R&R
Recs & Regrets
Italy
Milan, Dolomites, Navigli

Italy Travel Guide

Italy captivated us with its effortless style, incredible food culture, and the perfect balance of history and modernity. Milan surprised us as a vibrant, liveable city with amazing aperitivo culture, while the country's passion for quality food and coffee was evident everywhere we went.

Top Highlights in Italy

Discovering Milan's incredible aperitivo culture in the Navigli district

Finding the best panini at Al'Antico Vinaio with massive queues for good reason

Exploring the stunning Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Enjoying authentic pasta and wine from the barrel at Testone

Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Navigli canals at sunset

Coffee culture perfection - macharo coffee overlooking the Duomo

Essential Travel Tips for Italy

Al'Antico Vinaio has the best panini - Straticela with pistachio cream and carpaccio

Aperitivo time 5-7pm - 13-17 euro gets you drinks and buffet food

LYR Milano bar in Navigli - great for aperol and cold beer

Testone for dinner - simple pastas and wine from the barrel, authentic atmosphere

24h metro pass is 7.60 euro - much better value than individual tickets

Ravizza 1871 for morning coffee - follow the locals for the best spots

Suggested Italy Itineraries

Milan City Break

2 Days

Day 1: Historic Center & Aperitivo

  • Morning: Coffee at Ravizza 1871 following locals, explore Duomo and Castello
  • Afternoon: Panini tour - Cesaro for 5€ aperols, Al'Antico Vinaio for best panini
  • Evening: Navigli for sunset - aperol and cold beer at LYR Milano bar

Day 2: Food & Culture

  • Morning: Macharo coffee overlooking Duomo (expensive but lovely!)
  • Afternoon: Try to return to Al'Antico Vinaio but line was HUGE
  • Evening: Dinner at Testone - simple pastas and wine from barrel, fab night