TMD's Guide to Milan
The long awaited, finally here.
While I have absolutely loved fostering interest and love around vintage these last few years, an unexpected joy I have had the pleasure of sharing with the TMD community is my love for travel. I receive questions every single time I travel and absolutely LOVE sharing all the finds and places that make our brains buzz. Thus, I thought it was finally time to share my guide to Milano!
This past September, I had the pleasure of visiting Milan for the first time with Avani Hotels- the experience was nothing short of a dream. Everyone in my life said I would hate Milan but I knew I would love it. Out of the many incredible Italian cities, Milan is known for its shopping, fashion, and attention to detail- what’s NOT to love. Little did I know, Avani would make it one of the most special trips I have ever been on.
As I received SO many questions on my guide to Milano, enjoy a bit of the vintage magic I was able to experience and Milan spots (and matchbooks) I loved as well.
To Stay: Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan
The Avani hotel is very centrally located within Milan. For those looking for an affordable, dependent, and chic option to stay, Avani is it. The hotel is in what used to be the Moschino Hotel and originally the building itself was Milan’s first train station. The hotel prides itself on its eco-friendly efforts and deep care of its guests. The team who I had the pleasure of working with has deep relationships set up with some of the best hidden treasures of Milan. That’s the beauty of Italy- relationships are deep and important to its people…which you feel deeply with the Avani hotel team. Beyond a great stay, because of the hotel’s amazing relationships they offer some of the best tours of Milan - including the vintage shopping experience we all were obsessed with. For the experiences alone, I’d choose Avani over many of the other excellent places to stay in Milan- but that’s just me.
To Shop:
The Vintage:
Ok arguably the part everyone wants to know. Obviously Milan is known for its luxury shopping but what probably is most interesting to all of us is the vintage side. For anyone who is planning on going and interested in vintage, I would HIGHLY recommend booking a tour with Sarah Zarillo either through Avani Hotels or directly here. I have single handedly never received more texts and DM’s than on my vintage shopping tour of Milano- the tour was one of the most special experience I have ever witnessed. Sarah has deep relationships set up with each and every shop owner- including a father and son duo who have vintage shops next door to each other. Not only are you supporting the local economy and an amazing female entrepreneur, this tour is so thoughtfully planned out and having that personal touch and someone who knows all the in’s and outs makes the world of a difference. Not to mention you do also get a discount at many of the stores if you book with Sara. Sharing a few of my favorite stops down below…with a few pieces from this experience in our next fall drop!!
The Contemporary:
Clearly Milan is one of the best cities in Europe for contemporary shopping- and the reputation does not disappoint. I was most drawn to the things I love most (PJ’s and small chic objects) versus contemporary luxury shopping, but regardless on both ends there was amazing inspo. Here’s my full shopping list:
Officine Buly
Acca Cappa
Santa Maria Novella (although its no different than any other store in the US or Europe)
Miu Miu
Prada
Telerie Spadari (great sleepwear similar to Schostal)
Casa Del Biano (shoes)
Mazzolari Milano - one of my favorites hands down. Its essentially a department store of the best European beauty…I could spend hours there.
Pettinaroli for a chic home good
Matches:
One of my absolute favorite ways to see a city is via a matchbook guide. Not only do you get a free chic souvenir, you also get to experience great places! I leave every city with matches…if this is you too Milan is an AMAZING matchbook city. I’ll share my favorites down below:
Armani Cafe
Marchesi Cafe
Ralph Lauren Restaurant
Langosteria - known for their fish
Bar Basso- one of the most famous bars in Milan. Huge drinks + olives + matches = perfect
Bvlgari Hotel / Cafe
Casa Fiori Chiari to eat
Rumore Bar
Portrait Bar
Giacomo Restaurant
Here for all of your Milano questions- I hope you loved this guide!!
X Julia
Thank you so much for the secs, i appreciate you! 🫶🏼🌀🤎
How do you get the matches? I’ve been to most of these places but haven’t seen any? Do you smoke? Do you have to ask to get them? How does it work?