Hello all. As this term comes to a close, I have done a lot of reflecting on my time in Milan. Before arriving, I obsessively stalked the blogs online to learn as much as I could about the city I’d spend the next four months in. For anyone who is now in the same position, here is my master list of recommendations. I’ve also included the addresses for all of the specific places that I mention, so you’re welcome. I hope this is useful to future students at IES Abroad Milan, and that you make the most of your time there. It will fly by before you know it.
Resturants, cafes, gelatarias and more!
- Bar Silva: Via Guglielmo Silva, 29, 20149 Milano MI, Italy
- This place was recommended to me by a friend who did this program last year, and it is adorable. It’s right by the IES Abroad center too.
- Pasta d’Autore: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 16, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- This is an adorable restaurant where you can customize your pasta shape and sauce! They also make it right in front of you, which is super cool. It’s a great place to take friends or family who are visiting. Little tip, you HAVE to get the tiramisu. It’s one of my favorites from my time in Italy.
- Chocolat: Via Giovanni Boccaccio, 9, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- THIS IS THE BEST GELATO IN MILAN. Sorry, but that deserved to be in all caps. Without a doubt, this is my favorite place in Milan for gelato. A must-try.
- Assaje: There are several locations around the city, but the one we went to was Largo la Foppa, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Great pizza! Super fun staff at this location.
- Hygge: Via Giuseppe Sapeto, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- There aren’t a lot of places that serve breakfast food in Milan, but this is one of my favorites. Great energy, and the food is amazing.
- Pan Milano: Via Leopoldo Cicognara, 19, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
- A cafe that serves brunch (but only after 11:30am), and has one of the best matchas in the city!
- oTTo: Via Paolo Sarpi, 8, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
- A cafe that doubles as a co-working space on weekdays (not including between the hours of 12-2 pm). It’s ADORABLE in here, and only a few metro stops away from the IES Abroad center.
- Vosemose bene: Via della Moscova, 25, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- A restaurant that became a favorite of ours really quickly! It’s super affordable, and everything they have is insane. I recommend the calf’s tails pasta!
- Osteria del Gnocco Fritto: Via Pasquale Paoli, 2, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- An adorable restaurant nestled in Navigli, this place is known for its bread, which is similar to beignets in texture, but they’re not sweet. This place also serves food family-style.
- Oakberry Acai: Via Caradosso, 19, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- I developed a love for acai bowls recently, and this is one of the only places in Milan that made them. Lucky for us, they’re amazing here. My friend Lucy and I are obsessed with this place.
Best Spots for Nightlife:
- Vice Cocktail and Wine Bar: Corso di Porta Romana, 123, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
- Madison (My favorite place for aperitivo!): V.le Sabotino, 12, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
- Any of the little bars along the canal in Navigli, but Momos is a favorite: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 23, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Alcatraz (a super popular club): Via Valtellina, 25, 20159 Milano MI, Italy
- Next is GREAT for happy hour, super cheap drinks, and the menu is endless! If you live in Aparto Ripamonti, this is close by. Address is Via Crema, 7, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
Instagram accounts to follow
- @Internationalweek
- An account that plans and organizes which clubs/bars college students in Milan go to. If you want to branch out and meet people who aren’t from IES Abroad, try going to the places this account recommends! They usually also have deals for tickets, and they’re really affordable.
- @daysofmilan
- This is a MUST follow. This account saves lives, it has everything you need to know and more. She posts monthly events, recommendations, markets, and more.
- @themilantimes
- An account that specializes in recommendations that are “beyond the tourist map”. Really helpful during fashion week and design week!
- @oh_milan
- Another account with recommendations for restaurants and events
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Lyla Anderson
Hi, I’m Lyla! I’m a student at Connecticut College, where I study Government, English, and Italian Studies. Beyond being an avid reader, I love adventuring, petting dogs, and meeting new people :)
