Milano is big Milano is beautiful Milano in the future.  when you first book your plane tickets to come to Italy Milano is in the plans. Of course, it is not Rome the beautiful and antique Rome.  but Milano has something of the future something I Vanguard that you really can not come across in any other place of the world. 

For he who steps foot for the first time in Milano, you should know you are landing in the playground of fashion, design, and all kinds of exciting events beyond your wildest dreams. In Milano, there is a week dedicated to quite anything. Design week, fashion week, architecture week – so many opportunities of meeting people and upgrading your skills and your life.

The Navigli, of course

When you are new to the city, one amazing area to get lost in is the Navigli. The Navigli is way more than simple canals surrounded by bars, restaurants, and clubs. First and foremost, they are an important part of the historical center of Milano. Little do most people know that in the past, Milano very much resembled Venice in that streets were linked with canals. Today, even though most of them have been destroyed, the area is still crossed by two canals that make the neighborhood cozy and friendly.

It is an amazing area to have fun in, whether you are hanging out with your partner, your friends, or your family. If you are a fan of vintage shopping, or if you like to grab a drink after a full day visiting the city, then this is the spot for you. Food tip: we strongly recommend having a bite at Pizzium, one of the best pizzerias around.

The Dome of Milano

Of course, this mini-guide of Milano wouldn’t be complete without the famous Dome of Milano. We know this is one of the top attractions in the city, and it looks fabulous from each corner of the Piazza del Duomo. You can even get on the rooftop to catch a glimpse of the grandeur of Milano – a cool spot for an Instagram sunset moment.

If you are a history and religion lover, we strongly recommend you to catch a  glimpse of the famous Leonardo da Vinci ‘Last Supper’ painting. It has been safely and jealously guarded by the city for ages, and it is truly an imposing part of the country’s culture that you would set your eyes on.

Shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

When you visit a city, bringing back souvenirs for family – and yourself – is a part of the deal. For this matter, another area that you would very well do to visit – especially if you are a shopping enthusiast – is the very elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. How can you not feel like a queen or a king taking a stroll between the luxurious restaurants and clothing shops nearby? 

Churches, please

In Milano, much like in any part of Italy, churches and basilicas are very much loved. As part of our selection, we would recommend a visit to Chiesa di Santa Maria Presso San Satiro, a church that dates back from the 9th century. It is located in the Centro Storico, as is Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. It is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Milano, and there is reason enough to regard this monument as one of the most famous in the world. It is gold, it is paintings, it is art and architecture all rolled into one. 

Fun fact: in this church, you will be able to enjoy a reproduction of the Last Supper painting. Then, close by, you can take a walk at The Palazzo Litta, an astounding baroque building from the 17th century. Your best bet to enjoy the city to the fullest is to lose yourself in the ancient architecture of this very avant-garde City.

Can a city be complete without a castle, though?

Despite its very artistic and design look at times, Milano still remains very much engraved in the past. It does not let go of its record nor of its gigantic history. A proof of this love for tradition and history is the Castello Sforzesco, one of the greatest pieces of evidence of the city’s power. In 2 or 3 hours tops, you can wander the Castle – absolutely for free. In the nearby park, you can come across a mini Arc de Triomphe that will teleport you to the elegant Paris, only a few meters away from the center of Milano.

Must-visit: the Monumental Cemetery

When you’re on vacation, the last thing that you would like to do is visiting a cemetery. However, catacombs, crypts, and cemeteries really boast a supernatural personality in Italy. We strongly recommend that you visit the Monumental Cemetery when you’re in Milano. No shady vibes, on the other hand, this is the very opportunity to enjoy Italian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are engraved and sculpted masterpieces all around, and the cemetery building itself is absolutely stunning.

Of course, you don’t have to do this on your own. If you would like to visit the city with a true local, you can always get a guided tour of the historical center or a ghost tour if you want to mix things up a little bit.  

So there you have it some of the very best places to visit get lost in and enjoy the finer things from the Italian culture. There are so many ways to visit Milano that it’s really difficult to end this article there. From luxury shopping to avant-garde design and buildings made from glass and concrete and wood, it is a city for the dreamer.

If you would like to get away from the city just for a day or two, Lake Como is a stone’s throw away. It is one of the most peaceful places you will ever find in your life, filled with blue, green, water, and mountains that surround you, your dreams, and your happiness. 

No one would ever deny the fact that we are now in an Instagram era. From the selfie to the breakfast picture, whose feed will be the prettiest? 

When in Rome, there is nothing easier than snapping up amazing shots of the city, the monuments, and the generous dishes you are served at the terrace of many local restaurants. Here is a Yellow-approved guide for all those who want to discover the hidden gems of the eternal city and make all their friends wish they were around!

1) Pinocchio statue – Bartolucci Italy

If the tale of the Italian wooden puppet has sweetened your childhood, why let your feet bring you to the human-size Pinocchio representation of the Bartolucci shop? 

You will have so much fun taking pictures sitting on the bench with him, playing with his flexible arms (pay attention not to break him!), touching his long nose, or simply enjoying the typical Italian background: a paved street, an ochre wall, and the ornate wooden storefront.

