2 days in Milan, the itinerary so you don't miss a thing!

We start our first day where the heart of Milan beats the loudest... in Piazza del Duomo, an immense esplanade lined with sumptuous monuments, whose modenature captivates us. The one that catches our eye the most is of course the Duomo cathedral, a must-do in the city. It is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. Its great arches supported by sculpted columns and decorated with biblical scenes fascinate us, but the highlight of the show is a few metres higher up, directly from the roof of the building, where the details of the façade and the white marble of the building reflect the sunlight, revealing the monument at its best.

We descend from the kingdom of heaven to the Museo del Novecento, just opposite. Housed in the Palazzo dell'Arengario, this artistic complex contains over 300 Italian works of art dating from the 20th century. It has been exhibiting for over ten years, and alongside its exhibitions is committed to preserving, studying and promoting Italy's cultural heritage, with the aim of attracting an ever-growing public... A walk through the history of Italian art!

We cross the large Piazza del Duomo to land on the opposite side under an immense arcade whose interior details arouse our curiosity. The Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery combines prestigious boutiques with sophisticated architecture. It is a sumptuous lounge covered by a glass roof. In one of the nooks and crannies of the covered passageway, you can try your hand at a rather zany local custom: according to legend, you have to turn 3 times with your right heel on the private parts of the bull drawn on the floor for luck to be with you. And as there's no age limit to having fun, this activity will delight young and old alike.

Head to the medieval square not far from Milan Cathedral for a trip back in time. This picturesque area has preserved its authenticity and medieval soul. The surrounding buildings seem untouched by the passage of time, perfectly reflecting the atmosphere of yesteryear. We continue on to Piazza Cordusio to arrive at Palazzo Mezzanotte, a splendid twentieth-century building housing the Italian stock exchange.

Keeping with the theme of discovering Milan's historic sites, we're taking a break for a bite to eat at Risoelatte, a house straight out of the 60s where you can eat in the Formica kitchen, order a drink in the bathroom or sit in the old living room. Original and delicious!

After a hearty meal, there's nothing better than strolling through a park. And just the thing, as Milan boasts an immense garden next to the Sforza family castle. Organised in the English style, this woodland contains numerous monuments and pleasant green spaces where trees and plants proliferate. Stroll along the paths and don't miss the must-see features such as the Mermaid Bridge, the aquarium and the Branca Tower. At the opposite end of the spectrum, you'll come face to face with the Arch of Peace, an imposing marble-clad edifice.

Where to dine in Milan

The most beautiful restaurant in Milan is the typical Boccondivino. Behind the glass door of this rather simplistic storefront lies a traditional trattoria with a rather unusual service. In a well-orchestrated parade, the waiters meander between the tables pushing a well-stocked trolley. Primi piatti, secondi piatti... and the round of local cheeses, served generously! This gastronomic spot is a real discovery, and we'd love to come back to Milan just to go back!

Where to stay in Lombardy?

Second day and already the last in the city of elegance. We woke up with the urge to explore the south of the city, heading for the design district near Navigli. Just before exploring the surrounding area, we take a short cultural break to visit the former colonial museums, now the MUDEC Museum of Culture. At the corner of Via Tortona and Via Bergognone, art, design and a variety of cultural spaces are concentrated in the former Ansaldo factory... quite a symbol! The institution's aim is to showcase different artistic disciplines and, more generally, contemporary art. A restaurant, bookshop and multi-purpose rooms for laboratories and seminars are available. It's a godsend for a district that used to be alive and kicking only during Design Week.

For lunch, head just behind the building to Angelo's bistro, a modern restaurant that architect-owner Angelo DI SAVERIO has decorated with a subtle blend of contemporary furnishings and retro touches. On the menu, the chef prepares tasty dishes using quality produce and adapts his menu to suit all diets. There are vegetarian recipes, fish and fine cuts of meat. And if traditional Italian cuisine is what you're looking for, head next door to Dolce Emilia. Here you can enjoy generous dishes prepared on the spot by a passionate hand, who carefully selects the pasta.

The afternoon continues along the water's edge... Head for Navigli, the bohemian district where you can stroll by day and enjoy an unmissable aperitivo at sunset. This former industrial square has managed to renew itself and is now one of the most stylish places in the capital of Lombardy. Vintage boutiques, restaurants, bars... it's the ideal place to spend the afternoon before settling down for a drink on the terrace. It's the perfect place to end your stay in Milan on a high note!

Where to eat?

Facing the canals, Osteria del Gnocco Fritto offers authentic cuisine in a family tavern setting. You'll find attentive service and home cooking where Italian flavours come to the fore. The house speciality is Gnocco Fritto, prepared according to the original recipe. A little cushion of fried dough that arrives at the table in a smoking wicker basket. Accompanied (or not) by a nice slice of ham, it's delicious!