Bring your favorite designer handbag, wear the heels.
Four times a year, Milan—the stylish heartbeat of fashion, business, and interiors in Italy—comes alive as the fashion set descends upon the city. This street style parade, a migration of journalists, industry insiders, celebrities, and tastemakers traverse the globe for the “Big Four” of fashion weeks, with other notable stops in New York, London, and Paris.
In 2025, Milan will host four Fashion Weeks: Men’s Fall/Winter ‘25 from January 17-21; Women’s Fall/Winter ‘25 from February 25-March 3; Men’s Spring/Summer ‘26 from June 20-24; and Women’s Spring/Summer ‘26 from September 23-29.
So, where do the glitterati gather? If you’re planning a visit to Milan, it’s wise to steer clear of the chaos of fashion weeks—prices soar and availability is scarce. However, the charm and stylish DNA of Milan can be savored all year. The beauty of this city is the way it marries timeless historic elements, especially in its architecture, with modern innovations. Storied palazzos and palaces have been reimagined into modern hotels, restaurants, and concept stores. And then there’s the really iconic sights—like the breathtaking Teatro alla Scala, often known as La Scala—and the Gothic grandeur of the Duomo di Milano, which took six centuries from 1386 to 1965 to complete. Then there are the other gems that the style world is uncovering and creating–the latest designer exclusives at 10 Corso Como, or celebrating the cherished tradition of aperitivo hour with a Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso. Below is a curated roundup of Milan’s favorite hotspots for discerning style connoisseurs.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Where to Stay
Hotel Principe di Savoia, Piazza della Repubblica, 17
Where does the fashion set rest their head after a day of navigating cobblestone streets in Prada heels? Enter, Hotel Principe di Savoia—a sartorial haven that’s been a go-to hotel for royalty, celebrities, fashion icons, and cosmopolitan society since the 1920s. If you’re thinking of booking a room during fashion week, consider yourself lucky to snag one as this really is the spot.
The rooms are fairytale-esque, with Venetian fabrics, and classic colors, filled with antiques, chandeliers, and lots of gilded touches. It’s also just a short drive from Milan’s bustling epicenter, this five-star sanctuary offers a luxe escape in the heart of a city. With two restaurants, an opulent bar, and a tranquil rooftop spa that promises serenity, the Principe di Savoia isn’t just an accommodation—it’s an experience that epitomizes la dolce vita. Andiamo, indeed.
Four Seasons Milano, Via Gesù, 6-8
This address is mere steps from the iconic Duomo, the legendary La Scala, and Quadrilatero della Moda, Four Seasons Milano, is a fashion insider’s urban retreat. Housed in a former 15th-century convent with a beautiful garden, the hotel offers a sense of peace and quiet that feels worlds away from the city.
The pièce de résistance of rooms? The Fashion Suite. Step into this chic cocoon, all emerald green, black, and white featuring a luxe bedroom, and intimate outdoor terrace, perfect for star gazing after unwinding from a day of runway shows, and a living space designed for plotting your next fashion week, or even creating a brand of your own!
Park Hyatt Milano, Via Tommaso Grossi 1
Discerning luxury travelers frequent this glamorous Park Hyatt for its sleek and sophisticated design, spacious rooms, and convenient proximity to the Fashion District. After a whirlwind schedule of shows and street-style sightings, retreat to your room, all done up in soothing neutral palettes inspired by the Duomo Cathedral.
The Aqvam Spa is your personal spot to recalibrate—book the Jet Lag Facial with manual massage to restore your runway-ready glow and to get your pores back on track. Come evening, put on your finest, and dine at Pellico 3 Milano. Here, Executive Chef Guido Paternollo creates culinary art, like Beef Rib Eye with Crispy Potatoes and Tortello with Sheep Ricotta and crispy ‘Nduja.
Grand Hotel et de Milan, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 29
For the glamorous aesthete with a penchant for theater and old-world elegance, Grand Hotel et de Milan was made for you. A stone’s throw from La Scala, this landmark is a favorite rendezvous of choice for editors but also extends to a glittering guestlist of cinematic and operatic royalty.
Maria Callas, Giuseppe Verdi, and stars like Richard Burton have all stayed in its richly textured guest rooms that are old-school elegant – filled with period furnishings and marble bathrooms.
INSIDER TIPHit up Gerry’s Bar for aperitifs. And if you’re hungry, the veal Milanese is a non-negotiable.
Where to Aperitivo (Because Milan Semi-Invented It)
Marchesi 1824, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Picture an Instagram fever dream all done up in gelato pastels—strawberry, peach, pistachio—with coffered ceilings and twentieth-century furnishings that scream “Bella!” Founded in 1824 by the Marchesi family, Marchesi isn’t just a pastry shop, it’s one of the most iconic culinary hot spots to grab a table or take away in Milan.
