They have an awesome art and antiques market here each last weekend of the month. There are…read moretreasures to be found and junk to be discovered. I obtained a wonderful antique Coccinelle purse for my wife, after using my best haggling skills, getting down to what I thought was a bargain price. Of course, it turned out to not actually be a true Coccinelle purse but it was and remains quite stylish. This Sunday, the 12th of April, there was an incredible marketplace of flowers, bulbs, cheeses and other sundries. The crowds were incredible since the weather was perfecto. Fueled by excellent Italian espresso, we explored and explored some more. I really don't think many tourists know about this place since every single soul is speaking fluently while I speak Italian with a terrible accent.

LOVE this antique market! I've been waiting FOREVER to go…read more It only happens once a month on the last Sunday. There are so many vendors so it will take you hours to see everything. I bought a lot of vintage earrings and I practically paid nothing. There are a bunch of vintage items from clothes to furniture. So worth your Sunday to check out the market all day.

I lament the changes in Brera. A decade or so ago Brera was an artistic neighborhood, centering…read morearound the wonderful Pinacoteca Art Museum. Authenticity was evident in the bars, restaurants, shops and cafes that filled the lovely neighborhood. Today, developers have turned Brera into an ersatz mall catering to tourists and the well heeled. There is nothing real or authentic about Brera, and sadly it has transformed into a Disneyesque version of itself, not unlike the Marais in Paris. Why urban developers in Europe feel the need to transform neighborhoods into something that may cause Americans to spend money is obvious. It's crash capitalism, and that avarice will eventually ruin all travel. Culture is inherently important to a country's identity. When you lose your identity, I don't know what's left. Have pride in what you are and don't try to emulate the worst of American culture. It's tacky.

Brera is an amazing neighborhood, housing the best design studios in Milan and therefore the world!…read moreIt's truly amazing to see the latest in fashion and interior design. Wander in to courtyards holding multiple design houses and you'll see incredible bathroom fixtures, lamps, furniture, and clothing. We love Milan and Brera is definitely one of the many reasons!

Luxury high end shopping bonanza is how I would describe the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. There…read moreare so many luxury brands here from Louis Vuitton, fendi, Gucci and of course Prada. It's a fashionista's playground and also a window shopper's potential maxed out credit card. Architecture here is absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing. Look for the Lucky Bull mosaic throughout the marble floors. It's actually a few feet away from Dior. What you do is place your right heel on the bull's testicals and spin around three times for good luck. I'm not certain that it would bring good luck, but it's worth a shot. Plus it's funny watching others do it whilst trying to keep their balance. I did it a few times and I couldn't stop laughing.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not only beautiful with high end shopping but it is much…read morelarger than I expected. I made way over to spinning the bull mosaic and there was a circle full of people just jumping in to spin the bull. It is best to visit the Galleria on a week day for the weekend is super crowded. I experienced both and I prefer the weekday 100%.

This is the best Vintage & Antique Market in Milan…read more Open just THE LAST SUNDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH on the banks of Naviglio Grande. From 7.00 to 14.00 Take the Underground Line 2 (the green one), the nearest station is Porta Genova, but is actually 15 minutes walking to the market, otherwise you can catch a tram somewhere, there are a lot that pass through that area. Or you can get bus 94, get down to Colonne di San Lorenzo (a very nice and alternative place, also at night), walk through Corso di Porta Ticinese, turn right after passing through the Porta Ticinese (it' s like a biiig oold arch), walk 2 minutes and you'll see the river Naviglio, that's where the market is! The precise place where the market starts is Via Valenza 16, but you can just get in it by the river Naviglio. You'll find a wonderful range of vintage things, from clothes to home decor, accessories, bags, typewriters, hats, jewels, boxes, advertising ecc. It's big and wonderful! ITA: Via Valenza 16, angolo Alzaglia Naviglio Grande (Porta Genova): arrivando dalla stazione di Porta Genova, proseguite ed entrare nel mercatino appena prima del ponte che scavalca il Naviglio.

I love this restaurant. I found this place by accident and tried their pizza. So fresh and yummy…read more Hope to go back to it next summer