MILAN — There’s more to Milan than just the Duomo or Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” The prime destination for high-end design and luxury shopping (think Prada, Pucci, and the like), the city of style is nothing short of spectacular. Stay up-to-date with the city’s best bargain hunts and hippest spots and live it up exactly the way the Milanese do. YStyle gives you the latest insider’s guide through Milan’s (not so) hidden gems, all within easy reach of each other. Divertiti! (Enjoy!)
Concept store: 10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como is a restaurant, bookstore, photography and design gallery, and a boutique for men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, all grouped around a beautiful courtyard. It is the place to find the latest in fashion, music, art, and design. The coolest people go here for Azzedine Alaia, Martin Margiela, Junya Watanabe, and Comme des Garcons pieces, limited-edition watches, and hard-to-find luxury goods.
At Corso Como.
Outlet store: D Magazine
Located in the upscale shopping district that is Via Monte Napoleone, D Magazine is crammed with racks upon racks of last season’s merchandise, marked from 50 to 70 percent down. You’ll never leave with empty hands, as all the biggest names in fashion are well represented here, from Gucci to Balenciaga.
At Via Monte Napoleone, 26
Bargain hunting: Viale Papiano
Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Viale Papiano is Milan’s largest street market. It offers stocks of designer apparel, high quality footwear, accessories, leather goods, fabrics, and even home decor at a fraction of their original price. To give you an idea of how reasonably priced the goods are, a recent sighting was a Jil Sander dress, being sold for only 30 euros (approximately P1,800).
Metro stop: Sant’Agostino
Bookstore: Armani Libri
This may be a small bookstore, but Armani Libri compensates with its extensive collection of books and the latest periodicals tackling subjects ranging from art and fashion to graphic design and architecture. This is definitely the go-to place for style-conscious individuals who also need their monthly glossy fix of Vogue Italia, Grazia, L’Officiel, and I-D magazines.
At Via Manzoni, 31
Aperitivo: Marc Jacobs Café
With a fully-equipped bar and an extensive list of contemporary cocktails, this is the ideal place to relax and spend the evening with friends after 6 p.m. For only 10 euros (approximately P600), you can avail of any drink of your choice plus a wide offering of cheeses, prosciutto, small pizzas, specialty bread, and the like. But between you and me, the real reason to visit this place is the unending parade of young, hot and fashionable Milanese men and women you’d like to look at and meet.
At Piazza del Carmine, 6
Club: Armani Privé
The go-to place on a weekend, Armani Privé’s dance floor is always packed with sexy, beautiful people. What makes this “the” happening place in Milan? Three things: music, alcohol, and atmosphere. The only setback is that each drink will cost you 20 euros (roughly P1,200), and because it is the city’s most exclusive club, getting in isn’t easy. There’s always a long queue outside, and getting to the head of the line does not guarantee access to the club. Should this happen to you, hail a cab and head to Just Cavalli.
At Via Manzoni, 21
Cafe and pastries: Cova Pasticceria
A local favorite of bankers, businessmen, and socialites, Cova Pasticceria’s window display is popular for its impressive specialty cakes. Spend a well-deserved afternoon break here with an espresso or sample any of its long-time family-kept recipes of delicious pastries and decadent chocolates.
At Via Monte Napoleone, 8
Haute cuisine: Cracco Peck
Arguably the best modern Italian cuisine Milan has to offer, Cracco Peck is ranked 33rd in San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants. This two-star Michelin restaurant boasts innovative and inventive dishes created by famous chef Carlo Cracco, known for his signature dishes such as saffron risotto with grilled bone marrow and marinated egg yolk with fluffy parmesan fondue. Cracco Peck is beyond any conventional eating experience you’ll ever have in this city. Note: make reservations ahead of time and dress your absolute best!
At Via Victor Hugo, 4
Gelato: Chocolat
This is true heaven for chocolate lovers, with their unending varieties of cacao. With a strong, creamy base and made from the freshest natural ingredients, Chocolat will surely be the yummiest gelato ever to touch your lips. Try their Nocciola, Fior de Latte, or whatever else you may fancy from their interesting selection of 20 flavors.
At Via Giovanni Boccaccio, 9.