Their Panettone is world famous. Their cappuccinos are whipped to meteorological perfection. And the desserts are gallery-worthy creations—puffs, tartlets, and pastries that are edible works of art. During aperitivo hour, sip their house Marchesi cocktail—a heady concoction of herbal liquor topped with gin and vermouth. Or better yet, cheers with one of their famous negronis that comes accompanied by a matching jelly candy.
Bar Basso, Via Plinio, 39
Expect to see everyone here for aperitivo hour. Pink walls, rich brocade, mirrors everywhere—and the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato.
Bar Basso has been the watering hole of choice since 1947. The crowd here is a mix, there’s the fashion authorities, locals, and a pulsating scene that appeals to all ages. It’s a delicious blend that keeps things interesting and is a must-stop on your trip to Milan.
The Bvlgari Bar at the Bvlgari Hotel Milano, Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7B
This sleek, black resin bar is where local and well-heeled visitors converge for good reason—the vibes and drinks are bellissima!
Overlooking a tranquil garden (which is open when the weather gets warm), nosh on focaccia with capers, anchovies, and capers while recapping the day over a Mediterraneo cocktail with Hendricks Aqua Bianca, citrus, cucumber, basil, sugar, and lime water. They even do zero-proof negronis for the sober sophisticate. Salute!
Where to Shop (“Spotify, Play David Bowie’s ‘Fashion’”)
Milan’s most famous concept store,10 Corso Como, is a favorite among fashion lovers. This concept store is the ultimate mashup of fashion, cuisine, art, music, design, and lifestyle.
All of the major brands are here: Prada, Maison Margiela, Alaia, Balenciaga—but it’s the curation and way they’re presented and mixed under one roof that makes it so special. There’s also an art gallery, bookshop, restaurant, and cafe to get lost in for hours.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Forget the image you get in your head when you hear the word “mall”, Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II is a luxury shopping paradise. Simply put, you’re bound to get the Insta shot here.
This glass-covered arcade has Prada, Chanel, Gucci, and more ready to drain your credit card quicker than you can “fashion week”.
Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion quadrilateral), Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia
Another must-stop for all of your high-end shopping is the converging of four streets known as Quadrilatero della Moda.
Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia form Milan’s most-decadent fashion quadrilateral. Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Bvlgari, Bottega Veneta, the list goes on.
La Double J, Via Sant’Andrea, 10/A
Coveted for its rich textiles and vibrant patterns, La DoubleJ, founded by J.J. Martin, the cool girl uniform of fashion editors and tastemakers, has the ultimate flagship store in Milan.
All done up in emerald green, heart-pumping prints, lotus leaf ceilings, homeware sections of their tabletop collection, and a downstairs “Sacred Grotto” that’s part boutique, part spiritual awakening.
Wait and See, Via Santa Marta
For those curating a vibrant lifestyle with Milanese flair—Wait and See is serving pure unadulterated magic!
Tucked into a former 18th-century convent, there are unique local designers, colorful home items, gifts, accessories, and more.
Where to Dine
Bice, Via Borgospesso, 12
A dining institution since 1926, Bice is one of the style world’s most frequented hangouts during fashion week, as it’s right off of the city’s high-end shopping street.
Those iconic red tartan floors have witnessed more memorable nights than most restaurants. Put on your fanciest fit and order the house pappardelle, risotto, and veal meatballs.
Langosteria, Via Savono 10
The ambiance and the buzzy crowd can’t be beat at Milan’s gastronomic gem, Langosteria. Like the name suggests, Langosteria serves the freshest seafood prepared with an Italian twist–like their signature Paccheri pasta with seabass, olives, and capers and linguine with blue lobster.
The chic labyrinth of interiors, complete with dim lighting makes it a must for date night. With outposts around the globe in ritzy locations like St. Moritz, Paris, and Miami, Langosteria is more than a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle.
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone, Via Santo Spirito 10
In the heart of the fashion district—expect to hobnob in elegance at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. For an extravagant lunch or dinner, this is where the high rollers gather, indulging in the risotto milanese (full of flavorful saffron) and the rocket and ricotta tortellini.
Bring your favorite designer handbag, wear the heels, and you’ll fit right in.
Paper Moon Giardono, Via Bagutta, 12, Brera
Haute pasta, anyone? One of the chicest spots, Paper Moon is housed in a neoclassical palace in the Golden Rectangle. Their Carcioffe, fried artichokes with porcini mushroom cream, and 24-month-aged Parmesan cheese are a must.
Order the signature Pappardelle Paper Moon, a homemade pappardelle with tomato, cream, and crispy bacon for a memorable night that’s heaven-sent!
