Milan, Italy: Three Days in the World’s Fashion Capital

Art: From Gothic Masterpieces to Provocative Installations

Milan is a treasure trove for art lovers. My journey began at the Duomo di Milano, a breathtaking Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city. Its intricate spires and stunning facade drew tourists from all over the world. Adjacent to the Duomo is the Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo department store, where the top floor offers a spectacular view of the cathedral—a perfect spot for a little art appreciation with a side of shopping.

The front facade of Duomo di Milano, a cream colored stone church with windows and six steeples pointing to the blue sky. In front of the church is a concrete area with tourists taking pictures.

During my explorations, I stumbled upon a haunting art installation: a wall of dolls symbolizing violence against women. At first glance, it was unsettling, but the accompanying statistics brought its message into focus. For example:

  • 1 in 5 women worldwide is a victim of violence.
  • In Europe, 1 in 3 women face abuse, and in Italy alone, 6.7 million women have suffered violence, with most cases going unreported.

This powerful piece highlighted the importance of raising awareness through art and left a lasting impression on me.

Later, I made my way to Piazza Affari to see Milan’s cheekiest art piece—a statue of a giant hand giving the middle finger. This bold work felt like a playful jab at conventional norms, embodying Milan’s irreverent spirit.

A large statue of a hand pointing the middle finger to the sky. Behind the statue is a stone building.

Food: A Culinary Love Affair

Milan’s food scene was a feast for the senses. One of my top highlights was trying arancini at A’Vucciria in the Ticinese district. The eggplant and cheese variety was hands-down the best I’ve ever had—I couldn’t resist ordering a second!

For a sweet treat, I indulged in gelato from Negozietto Del Gelato, where peanut butter and pistachio scoops created a perfect pairing.

The front of the gelato shop. The name Negozietto Del Gelato is written across the front of the pink awning. There are large glass doors and a hand in front is holding a cup of gelato.

While visiting Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo I dined on the top floor overlooking Duomo di Milano at the cute little restaurant, Obica and ordered the Trofie; Basil pesto, potatoes, green beans, and Italian pine nuts. Hands down the best pesto pasta I have ever had! 

A bowl of pasta with green beans, cheese on top, and some basil garnish sit in a grey bowl with grey counters. Behind the pasta is a glass of rose wine and a next to that is a bottle of water.

Dinner at Rugantino, near my Airbnb, was a highlight of my trip. I enjoyed an Aperol Spritz while reading on the patio, followed by Cacio e Pepe that left me in foodie heaven. The thoughtful waiter even provided bug spray when the mosquitoes got too friendly! 

On my final day, I ventured into Mr. Dick, a quirky waffle shop near my apartment. Here, the waffles are humorously shaped like male or female genitalia, and you can customize them with sauces and toppings. I opted for pistachio sauce with nuts, and while it was a fun and cheeky experience, the waffles were genuinely delicious.


This image showcases a unique and artistic setting, featuring a wall adorned with meticulously arranged roses in shades of pink, red, and white, creating a bold design. In the foreground, there's a dessert—a waffle on a stick topped with a layer of green pistachio sauce and sprinkled with crushed nuts, adding a delicious element to the creative ambiance.

Fashion & Music: Milan’s Glamorous Soul

No visit to Milan would be complete without diving into its iconic fashion and music scenes. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century arcade, is a shopper’s paradise with its luxurious boutiques and breathtaking architecture. While window-shopping, I was captivated by the energy and elegance of Milan’s fashion-forward vibe.

A view of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with a glass dome ceiling, a goldish color walls and a large open air arch at the end of the hall. There a lots of people walking around and taking photos.

A particularly moving moment came when I discovered a street performer near the Duomo, serenading passersby with songs by Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran. His voice was nothing short of magical, and I spent 30 minutes in awe. Be sure to check him out on Instagram: @Maxmex84

A man sits on a black chair, he has on white tennis shoes, black shorts, and a red and white button up short sleeved shirt. He is wearing sun glasses and has short black hair. He is signing and smiling. In front of him is a stand with sheet music on it. In the background are people walking by. A stone building is behind him and the ground is stone.

Milan is a city where history, art, fashion, and food converge in the most extraordinary ways. As I packed my bags for Venice, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences this city offered. From stunning Gothic architecture to unforgettable meals and quirky surprises, Milan truly stole my heart. Ciao, until next time!

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