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It’s famous for being one of the biggest fashion and design capitals in the world, but Milan has much more to offer than just shopping and stylish people. Cultural highlights like historic museums, ancient buildings, and art galleries, as well as an extensive and remarkable food scene, are more reasons why Milan should be on your list of ideal destinations. Another renowned Italian pearl is Lake Como, recognized for its stunning scenery and location by the foothills of the Alps. (It’s also the Clooneys’ favorite escape in Europe.)
What you might not know is that Lake Como and Milan are only about an hour away from each other by train or car, so checking off these two stunning destinations in one weekend is actually possible, especially with help from our guide, below:
Day 1: MilanDrop your luggage at Straf Hotel, a modern design hotel with an abundance of cool and an unbeatable location (Il Duomo is your neighbor). Rooms are contemporary and minimalist, with innovative choices of materials such as burnished brass, iron, and split slate. If it’s fully booked, Bulgari Hotel or Armani Hotel are two other fabulous options, both fashionable and located in the city center by the fashion district. For breakfast, pay a visit to Bar Luce, the film set–like café designed by movie genius Wes Anderson. It re-creates the atmosphere of a typical old-school Milanese café, and can be found in the incredible art complex Fondazione Prada. Nibble on fresh Italian pastries, try out the Steve Zissou pinball machine, admire the pastel-colored Formica furniture, and then head into the fascinating exhibitions at the museum.
Speaking of Prada, you simply can’t visit this fashion metropole without a proper shopping spree, so it’s time to warm up your credit card. The city’s shopping mecca is located around Via Monte Napoleone, where high-end brands like Gucci, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Céline, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are packed like sardines along the street. Stop at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone for lunch in their tranquil courtyard (order the ricotta ravioli) and top it off with something sweet at heavenly Pasticceria Marchesi (Italy’s version of Ladurée) next to the Versace store. To relax after your shopping spree, head to Bulgari Hotel’s spa for some rest. Try their Amala facial or any of their 25-minute express treatments.
Next up is the three-floor food market Eataly, where you can relish everything from traditional Italian delicacies to cookbooks and kitchenware. Continue to renowned 10 Corso Como one block away and browse through their great selection of accessories, clothes, eye-catching coffee-table books, glossy magazines, and much more. Their lush outdoor garden is a perfect pit stop for something to drink and snack on (the avocado carpaccio is a must-try). Credit card limit still not reached? Then you should feel very free to check out the incredibly stylish men’s tailor shop Al Bazaar in west Milan, owned by one of Italy’s most fashionable men, Lino Ieluzzi. Beloved by The Sartorialist and street style photographers from all over the world, this inspirational man knows how to dress. All the beautiful cashmere ties, handmade suits, and tailor-made shirts in different colors and patterns on the racks and shelves will make you want to switch your whole wardrobe and start to dress completely in menswear.
To balance out the shopping with some cultural exploration, check out Italy’s largest technology and science museum, dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, and the Milan Museum (where his famous The Last Supper painting hangs)— not too far from Al Bazaar. Then, go back to the city center to the world-famous theater La Scala and the majestic landmark and cathedral Il Duomo. Complete your excursion with a cone of cioccolato and caramello al sale gelato from Milan’s best ice cream shop, Grom. Or, if a drink sounds more refreshing, stop by the Aperol spritz rooftop bar Terazza Aperol.
End your day with some carbs (rumor has it, calories from pasta and pizza don’t count in Italy). Carlo e Camilla is a delight for both eyes and taste buds. The rustic yet luxurious interior and delectable food will disappoint neither stomachs nor Instagram accounts. Another excellent dinner choice is Giacomo, offering both enticing dishes and a magical view over Il Duomo. Craving pizza? Paper Moon is the place to go.
Day 2: Lake ComoWhen you’ve got your fill of Milan’s fashion, culture, and culinary scene, wake up early and get ready for a spectacular day by Lago di Como. Take the train from Milan’s train stations Porta Garibaldi or Centrale, which costs around 5 euros per person one way. You’ll get off after about an hour, once you’ve reached the train station in Como, Como San Giovanni. After a 10-minute walk down to the water, hop on the ferry that takes you to the main villages in the area and offers the best view over the lake and its prestigious buildings. Jump off after about 30 minutes, at the Tremezzo stop, and walk for about five minutes until you see a beautiful yellow building and the coolest pool (located in the lake) you’ve ever seen in your life. Welcome to Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The view over the serene lake and majestic mountains in the background make the location feel like a dream. The rooms are decorated with marble, silk, colorful velvet, and golden details, and the service is so excellent that you’ll start to wonder whether the staff are able to read your mind. If you want the best of the best and are fine with throwing your budget to the wind, book their Bellagio Corner Suite, a rooftop suite with its own outdoor Jacuzzi and terrace overlooking the picturesque village Bellagio. Reserve a table for dinner in Tremezzo’s restaurant, where you should order their saffron and gold (yes, gold) risotto.
Speaking of Bellagio, the adorable village is perched a short boat ride away from Tremezzo. Go here for a few hours and stroll the narrow streets, quaint little shops, and a wonderful waterfront promenade dotted with cafés. Stop for lunch at La Punta, located at the very tip of the village by the water. The view and lasagna here are both to die for.
Go back to Tremezzo for a visit at Villa Carlotta, an old residence turned museum and stunning botanical garden, or spend the rest of the afternoon by Tremezzo’s pools or spa before getting ready for dinner. Sip a glass of Champagne and take in the view in the Jacuzzi before hitting the soft silk sheets. It’s time to sleep and to try to digest two pinch-me-perfect days in Milan and Lake Como.