Milan is where fashion speaks, design dominates, and art is the perfect conversation starter. You have every excuse to splurge in this global fashion capital.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Milan, well, shop till you drop, then get up and shop some more. From designer vintage and global flagships, to high-end couture and luxury bohemian, the Italian city is a paradise for anyone whose heart is into fashion.
A global style capital, Milan is home to the headquarters of pretty much every iconic Italian fashion brand and hosts world-renowned annual design and fashion weeks. It is where the richest of the rich drop by in their chartered jets for some quick deal hunting and fashion enthusiasts max out their credit cards in a day’s time!
Giorgio Armani, Prada, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Marco Rambaldi, Massimo Piambo, Moschino, Versace… the list of Milan-based ultra luxury labels is quite long. And if you want to indulge in more artisanal, boutique brands, there’s no dearth of options either. But that isn’t just it.
From gourmet food and to luxe perfumery limited editions by bespoke ateliers and vintage furniture and everything in between, this fast-paced metropolis gives you endless reasons to splurge. Saving you the time talking about the big, obvious ones, here’s a definitive guide to the best artisanal shopping in Milan — with the most stylish stores, streets, and shopping districts that you can explore on your next trip.
Luxe fashion
QUADRILATERO DELLA MODA
The popular fashion square is beautifully framed by the four most important shopping streets in Milan. Via Montenapoleone is where you will find hot trends by expensive labels peeping through stunning window displays. Discover palatial architecture and leading boutiques set in quaint courtyards at the dreamy, car-free Via della Spiga. Via Manzoni, dubbed one of the most elegant Milan streets since the 1800s, comes dotted with a number of historic cafes for shopping breaks. Corso Venezia reflects the unruffled spirit of the Milanese bourgeoisie and lure you into affordable bespoke stores that cater to all tastes.
When at Quadrilatero, visit Larusmiani, a storied menswear boutique that dates back to 1954 and specialises in handcrafted suits, shirts, shoes, accessories done with exquisite detailing. Speaking of understated menswear, Doriani is renowned for its ultra-soft cashmere knits, including polo shirts, cardigans, and sweaters. Step into Atelier Bergnach for tailormade skirts with unique personality, cut from brocade or expensive silk, done in 20 different patterns and many styles.
GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II
One of the oldest shopping galleries in the world, the 150-years-old Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II speaks of pure Italian architecture with its arcade walkways leading to a central octagon, a beautiful mosaic floor, granite and plaster features, and a stunning glass roof. Thanks to its historical significance and aesthetic appeal, it is home to a number of luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Prada (the brand opened its first store here!) and Swarovski. But if you are looking for something unique, the galleria also houses brands like Piumelli (renowned for its handmade gloves), Mejana (purveyors of time-honoured fountain pens), and Liberia Bocca (historic books and curated art).
BRERA
Milan’s bohemian neighbourhood is dotted with elite concept stores, artisan boutiques, and funky independent stores. The old ateliers here have turned into sleek art galleries. Cavalli e Nastri is popular for one-of-a-kind vintage clothes, bags, and bijoux. If you are looking for designer furniture, Robertaebasta is a globally respected retailer. Visit the central street, Via Brera, for niche perfumery brands and eccentric fragrances — look for labels like Diptyque, Le Labo, and L’Olfattorio.
CORSO BUENOS AIRES
One of Europe’s longest shopping streets, this one-kilometre-long avenue is lined with nearly 400 international brands as well as affordable Italian labels. Browse through the small, family-run store called Mutinelli if you fancy a fancy, premium leather hat. Opened in 1888, this boutique offers every kind of headgear you could want: casual sports hats, berets, and Panama boaters.
NAVIGLI
Set along and around the banks of the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, Navigli has a laidback, bohemian vibe. Walk through narrow lanes lined with buildings painted in rusty hues, vine-lined courtyards, and graffiti-covered walls. Tucked away are charming boutiques and cafes, dusty bookshops (such as Il Libraccio), art galleries, and creative hubs. Pourquoi Moi sells clothes, shoes, handbags, bijoux, and rare design items from the ’70s. Come here on a Sunday to watch the neighbourhood turn into a thriving antique market scene, selling everything from refurbished furniture to old comics. When done, treat yourself with Berberé’s gourmet pizza!
PORTA TICINESE
From vintage shops, record stories, and tattoo parlours to hipster shoe shops and Japanese boutiques, Corso di Porta Ticinese has it all. If you love some counter-culture and streetwear paired with affordable (yet delicious) lunch options, pay it a visit. Try Frip, a small but savvy store with innovative brands from Scandinavia, France, and Britain, including Acne Studios, CMMN SWDN and Drõle de Monsieur. If minimalist, urban, and occasionally avant garde is your style, Frip is the pick for you. Special, another streetwear store, takes pride in its roster with independent brands including the likes of Undefeated, Billionaire Boys Club, Diamond, and Jordan Brand.
LA RINASCENTE
Conveniently housed in an ostentatious building at Piazza del Duomo, La Rinascente is all about ‘fashion appropriate’ labels that fall in the category of chic and classy. Touted as one of the most stunning department stores (credit goes to its eight sprawling storeys and contemporary interiors), it serves up everything from haute couture to high-end jewellery, and fancy homeware.
10 CORSO COMO
More than anything else, 10 Corso Como is about a truly unique and experiential shopping journey. An oddities store with a difference, the two-floor concept lifestyle space offers books, art, homewares, and an array of old and new fashion pieces. With 50 years of tailored service, artisanal Italian craftsmanship, and savoir-faire, Malo is known for its fine cashmere and knitwear.
Claudia Bertolero here uses sustainable production methods by reinterpreting Peruvian ancestral techniques of weaving and embroidering according to a modern vision. Not to forget, there’s also Maison Margiela‘s artisanal jewellery collection to check out!