2) Statues and fountains of Italian houses’ backyards

You will need to be a little bit more adventurous and keep your eyes wide open for this one. Just like a treasure hunt, look for all the open doors of Italian houses in order to discover what is hidden in their backyard. 

It may be a simple fountain surmounted by climbing ivy, or a magnificent statue of Venus or any Greek or Roman figure, coated with the well-known Italian flowers, releasing an unforgettable spring fragrance. You won’t be able to capture the scent of these, but you will be given the chance to seize the essence of a real Italian treasure.

3) Terrazza Les Etoiles

While most tourists are attracted by Terrazza del Pincio to enjoy the view of Rome, stand out by climbing the steps of the Atlante Hotel up to the restaurant ‘Les Etoiles’. 

Order a caffè or an orange juice and relish the 360 degrees view of the Vatican and the most famous monuments of Rome. Do not leave without taking a picture of yourself, glass in the hand, hair blowing in the wind, sparkles in the eyes

4) Pontile di Ostia

If you don’t have the chance to live near the beach on a daily basis, you might want to spend a day on the warm sand of Ostia. Besides the calm atmosphere and fresh marine air, you will be able to get your best Instagram influencer pictures. Sitting on the low wall of the pontile, facing the horizon, striking the pose in front of the typical Italian littoral… Numerous are the possibilities for you to pimp your Instagram feed!

5) Palazzetto Zuccari –The Monster Door

If by chance you find yourself near Piazza di Spagna, take a detour to admire the beauty of the monster-shaped door. So easy to fit within all the pictures of your IG account, yet so unusual, this artwork is a real masterpiece, a must-see in Rome, and a souvenir that you will love to talk about!

We won’t say it enough: Rome is a museum in itself! Each step you make can take you to wonders you would never have imagined. Write down these 5 ideas on a sticker note and adventure yourself to some of the most beautiful and instagrammable places in the world: the Trastevere and Coppedè neighborhoods, the numerous statues of Villa Borghese, the marvelous fountains of the botanical gardens, and of course, the Trevi fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon!

 

The first question when choosing ice cream in Italy: Cone or cup?

Actually, before coming to Rome (Italy), I never really worried much about finding the best “gelateria” / ice cream shop; for me, the neighborhood one near my house was good enough.

The important thing was to have the flavor “Pistachio.”

Upon arriving in Rome, my friends taught me that a gelateria in Rome is not just an ice cream shop. A gelateria should be homemade, artisanal, with fresh flavors and high quality every day, with options for the lactose intolerant like soy or rice-based gelato. And these points are what make some of them the best ice cream shops in Rome.

1. Famous and classic: Gelateria Giolitti

For Rafa, the best gelateria is also Mrs. Obama’s favorite gelateria! Yes, where Michelle Obama went with her daughters in Rome: the gelateria Giolitti.

The Giolitti ice cream shop is very famous in Rome, as it was created in 1900 and is part of the city’s history. It offers numerous classic and traditional ice cream flavors, and in the summer, it drives people crazy, forming long lines waiting for a classic Roman ice cream.

IG: www.instagram.com/giolittiofficial/

Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma RM

2. For vegans and the lactose intolerant, but good ice cream eaters: Gelateria La Romana

On the other hand, Liane, an expert in gelaterias, really likes the famous Gelateria La Romana. The gelateria has several franchises around Rome, making it easy to find. But what makes it one of the top 5 gelaterias in Rome? It was her favorite for two reasons: the cones have the option to be filled with chocolate sauce! And the second reason is that La Romana has soy or rice-based gelatos / ice creams, meaning delicious ice creams for the lactose intolerant too!

IG: www.instagram.com/gelaterialaromana/

Addresses: Via Ostiense, 48, 00199 Roma RM / Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00184 Roma RM

3. Eccentric and traditional: Gelateria del Teatro

Louise likes eccentric gelato / ice cream flavors but follows the traditional recipe of homemade and respectful ice cream. Gelateria del Teatro, located not far from Castel Sant’Angelo, right in the heart of the most touristy area of Rome, is one of the few gems among the mediocre gelaterias in the city center. Everything is made in front of the customers. Homemade and traditional ice cream with a touch of eccentricity. Delicious flavors like pumpkin and lavender lemon, alongside traditional classics like chocolate and amaretto, create bursts of divergent tastes.

IG: www.instagram.com/gelateriadelteatro/

Address: Via dei Coronari, 65/66, 00186 Roma RM

4. The oldest ice cream shop in the world is my favorite: Gelateria Fassi

Lukinhas, following my beginner profile, discovered the best gelateria near where we used to work together! The oldest gelateria Fassi, since 1880, is my favorite because it’s not too sweet and is the freshest of all. The line is not just for tourists but even Italians who gather outside the shop to enjoy the ice cream. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, and there’s plenty of space inside to sit and enjoy the ice cream. Inside the ice cream shop, you can see all the history, old ice cream machines, and old advertisements… it’s really emotional.

IG: www.instagram.com/fassi_1880/

Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67, 00185 Roma RM

And moreover, despite being so appetizing, the price is great and doesn’t vary much from this: Small cone – 2 to 3 euros