A Milanese institution. Helped by its strategic location, Grand Hotel et de Milan was the hotel of choice for diplomats and businessmen from the end of the 19th-century. But artists and men of letters did not disdain it either, and one can imagine they were attracted by the intriguing neo-Gothic architecture, the winter garden, and the convenience of an avant-garde hydraulic lift (restored and still functioning perfectly).

Stepping through the superb Baroque portal by Francesco Maria Richini, one enters a grand and solemn dimension of silence and space: the public spaces of Portrait Milano unfold around the sun-drenched 17th-century colonnade. Inside, the rooms’ inspiration comes from classic Milanese living rooms of the 1950s, but it is the details that are the real joy to behold.

Designed by Martina Mondadori and Christoph Radl, Cabana’s Milan store is an extension of Casa Cabana, Martina’s childhood home decorated by Renzo Mongiardino. Discover handcrafted objects, vintage treasures, and a curated mix of books, magazines, and timeless tableware—all reflecting the eclectic, globetrotting spirit of Cabana Magazine.

A grocery store with a difference; their fresh fruits and vegetables are so beautiful that if a magazine photoshoot calls for a still life, this is where the assistants are sent.

Back in the 1960s, well-heeled Milanese ladies were wearing anonymous pearl necklaces when Giovanna Frossi returned from India with incredible necklaces and multicolored bracelets. Since then, she has never stopped. A true globetrotter, the jewelry and objects on display in her shop bear witness to exotic places and sumptuous times, as well as her personal adventures.

The brand of fabrics and wallpapers founded by decorator and textile designer Idarica Gazzoni bears the name of Arjumand, the Mughal princess to whom the Taj Mahal was dedicated. Idarica's wonderful shop on Via Santa Marta is cozy and full of exuberant, colorful fabrics and papers.

The curious objects and antiques in this shop speak for themselves, but if you want to know more, have a chat with Maddalena and her mother who, with their telepathic abilities and repertoire of quips, seem to have stepped out of a moving Nora Ephron film. Maddalena’s grandfather had seven children, four of whom went on to become antique dealers. A special family, a special shop.

Inside a residential building on a quiet street—accessed via a button on the intercom that reads simply, "lampshades"—you will find the Nuova Arte Viva workshop. Odette's creations are pure masterpieces: brightly colored lampshades, garnished with sumptuous trimmings.

According to Jonathan Franzen, the pressure to fall in love in Paris is so strong that it becomes almost inhibiting. The same could be said for Fioraio Bianchi in Milan, a restaurant that seems to have been designed for romantic, whispered dinners.

For anyone in the difficult position of having to defend Milanese cuisine, this is the place to bring guests. Apart from a few concessions, all the dishes are decidedly Lombard. You’ll find mondeghili, costoletta, valdostana and risotto with ossobuco. Don’t let the title ‘trattoria’ fool you: the staff wear bow ties, there’s a good wine list and it is popular with families when there's something to celebrate.

A Milanese icon for 65 years, Da Giacomo Milano hardly needs any introduction. With interiors designed by Renzo Mongiardino and delicious, traditional Italian comfort food with a modern twist, this warm, convivial restaurant is one of our forever favorites. Don’t miss it, but do book ahead.

This gallery on Via Brera has taken on a museum-like imprint, from the highly effective presentation to the idea of guided tours by appointment, even for the merely curious, who will be astounded by the visual power of a Serapi or a Kuba. The display changes every few months and to find out more, start at the specialized library on the second floor of the gallery.

Nowhere else will you find such an astonishing blend of a Mantuan ducal palace and Huysmans’s À rebours. Each room is so dripping with secret and exquisite detail that it is difficult to take in at a glance. The profusion of monstrances and skulls is balanced by cherubs and cornucopias, and next to luminous Tuscan majolica we see medieval instruments of war.

This building stands on the remains of ancient Roman buildings and, today, is one of the Touring Club’s most popular tourist sites. The interior is simply wonderful; the architecture was conceived to be completely covered and camouflaged by the wall decoration, which is now considered the most important specimen of 16th-century Milanese painting. But perhaps what deserves the most attention are the frescoes by Bernardino Luini, who was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci.