A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Milan
Italy's fashion and party capital is a vibrant whirl of elegant locals and fabulous restaurants. So, we thought, who better to do it justice than fashion journalist Fleur Britten. With contacts aplenty and a genuine love of the Italian dolce vita she vetted every decent venue in Milan for style and staying-power.
'Does Milan have more to offer than the 'Last Supper' and La Scala?', I hear you ask
Splash out on world-class shopping in the quadrilatero d'oro (fashion's square mile and the equivalent of five Bond Streets); luxuriate in fashion designer spas; join the sophisticated Milanese for aperitivo (a city-wide ritual of 'happy food' at happy hour) while deliberating on dinner options of endless chic fashion/friendly famiglia restaurants; then dance it off in the company of international models and footballers in Milan's hi-energy club scene.
How long do I stay?
A weekend is plenty of time to absorb Milan's charms. Aesthetically it's an eclectic city with a heavy industrial influence, so you'll spend less time pottering than you would in other Italian cities - that said there are some charming areas to be sought out in Navigli and the Centro. Milan is one big catwalk show, so most visitors spend some time worshipping at the temple of Italian fashion before trying out the smart bars, swanky restaurants and glamorous clubs.
When should I go?
Spring and autumn are the nicest times to visit Milan. The city swelters in summer and most of the residents head off on holiday during August, leaving many restaurants, shops and bars closed. But a visit in summer or winter brings other rewards - many clubs and bars decamp to pleasant out of town summer venues and you can always nip to Lake Como if the heat get too much. In winter, many Milanese head out of town for a weekend skiing - there are some excellent slopes just an hour away.
Where should I stay?
* Some great outfits - the Milanese take fashion very seriously
* For him - an expression of glum resignation and perhaps a book
* Hg2 Milan, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
'Does Milan have more to offer than the 'Last Supper' and La Scala?', I hear you ask
Splash out on world-class shopping in the quadrilatero d'oro (fashion's square mile and the equivalent of five Bond Streets); luxuriate in fashion designer spas; join the sophisticated Milanese for aperitivo (a city-wide ritual of 'happy food' at happy hour) while deliberating on dinner options of endless chic fashion/friendly famiglia restaurants; then dance it off in the company of international models and footballers in Milan's hi-energy club scene.
How long do I stay?
A weekend is plenty of time to absorb Milan's charms. Aesthetically it's an eclectic city with a heavy industrial influence, so you'll spend less time pottering than you would in other Italian cities - that said there are some charming areas to be sought out in Navigli and the Centro. Milan is one big catwalk show, so most visitors spend some time worshipping at the temple of Italian fashion before trying out the smart bars, swanky restaurants and glamorous clubs.
When should I go?
Spring and autumn are the nicest times to visit Milan. The city swelters in summer and most of the residents head off on holiday during August, leaving many restaurants, shops and bars closed. But a visit in summer or winter brings other rewards - many clubs and bars decamp to pleasant out of town summer venues and you can always nip to Lake Como if the heat get too much. In winter, many Milanese head out of town for a weekend skiing - there are some excellent slopes just an hour away.
Where should I stay?
Traditionally the preserve of grand-dame classics like the Grand Hotel et de Milan and the Principe di Savoia, an abundance of 'haute hotels' have sprung up all over Milan in recent years, the über-luxe Bulgari Hotel, and the Park Hyatt Milano following in the stylish footsteps of erstwhile numero uno The Four Seasons. Also highly styled are high fashion hotels the Gray and Hotel Straf and newcomer Townhouse Galleria. Alternatively, try the charmingly homely antica locande (boutique-style B&Bs) around the centro. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do we need to take?
* Credit cards - lots of them* Some great outfits - the Milanese take fashion very seriously
* For him - an expression of glum resignation and perhaps a book
* Hg2 Milan, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
