I like to take my time with art, so massive, tourist-trap art museums stress me out—I’ve been to Paris twice, now, and I’ve still never stepped foot inside the Lourve. The Museo del Novecento is, gratefully, not that. Rather, it is a relatively small museum of twentieth-century Italian art located right next to the Milano Duomo. In addition to housing the very best view of the Duomo in the city, it contains works from the likes of Picasso, Modigliani, Kandinsky, and Matisse in a rare, crowd-free setting.
Read MoreOnce upon a time, Milan was a city of water—way back in the twelfth century, a network of canals (maybe designed by Leonardo Da Vinci?) were built all over the city in order to connect the central Duomo to nearby lakes. Most of the canals have since been filled to make roads, but two, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, still exist.
Read MoreJust a few blocks behind the Milan Duomo, is a much smaller, less-travelled church. It is not particularly notable on the outside. It’s even a bit hard to find, with just one small sign indicating that there might be something interesting around. Inside, it’s a different story—because this church houses an ossuary-chapel that just happens to be decorated in thousands of human bones.
Read MoreI stumbled into Mag Café in the middle of the day while looking for a coffee, so I can’t comment on the food or cocktails here, but I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. The space is a bit dark, but it is filled to the brim with character and heavily decorated with antique furniture. Located right off of the Naviglio Grande, Mag Café would not be out of place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn or in 1933.
Read MoreMilan is at once both dense and diffuse, and you don’t need to drive long or far to get to what appears to be the countryside. Located right next to the Abbey of Chiaravalle, the Locanda Chiaravalle is a Michelin-rated restaurant with the shape and feel of an old farmhouse.
Read MoreOne of the best examples of Milan's New World charm is the mid-century modern (a term I have recently learned while furniture shopping) paradise, oTTo. It's nestled deep in Milan's Chinatown and is a third-wave coffee shop, bar, brunch spot, and work space. They also hold regular events and workshops. If I lived in Milan, I like to think that this would be my go-to spot, but if I'm being honest, I'm probably not cool enough.
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