Milan Fashion Week kicks off February 21-28 to show off the most spectacular showcase of style on earth. Of course, the Sunday Edit wouldn’t miss the fun, so we’ll be working behind the scenes to make sure models’ skin is as gorgeous as the fashion. From offering private facials to prepping skin backstage at the runway shows, Sunday Riley is proud to be the official skincare partner of Milan Fashion Week.
Whether you’re planning to see the shows or just the city sights, we’ve got suggestions on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit to the iconic Italian capital of the North.
Where to Stay
Hotel Principe Savoia
One of the most storied hotels in the city, this landmark neoclassical hotel oozes Italian glamour. From beautiful Milanese-designed guest rooms to an array of suites (each more spectacular than the last), accommodations here will make you feel like you’re on the set of a Sofia Loren pic. Don’t miss the hotel’s bespoke experiences, from an evening learning about Italian wines with the sommelier to a thoughtful map of the best runs through the city.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia
Behind this hotel’s gorgeous belle epoque facade is a modern interior and destination spa featuring luxe Japanese bathing treatments and a golden Himalayan salt room. We love staying at the Excelsior because it’s so elegant and part of the Marriot Bonvoy family, which means you can use points (rather than just cash) to book, making it a win for your itinerary and your wallet.
Palazzo Parigi
The Palazzo offers guests a choice of two room styles, Milanese (more contemporary) and Parisian (more classic) — plus our favorite amenity — every guest room comes with a balcony or a terrace, and many have views of the Duomo. Owned and operated by an architect, the marble lobby here will make your jaw drop.
What to Do
Private Tour: Da Vinci’s Last Supper
If you have never been, or if it’s been a few years, plan to visit the most famous Milanese work of art, not walking a runway. Instead, hire an art historian to be your private guide as you view the Last Supper: Meet just outside the museum and then skip the line for your expert, up-close viewing of Da Vinci’s masterpiece.
QC Terme Spa
Located in the heart of the city, this one-of-a-kind spa surrounded by Spanish brick walls is an experience like no other. More than 30 treatments await you – everything from traditional massage to multi-sensory journeys (barefoot walks across varied surfaces to stimulate the bottom of your feet). Hours range from 8:30 a.m. on the weekends to 11 p.m. or even midnight, which means you’ll always be able to find a good time to self-care. Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fondazione Prada
After paying your respects to the venerable Last Supper, turn your attention to Milan’s artistic future. Fondazione Prada is a gin-distillery-turned-museum full of constantly rotating exhibitions of modern and avant-garde art. Also, don’t miss the art deco-inspired café, Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson. Open Mondays – Thursdays (closed Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where to Shop
Sephora Milano via Torino
Need a skincare restock while you sightsee? Pick up best-selling Sunday Riley products at Sephora Milano via Torino, where you’ll find a collection of glow-getters, including C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment, and C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Fun fact: The store’s website now also sells C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream! Open Mondays – Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gio Morretti
Act like a local and make a pilgrimage to the delightfully opulent racks at Gio Morretti – one of the best multi-brand luxury fashion and accessory shops in the city. You will always find something spectacularly original here, from must-have makers like Pucci and Versace to more surprising items like Louis Vuitton logo-emblazoned fire extinguishers. Open Mondays – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed between 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.).
10 Corso Como
Part art gallery, part bookstore, part café, part fashion boutique, 10 Corso Como is a dozen stores under one roof and, as such, completely defies categorization. First opened in 1990 by Carla Sozzani, sister of Vogue Italy Editor in Chief, this iconic shop is the perfect place to grab a thoughtful host gift or just to people-watch and soak up the Milanese cool. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bivio
Imagine pulling your consignment merchandise from the most fashionable closets on the planet, and you get a sense of the pre-loved treasures in store for you here. We especially love their accessories: The Milanese take shoes very seriously, and Bivio is a great place to add to your collection without going broke: We spotted a pair of perfect-condition 4-inch-high leather Missoni pumps for $90 on a recent visit. Here alone is almost worth a trip to Milan to stock up! Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where to Eat & Drink
Innocenti Evasioni
Located in an industrial section of northern Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in reinterpretations of classic Milanese recipes. With only 50 seats in the ancient farmhouse-turned restaurant, expect an intense focus on you and your meal as you choose between tasting menus and innovative a la carte offerings. We love the marinated trout with cocoa and, of course, the local star: mushroom risotto.
Paper Moon Giardino
Seating options vary here from al fresco tables in the garden to intimate banquets overlooking the restaurant’s vast wine collection and walls tiled with broody portraits. Don’t miss the signature Paper Moon Pappardelle, where homemade noodles take a bath in a creamy tomato sauce with rich bacon.
Ceresio 7
Enjoy the skyline view as you dine, seated at red lacquered tables alongside one of two pools in Ceresio 7’s somewhat modern, mid-century terrace setting. You’ll want to make reservations well in advance to enjoy culinary darling Chef Elio Sironi’s elegant menu featuring innovative pastas with decadent stars like lobster and truffles.
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