The "I Know a Local" Guide to Milan, Italy

From an Italian resident and a frequent visitor.

Whenever someone asks me about my family, I get excited for the moment I can casually say, “Oh, my sister actually lives in Italy”. Even though I can take zero credit for her accomplishment, bragging about my adventurous younger sister makes me feel cool by association.

I love visiting Isabella in Milan. Her loft apartment is adorable and homey, her restaurant picks are delicious neighborhood favorites, and her shopping spots force me to tap my credit card again and again.

If you’re planning a trip to Milan, you’re in luck! I sat down with Isabella and compiled her “best of” list. Based on my own perception, Isabella loves places that are locally owned, reasonably priced, and cute without being overly trendy.

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A Convo with Isabella

O: How long have you lived in Milan and what brought you there?

I: I moved to Prague three and a half years ago to get my MBA and when graduation rolled around I wasn’t ready to leave Europe! I started applying for jobs across Europe and eventually received a great opportunity at Dyson, which was based in Germany. Germany wasn’t my first choice because of the weather, so I asked if I could be based elsewhere and Dyson placed me at the Milan office! Milan was not on my radar at all…it’s crazy how asking one question can change the whole trajectory of your life. A year and a half later I can say I’m very happy that I asked.

*something important to note is that Isabella did not have to go through the Italian work visa process because she has a German passport.

O: What's something that surprised you about living in Milan?

I: So many things, but I’ll give you the big ones:

• Effortless beauty & Milanese style: everyone is understated, classy and always put together

• The bureaucracy, pollution, and lack of green space are challenging

• Low salaries

• How important it is to speak Italian

  

  Isabella in her Milan apartment.

O: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to move to Milan?

I: Start learning Italian ASAP, don’t wait until you get to Italy. It will make your life so much easier and is a massive part of the culture that you don’t want to miss out on.

If you really want to do something, you will make it happen. It takes immense effort to find a job, sort out the paperwork, learn a language, and build a new life. However, being on the other side of it, I can assure you it's worth it, as I have gained the confidence that I can do anything!

You have to give this city time. I wasn’t obsessed when I moved here, but I have slowly found so many hidden gems, kind people, and a wonderful routine that makes me feel like I’ve created a life for myself here.

O: What does a typical day look like for you?

I: I usually wake up at 8:00 am and am at the office by 9:00 am. We always have a one hour lunch break from 1-2 pm. We don’t schedule meetings during this hour and we definitely don’t eat at our desks! When work finishes around 6:00 pm I either head to the gym, my Italian lessons, or aperitivo with friends. I always FaceTime the people I love before bed and then get a good night’s sleep to do it again the next day!

O: How have you made friends?

I: Almost entirely through social media! Bumble BFF, Instagram, and to be honest, people commenting on Olivia’s TikToks!

O: Name one thing that is overrated and one thing that is underrated about Milan.

Overrated: Milan Fashion Week…

Underrated: The wine bar scene

O: What is the best day trip to take from Milan?

I: This is so hard, because they are all great. My top three are:

1. Ski train to the Alps (two hours away with lift ticket and transportation included)

2. Beach day in Santa Margherita

3. Lake day in Como at a beach club

O: I have to add one! I love taking the train to Verona for a day. The city is so beautiful and historical, it’s a quick train ride, and there’s amazing vintage shopping!

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Favorites

A mix of these spots will create the best few days in Milan! Most of these are within walking distance of each other—and if they aren’t, a 10 minute metro or tram ride will get you there with ease!

The designer stores in Milan are amazing (especially if you’re shopping Italian designers). Take a walk down Via Montenapoleone and browse a whole street of designer flagship stores—don’t forget to bring your passport to get tax back if you buy anything.

The stores, restaurants, and cafes below are less obvious and that’s what makes them the best!