OCCUPATION: Communications manager for Lancôme
MY STYLE: Trendy but minimalist. For daytime, I wear dresses from Prada, Chloé, and Sandro, and for evening I prefer sexy dresses or trousers from Dolce and Gabbana. I never go out without pumps or sandals… At the park I’m the only mom pushing a baby buggy in high heels!
I LOVE MILAN BECAUSE: It’s not too big, and it’s very close to the mountains.
Smalto Beauty Lounge
This one-stop shop for a complete beauty overhaul is exactly what we need to rejuvinate. After every visit, we emerge with lacquered nails, glowing skin, bouncing, frizz-free locks, and a glowing make-up regimen to look forward to.
Bianco Latte
The décor throughout this cheery café is almost entirely white—just like its go-to ingredient, milk. Enjoy Bianco Latte’s delicious gelato, or sip on the frothiest, tastiest caffè lattes in town. Behind the main room, there’s also a small café that serves up delicious made-to-order sandwiches.
MoeBimbi
Each of the brightly hued, super-soft kids’ pullovers, overalls, jumpers, and socks at MoeBimbi is made from all-natural Italian cashmere and constructed by local artisans. Our kids love the soft, non-itchy cashmere almost as much as we love the fun, modern designs. In particular, the LaMoette bag has room for every baby necessity, complete with sturdy leather straps that adjust to fit on the front of a bicycle.
Leonardo
This patisserie and ice cream parlor is known for fantastic baked goods, including Ligurian-style focaccia. In addition to the gelato (made from all-natural ingredients), we also love the brioche, shortbread cookies, and strawberry cupcakes.
Planetario di Milano
The largest planetarium in Italy is dedicated to the study of astronomy, physics, earth sciences, and astronautics. There are fun hands-on activities for kids, and the main even is the giant projection of the night sky. We also recommend a stroll around the surrounding Giardini Indro Montanelli.
Castello Sforzesco
Among the largest citadels in Europe, this 14th century castello was once home to Milanese dukes, not to mention Spanish and French conquerors. Today, Castello Sforzesco houses several Lombardy-region art collections and museums. Find your way to the Sala delle Asse, where you can find a ceiling painting by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the castello’s few remaining original decorations.
Bice
This beloved Milan restaurant is as inviting and consistently delicious as it was when Beatric Ruggeri (nicknamed “Bice” by her friends), opened its doors in 1926. Under the management of Bice’s son Roberto and grandson Raffaele, the restaurant has grown into an international powerhouse. We can’t get enough of the risotto with asparagus and cotoletta alla Milanese, as paired with delicious white wines.
Giardini di Via Palestro
Perhaps better known as Giardini di Palestro, this romantic and heavily wooded park is the oldest in town. Within its maze of sculptures and trees, you’ll also find pony rides, trails for walking and biking, and a café for a mid-stroll snack. If that’s not enough, you can continue your walk through the gardens of the Villa Reale and Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna.
El Gaucho
This dark, romantic restaurant serves hearty and satisfying Argentinean cuisine with Italian accents. We’ll stop by El Gaucho midday to enjoy the large garden area—not to mention controfiletto and provolone alla griglia. If you wait until the evening, don’t be surprised to hear live tango music!