaurant Mitu.

Dinner

Sushi enthusiasts, you can rejoice. Porta Venezia is home to the sushi and cocktail bar Elite, with its stylish atmosphere, but also to Poporoya, one of the first sushi restaurants to open in Milan. For a different experience, try the eclectic tapas of Moebius, and the Experimental Restaurant, where the two Michelin star Executive Chef Enrico Croatti will surprise you.

Design with Kids!

Design Week usually has a lot of installations and events that cater to little ones. If you’re traveling with your kids, make sure to check out the Fuorisalone program for activities that will keep them happy and entertained.

Keep in Mind

Milan is a busy city that becomes extremely busy during the Design Week: make sure to book your hotel early (some are sold out 6 months before the event), book airport transfers in advance, and plan your visit in the smartest possible way. Be prepared to walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes and plan your itinerary

Subscribe to the fuorisalone newsletter, follow each design district instagram profile and check regularly the ever growing events calendar. As a rule of thumb: the day is for exhibitions and installations, the night is for events - make sure to get invites for the most exclusive parties! 

Milano Design Week 2024 will be from April 15th to 21st in Milan, Italy.