Milan during Design Week is a sensory masterpiece… where the city comes alive in the most magnetic way. There’s an energy to the city that feels both electric and grounded. There’s a rhythm to it, the layers of heritage architecture, the quiet hum of espresso bars and the experimental forms nestled within palazzos.

A personal curation of Milan’s best, woven through the Merci Maison lens. A guide to Milan Design Week, the places I return to, the hidden gems I cherish, and the rituals that anchor me in a city built on beauty.

See my curation of our favourite places to stay, see, eat, and unwind…

The vibe of Milan during design week...

Magnetic. Everything feels heightened, the conversations, the creativity, the way people dress, even the air. There’s a beautiful tension between tradition and experimentation. Milan is already layered, textured, and elegant and during Design Week, it turns into a living, breathing exhibition.

The one place that never fails to inspire me...

Nilufar Depot A layered, cinematic space where design becomes emotion. It’s part gallery, part treasure trove, and deeply aligned with the Merci Maison philosophy: collectible, sculptural, timeless. 

If I have a free hour...

You’ll find me wandering the gardens of Villa Necchi Campiglio with a notebook and an espresso. It’s slow, serene, and architecturally divine. Just off the garden, there’s a mint-toned bar, the light filters through the glass ceiling, the bar glows and they serve the most perfect Aperol Spritz… the kind of quiet luxury Milan does so well.

Best-kept secret...

The best way to take it all in? On an e-bike. It’s the most efficient (and fun) way to get around… you’ll weave through traffic, uncover hidden courtyards, and quickly learn the rhythm of the city. Milan feels more intimate when you explore it at street level.

For an aperitivo with friends...

Bar Basso is a ritual. There’s always someone remarkable standing outside with a drink the size of their head, and it feels like every creative person in the city ends up there at some point. The Negroni Sbagliato is non-negotiable.

On my packing list...

Tailored separates, vintage denim, low heels, and a structured coat. And while it’s not chic, it is essential, a portable battery pack for those long, back-to-back days that turn into nights.

The Milanese way of living I wish I could bring home...

The pace. The way they pause. There’s a reverence for beauty in the everyday, a ceramic cup, a linen tablecloth, a handwritten note. It’s effortless and intentional all at once. And the way they move, walking or cycling with ease through flat, beautiful streets… feels so grounding.

Portrait Milano
A new favourite. Tucked behind ancient colonnades, this space feels both grand and intimate… polished stone, warm oak, and impeccable details at every turn. The courtyard alone is worth the stay.

Hotel Principe di Savoia
Old-world glamour, Milanese sophistication. This is where I stay when I want to lean into timeless elegance… rich textures, soaring ceilings, and that iconic Italian service you don’t forget.

LùBar
Housed within Villa Reale, this sun-drenched oasis is my go-to for brunch between appointments. It’s one of the few spots in Milan where you’ll find a more Western-style breakfast — eggs, avo, and the best coffee in the city if you’re craving something beyond pastries and espresso. 

Papermoon
Classic, chic, and reliably beautiful. Set just off Via Montenapoleone, this is a long-lunch favourite, perfect for people-watching, with elevated Milanese staples and a polished crowd.

Da Giacomo
Old-school Italian done just right. A timeless institution where the interiors are as rich as the risotto. Book for lunch or dinner and take your time, every detail is worth savouring.

Langosteria Bistrot
A more relaxed offshoot of its namesake, this spot offers all the Langosteria quality with a touch more ease. Think oysters, crudo, and a crisp glass of Franciacorta in a space that balances elegance with warmth.

Salone del Mobile
The heart of it all. This year, I’m particularly drawn to brands that embrace restraint — refined palettes, softened silhouettes, and unexpected materials.

Spazio Rossana Orlandi
A labyrinth of curiosity. In this lush courtyard and gallery space, design is layered, emotional, and surprising. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time… and that’s the point.

There’s no single way to experience Milan during Design Week and that’s the beauty of it. Every year is a completely new and rewarding experience. It’s a city that invites you to look slowly, walk often, and allow space for the unexpected. For me, it’s not about ticking every event or exhibition off a list (it’s impossible) but it’s about finding beauty in the rhythm of the city and letting that energy be a place of creative recalibration.