While Milan has always been a global fashion capital, the last few years have delivered the city a special moment. The 2015 World Expo attracted an influx of investment and international interest, which has only grown since Italy’s second city was named host of the 2026 Winter Olympics. While the city may have once been a sleepy northern Italian hub for businessmen and Armani aficionados, Milan today is one of Europe’s preeminent destinations.  

The birthplace of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Missoni, Milan holds up to its reputation as a luxury shopping destination. Most of the designer stores notch inside the city’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. An iconic shopping mall built in the 1860s and 70s in steel and glass, the Galleria is a testament to the city’s industrial promise at the time of Italy’s unification. The Galleria opens up to the Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s crown jewel and the third biggest cathedral in the world. At the Galleria’s end, find Camparino. Gaspare Campari created his world-famous ruby liqueur in Milan, and this art deco bar is done up in gorgeous mosaics, original to the building’s construction in 1915. While it may be a touristy spot for an aperitivo, you can rub elbows with Milanese businesspeople and international tourists for a negroni sbagliato with a view. 

The city’s artistic Brera district bursts with cafes, vintage shops, and Milanese trattorias. Feast your eyes up Via San Marco, admiring pastel ceramics at Ginori 1735, vintage clothes and jewelry at Cavalli e Nastri, and Japanese home design at Time & Style. Refuel with espresso and fairy tale confections at Marchesi 1824.

Located a block from the Galleria, the Park Hyatt Milano makes for an ideal homebase. The hotel recently underwent a complete renovation, which completed spring 2024. Central to the new design is the hotel’s small but mighty AQVAM Spa, featuring hammams in both the men's and women's locker rooms and a golden mosaic jacuzzi, entering which feels like stepping inside a gilded disco ball.  Through its partnership with stylist to the stars Beppe D’Elia, facials and endothermic skin technology treatments are powered by Beautick products. The hyrdrafacial was an ideal reset after my transatlantic flight, and the technician and I enjoyed chatting, realizing our families come from the same part of Sicily. While D’Elia’s clients fly him down to Capri for haircuts and touch-ups, guests can head upstairs for a cut in his Hair Jewelry Salon and peruse his line of luxury hair accessories for something distinctly Milanese to wear home.  

For its northern Italian fare, shopping, and wellness wins, Milan is a friends getaway destination you don’t want to miss.