PORTA VENEZIA
For one-off costume jewellery pieces, bags, and hair accessories, look no further than the boutique of Donatella Pellini in Porta Venezia. Every piece gets customised to choice at lberto Crivellenti’s 43 Cycles — the place transforms bicycles using braze-welded steel and some have hand-sewn detailing in deerskin or alligator. Imarika boutique by Benedetta Bevilacqua features pieces by breakthrough designers with an eye for bold colours, unique prints, and sharp shapes.
Gourmet food
PECK
Good food is synonymous with Italy. So it is imperative that you bring back home a piece of Italy as the memories of your Milan trip in the form of gourmet flavours. Head straight to Peck, one of the most ancient food halls in town, and pick yourself some Italian ham, pasta, olive oil, local cheeses, and Piedmont white truffles.
The popular delicatessen will put it all in a gift box, which can be further customised to include either Italian saffron and rice to try a Milanese risotto at home, or Cabanon’s Bonarda and Franciacorta Pas Operé Bellavista if you want to taste some of the best regional wines. The place sells over 100 types of cheeses and incredible food baskets.
GRAND CAFE & TRE MARIE
Panettone, a traditional sweet and fluffy bread loaf made during Christmas, is a Milanese patisserie must, and you can pick up the freshest batch from the Grand Café & Tre Marie. It releases special limited editions for unique presents every year, which you can also accompany with a hand written dedication to emphasise the spirit of your Christmas greetings.
PASTICCERIA CUCCHI
Pasticceria Cucchi is one of the many artisanal bakers and confectioners who keep it to the traditional recipe that has been perfected by three generations of the same family. The pastry shop also fits a café and aperitivo bar so you can combine panettone shopping with a coffee and indulgent pastry.
MOKA HODEIDAH
Speaking of coffee, you can head to Moka Hodeidah, one of the few artisanal coffee roasters in Milan, to pick up a gift box with whole bean coffees, assortment of candies, chocolates, and tinned biscuits. Opened in 1946, the place still feels rooted in old times and offers distinguished selections of coffee including Yauco Selecto from Puerto Rico, Jamaica Blue Mountain, the Captain Cook Kona Extra Fancy from Hawaii, Mount Everest Supreme from Nepal, and plenty of Kopi Luwak. Peek in the back room to check out the 40 kilo coal-powered 1946 Victory roaster.
LUINI
Amid endless options, Grana Padano, Gorgonzola, Stracchino, and Mascarpone are some of the finest local cheeses to get your hands on. Locals and tourists alike have been making a beeline at Luini’s windows since it first opened in 1888, especially at lunchtime. Other than packing some varieties, try their panzerotti — pillowy fried dough parcels stuffed with tomato and fresh mozzarella! Alternatively, Eataly supermarket with its sustainably and responsibly sourced Italian produce, has on offer best artisanal quality food at reasonable prices.
ARTE DEL CIOCCOLATO
Talk about gourmet food in Milan, and your conversation will eventually lead to artisanal chocolates. All sweet offerings offered at Arte Del Cioccolato are handmade and come in interesting design. Find the best selection of chocolate creations made by Roberto Catinari, who guarantees superior quality and utilises the choicest selection of cacao. In winter, don’t miss out on the hot chocolate made from the exquisite Sao Tomè cacao.
NEUHAUS MAITRE CHOCOLATIER
From glazed and dark to filled with pieces of nuts, dried fruit and praline, to everything in between, come to Neuhaus Maitre Chocolatier to get your hands on conscious chocolates at their best. They use 100 per cent sustainably sourced cacao, and have invested in a cacao farm in the Guayaquil Region of Ecuador where several hundreds of acres have been dedicated to their cacao beans.
Paintings, souvenirs, and more
GIARDINI PUBBLICI INDRO MONTANELLI
You can’t travel back from Milano without bringing back something special to commemorate your travels. Good for us travellers, the city is a treasure trove of souvenirs and artworks that stay with you forever. Find several bold art galleries surrounded by the city’s most romantic park, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, in Porta Venezia. Another renowned centre of creativity and culture, Via Tortona is also framed by several flagship stores.
MUDEC
Save some time to visit Mudec (Museo delle Culture), a one-of-a-kind blend of art and anthropology hosting world-class exhibitions. The street is the epicentre of the Milan Design Week and comes alive with a giant furniture pop-up donning a festive vibe.
MOSTRA DEL POSTER
In Corso Buenos Aires, browse through reproductions of famous Renaissance artists and sculptors at Mostra del Poster, a vintage boutique that houses more than 1,500 types of art posters and frames in a massive 1,500 square feet space.
NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Most painters’ workshops in Milan are concentrated predominantly in Naviglio Grande. In older times, this was an area where painters spontaneously came to capture fabulous views of the open-air canals. Eventually, small workshops cropped up in Milan’s most picturesque houses, known as case di ringhiera. Today, walking along the canals, you can still find open gates leading to the romantically-looking courtyards filled with small ateliers welcoming visitors with beautiful paintings on display.
GALLERIA CARLA SOZZANI
Back in the 1970s, a series of photo galleries opened in Milan. Among them, particularly famous, is that of Carla Sozzani’s, located at 10 Corso Como. The gallery cum concept store hosts regular exhibitions and publishes a catalogue of displayed items for those who want to buy. Another notable photo gallery is Spazio Forma Galleria.
LA RINASCENTE DESIGN SUPERMARKET
Looking for a distinct Italian memento? There’s an entire floor at La Rinascente dedicated to just that! At Design Supermarket, pick from many classic Italian design icons from the past 60 years: Murano glass by Venini, wacky kitchenware by Alessi, and so much more. The store features some of the biggest names in international design.
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