Local Insight: Milan’s Navigli district, famous for its aperitivo culture and canals, was originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. His ingenious lock system transformed the city into a vital trade hub, and today, its banks are lined with the vibrant bars and trattorias that define Milanese social life.

The Brera district isn’t just pretty streets—it’s Milan’s historic artistic soul. Since the 1776 founding of the Brera Academy, it’s been a magnet for painters, writers, and bohemians. Today, that creative energy lives on in its independent galleries, vintage bookshops, and the constant hum of aperitivo chatter from its countless bacari (small wine bars).

When tasting Barolo in Piedmont, locals look for “tar and roses” in the aroma—a unique scent profile combining earthy, smoky notes with a delicate floral fragrance. This characteristic is a hallmark of the Nebbiolo grape grown in the region’s specific clay-limestone soil, known as “terra bianca” (white earth).

Milan’s true magic is found in its living traditions, not just its monuments. It’s in the rhythmic kneading of pasta dough in a local’s kitchen, the shared laughter over a glass of wine in a hidden bacaro, and the stories passed down through generations. These experiences don’t just show you Milan—they let you live it, even if just for a day.