Milan, Italy — Venus Tong

After traveling over a week to rural parts of Italy, I was ready to ease my way back into the world. I spent my last 2 days in Milan and stayed in the arts district called “Brera”. The selling point to me was obviously, the location.

Brera is known to be the artistic heart of the city. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by it’s surreal atmosphere. The streets are lined with artisan workshops or stores selling canvases and paints alongside all the high end fashion stores. All the facades gave me a nostalgic feeling as if I was back in SoHo.

If you love Wes Anderson, Art and Museums, then you have to check out Bar Luce and Fondazione Prada - which are both conveniently connected to each other.

Bar Luce is designed by Wes Anderson, recreating the atmosphere of a typical Milanese cafe. I adore Wes Anderson movies, which made it an extra cool experience for me.

The location of this place was far away and situated on the outskirts of the city. At first I was a bit discouraged because of the location but I woke up early and decided to walk over there which took about an hour or so. It was that or $60 USD uber. As a New Yorker, I love to walk everywhere and it is the best way to see any city really.

There are definitely some mixed reviews on tripadvisor about this place but don’t let it hinder your decision. If you're not a huge fan of the arts or perhaps the art exhibition at the time didn’t impress you - the building itself is a piece of art. It’s a modern setting with a blend of old and new. I love arts and design, so this was both a win-win for me.

Milan is extremely walkable. If you are a big fan of high end shopping, I highly recommend making a stop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is one of Italy's oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark in Milan. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the center of town. The structure consists of glass vaulted arcades intersecting in an Octogan covering the street connecting the Duomo and Piazza della Scala.

Duomo di Milano Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy — Duomo di Milano
Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Last but not least, when in Milan you HAVE to go to the Duomo. The Duomo is by far one of the most impressive structures in Milan that you would ever see. It took about 6 centuries for it's completion. It has more statues in this cathedral than any other building in the world. You can opt to climb the stairs or take the lift to the rooftop to fully appreciate the architecture of the most renowned silhouette in the city. From the rooftop you will see breathtaking views across Milan. I purchased the fast track pass - the lift access was totally worth it.