A Month in Milan

Exploring Italy's Fashion and Food Capital

Milan, the bustling heart of Italy’s fashion scene, is more than its glitzy runways and designer boutiques. It’s a city that blends history with modernity and offers endless opportunities for exploration. Spending a month in Milan as a digital nomad gave me not just a taste of Italian culture but a deeper glimpse into the rhythm of local life. Here’s what my month-long stay looked like—and why Milan might just be the perfect temporary home for travel enthusiasts like you.

Arriving in Style

Day one was all about settling in. My cozy apartment, a great find on Airbnb, was everything I needed and more. With a cute balcony overlooking a quiet grassy yard, a Nespresso machine at the ready, and a sweet host who showed me every last detail, I quickly felt at home. My morning caffe on the sun-kissed balcony set the tone for the adventure ahead.

My first foray into the city involved everything from gelato runs to figuring out Italian dental appointments (long story short—an unexpected crown issue from the week prior). Wandering through local neighborhoods, I soon found that transportation, with the metro as my closest ally, made navigating Milan incredibly simple.

Food, Food, and… More Food

You cannot talk about Milan without gushing over the food. Each morning started with rich cappuccinos and fresh pastries—pistachio cornetti became a personal favorite. I embraced shopping at local markets like Lidl, where I found all the ingredients for an incredible garlicky white bean and greens dish that became my go-to for a comforting, homemade meal that first week. 

The evenings were about indulgence. I explored Neapolitan pizza, bold red wines, creamy gelato in new flavors, and hearty plates of risotto alla Milanese—a dish so rooted in the city’s identity that it felt like exploring culture bite by bite.

One of my favorite meals? Eggplant parmigiana and octopus Luciana at a neighborhood spot recommended by my host. Aperitivo culture became one of my favorite parts of Milan. The tradition of drinks accompanied by enough food to count as dinner reminded me of happy hours in my younger years, only better! 

Exploring Milan’s Hidden Gems

Between meals, there were plenty of opportunities to soak up Milan’s culture and history. My wanderings brought me through neighborhoods like Isola, where charming streets gave way to vibrant street art of painted fish, and Brera, home to trendy boutiques and a peaceful botanical garden.

One especially poignant moment was wearing a treasured family scarf. This scarf, brought back from Milan in 1950 by my mother’s grandmother, carried the memories of generations. With every step, I felt connected to my family's story—one I hope to share with my nieces someday when they visit Italy.

Navigli, home to canal-side cafes and the bustling vintage markets, was a favorite weekend destination. One Sunday afternoon saw me strolling through stalls, sipping on a spritz, and taking in the energy of locals and tourists alike.

Milan isn't just about the glamor—it’s also about the everyday charm. From enjoying pistachio affogato at a quiet café to walking across a pedestrian bridge into a bustling neighborhood like Bicocca, Milan’s layers unfold slowly and delightfully.

Challenges of Digital Nomad Life

Life as a digital nomad isn’t without its hiccups, even in a city like Milan. For example, frequent mobile data outages prompted unexpected detours to cafes (their free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver). Yet challenges like these became opportunities to adapt and discover new local spots—including the quirkiest places to get a macchiato.

The afternoons often grew quiet while I worked from my charming apartment. Most of my friends, clients, and family back home were asleep while Milan bustled on. But those quiet mornings allowed me the chance to savor the slower pace, whether by watching the world go by or experimenting with my culinary skills, like making risotto for the first time. 

*Support my blog and adventures. If you choose to purchase an experience from the links below or within the article, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Connecting Through Food and Culture

Making connections abroad can seem difficult, but Milan’s inviting culture made it easier than expected. Whether it was striking up conversations with locals over an aperitivo or meeting strangers at dinner through apps like Time Left, new friendships added richness to the experience. A heartfelt chat over spritzes could spark connections that felt familiar, no matter how different our backgrounds.

On one memorable evening, I met a lovely couple from Dubai (by way of Switzerland and Taiwan) at a restaurant. They not only helped me order but also introduced me to some of their own cultural insights—and of course, delicious food.

The Lasting Impressions of Milan

During my stay in Milan, I learned that this city is a masterclass in balance. It seamlessly weaves fast-paced modernity with ancient tradition and offers countless moments of magic in everyday life.

Whether you’re taking in the picturesque sunset from a footbridge, enjoying an intimate dinner, or hunting for a piece of history in city-center piazzas, Milan has hidden treasures waiting for every explorer.

If you’re considering a month-long stay in Milan, my advice is simple—do it! Invest in sturdy walking shoes, prepare to indulge daily in gelato, and don’t hold back from letting the city work its charm on you.

Milan isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. And for travel enthusiasts, digital nomads, and lovers of all things Italian, you couldn’t dream up a better destination to spend a few weeks (or more).

Interested in Seeing Milan? 

Pack your bags, grab an umbrella (just in case), and make your own adventure. Milan is calling. You simply have to answer.

My European Summer continues with 4 weeks of Exploring Bratislava.