Top Luxury Travel Experiences in Milan Italy

Milan is modern yet steeped in Italy’s traditional “la dolce vita” motto. The sweet life certainly will be found as you explore Milan’s expansive, urbane luxury cityscape.

Stay @ Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa

Opened in September 2013, the Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa is the apex of luxury in Milan, offering a classic and spectacular experience. Located a mere 400 meters from the ultra-fashionable Via Montenapoleone, Palazzo Parigi is situated in the historic artist’s quarter of the city, where authentic Milanese culture and cosmopolitan aspirations combine beautifully. Architect Paola Giambelli has redrawn the somber elegance of this former noble residence, which was home to the Cramer family since 1600. This slice of Milanese history was destroyed in a bombing in 1943 and subsequently used as a bank and office building. Giambelli was brought on to restore the building to its former glory and what he has created could only be described as an unprecedented palace of style and elegance. This prestigious five-star hotel offers the modern rigor of Milan, yet nods to the grace and refinement of Paris, thanks to the incredible interior by world renowned Pierre-Yves Rochon. Enjoy a stay in the majestic Royal Suite penthouse featuring 572 square meters of space and 265 square meters of patio and balcony. Beautifully styled from the incredible Venetian mosaic on the lobby floor to the beautiful skylights paying homage to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Palazzo Parigi is the height of Milanese fashion.

Stay @ Château Monfort

The history and romance of Italy is uncovered at this “urban château.” Charm, elegance and fantasy are perfectly aligned to create a contemporary fairy tale within the walls of the five-star Château Monfort. The Château has breathed new life into architect Paolo Mezzanotte’s beautiful twentieth century building, set in the heart of one of Milan’s most exclusive districts, which overlooks the incredible Piazza Tricolore and is within a few minutes’ walk from the splendor of the Il Duomo. Your emotions will sing to the classic melodies that inspired Château Monfort. A modern reinterpretation of delicate Neo-Romanesque style, the interior conjures images of enchanted gardens and princely castles. You will be spoiled for choice by the 77 magnificent rooms. Choose between 44 superior rooms, 19 executive rooms, four deluxe suites, five junior suites and five suites. Common areas include the lobby lounge and restaurant, Rubacuori — where you will find an intimate, romantic atmosphere and Cella di Cabbo, an incredible wine cellar — conference space, spa and fitness center. History and art blend beautifully at Château Monfort to create a true fantasy kingdom.

Dine @ Ristorante Cracco

Opened in July 2007, Ristorante Cracco’s kitchen is run by Carlo Cracco, a Michelin-star chef and the restaurant’s namesake. Cracco also has gained notoriety as a judge on Hell’s Kitchen, Italia. Since its inception, Ristorante Cracco has been listed by Restaurant magazine as one of world’s 50 best restaurants. Ristorante Cracco offers traditional Milanese fare with a modern, innovative twist that creates new, unique tastes. Perfectly paired with the gastronomic genius of the menu at Cracco are the wines housed in the unique wine cellar, featuring 2,000 labels — which are the result of a discerning selection process among the top international wines. Enjoy the menu highlights and decedent wine pairings in a rich, intimate atmosphere, as architects Gianmaria and Roberto Beretta have amplified the interior to a level of fantasy. You’ll be enveloped by elegance and comfort as you sit in the dining room enriched by stunning boiserie cherry wood.

Dine @ Il Marchesino

The motto of famed Milan restaurant Il Marchesino is amazing simplicity. Located in Piazza Scala, it is the perfect place to enjoy symphonious, traditional Milanese fare inspired by the beautiful music of Teatro della Scala — take in a meal before or after the opera. The maestro behind the gorgeous gastronomy is Michelin-star chef Gualtiero Marchesi, who revisits traditional Italian-style cuisine. Il Marchesino offers famous dishes that have played the notes of the taste buds for many years, including the rice, saffron and gold, the dripping fish and more. If you’re visiting the opera for a matinee, Il Marchesino is open at 8 a.m. for coffee, pastries and more. For ease and convenience, Il Marchesino now has an app that features all menus and allows for table reservations.

Shop @ Via Montenapoleone

Via Montenapoleone is Milan’s premiere promenade. As the capital of Italian style and one of the fashion world’s internationally renowned hubs, Milan hosts the crème de la crème of the world’s top designers, boutiques and showrooms for your shopping pleasure. Visit the iconic Italian houses of Gucci, Valentino and Prada, and peruse the haute couture of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. You also will find high-end boutiques, jewelers and watchmakers as you explore the latest trends and styles housed in exceptionally structured, cosmopolitan buildings. After a morning of shopping, stop in Caffè Cova — founded in 1817, it is one of Italy’s oldest pasticceries — for an espresso and sampling of some of the café’s incredible confections.

Enjoy the Opera @ Teatro La Scala

The inaugural Opera at Teatro La Scala opened on Augusut 3, 1778. Then known as Nuovo Regio Ducale Teatro alla Scala, the premiere performance was Antonio Salleri’s Europa riconosciuta. Throughout the last 200 years, La Scala — as it’s referred to by locals — has featured some of the world’s greatest operas, ballets and singers. It is recognized as a premiere international opera house and is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, the La Scale Theatre Ballet and the La Scala Theatre Orchestra. The theatre is exceptionally beautiful and has been restored several times throughout its life. There are few more beautiful or historic venues to take in a classic Italian opera than Teatro La Scala. Visit the website to view the variety of outstanding events available.