Milan
While we had heard some mixed reviews about Milan, the city is filled with hidden gems, amazing shopping, delicious food and historic art. Fueling up on an aperitivo or some refreshing fruity sorbet after visiting a museum or looking around the shops was pure bliss. The Brera neighborhood is by far the best area to walk around in with its quirky boutiques and vintage stores, art galleries and bars and we would recommend staying there or checking out these hostels and boutique hotels: Combo Hostel, Milan Suite Hotel, and Boutique Hotel Martini 17. Don't miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper mural up close but make sure you book your visit far in advance. Overall, if you plan well, Milan offers an incredible mix of history and modern city living perfect for a short three day getaway.
Activities
Basilica of SantAmbrogio:
This gorgeous basilica is one of the oldest in Milan, older than the Duomo, and is a great alternative to the Duomo if you are wanting to avoid the massive lines and crowds. The Basilica of SantAmbrogio offers free entry and is filled with beautiful different rooms which have been there for centuries with even the archway being in the same place since 494 AD. This Basilica is close to the Piazza Santa Maria Delle Grazie which houses the Last Supper so you can knock these two activities out together.
Fondazione Prada:
This place is a must for art and fashion lovers alike. Owned by the iconic Prada brand, the Fondazione is a mix of modern and contemporary art installations spread across renovated industrial buildings. Highlights include the Atlas exhibition which is a trippy room filled with giant, upside-down red and white mushroom sculptures made by Carsten Höller that'll blow your mind as well as fascinating pieces from Jeff Koons as well. From quirky exhibits to cutting-edge fashion displays, you can easily spend an entire afternoon here getting your art and style fix. Tickets are just €12 for students, so it's a steal. Just be warned - you may leave with an urge to revamp your entire wardrobe in the name of art.
Appa Kappa:
This store which sells a variety of hand-made Italian brushes, toothbrushes and accessories is in the Brera neighborhood and is surrounded by a variety of other cute boutiques and yummy restaurants. They offer brushes which are made from boar bristles and almost exactly like the Mason Pearson brushes which sell for $180 except these brushes are 30 euros. They are beautifully made and you can have your name or initials engraved for just six extra euros and it only takes 10 more minutes. The way the sales representative described these brushes was that it is one of those items that you do not need until you try it, and then you cannot live without it. Before this, the neon pink Wet Brush was doing the job, but after purchasing this Appa Kappa brush there is no other way to brush hair anymore.
Matia’s Fashion Outlet:
If you are around the Duomo and Galeria and are in the shopping mood, stop by Matia’s. From the outside it looks not very appealing but the store offers amazing prices for high end brands like Missoni and MaxMara. We saw various Missoni dresses and shirts selling for 120 euros (when they would usually sell for 500 or more) and MaxMara clothing also selling for around 150 euros. The store offers great deals on designer stuff as they sell the clothes that did not sell from last season.
QC Terme Milano Spa :
If you are wanting to unwind and take an afternoon or evening to chill, then definitely come to QC Terme. It is about 70 euros for an entrance ticket which includes access to an array of different immersive rooms, pools and saunas as well as an aperitif upon arrival. The compound has an outdoor pool and then a number of different themed rooms. Our highlights of this experience was the red light room which allowed you to rest on a bed under red light beams which are supposed to be good for your skin and also the immersive pool room which had chairs in the middle and screens displaying different nature events such as a thunderstorm and the room itself would then transport you into that scene. They also have a number of treatments offered here but we think that they are not worth the price so we would recommend just getting the spa pass.
Reserve treatments or a spa pass here!
East Market Milano:
East Market Milano is a flea market that pops up every few weeks, and it's the perfect spot to buy, sell, or trade all kinds of commodities. You'll find vendors selling vintage clothes, antiques, modern streetwear, secondhand jewelry, sneakers, vinyl records, and all sorts of quirky knick knacks and old collections. Spend some time digging through the stalls for hidden treasures, and don't miss the Food Market for some dishes from around the world. Just make sure to check the hours and days it's open during your stay.
Restaurants
Osteria Da Fortunata:
Highly recommend going here although it may feel a tad touristy. It is very reasonably priced and everything is so good, but personally we would recommend getting the amatriciana and also the tiramisu which is massive and definitely can be split is the perfect way to end the meal. If you are going with friends or fam
Osteria Da Fortunata:
Highly recommend going here although it may feel a tad touristy. It is very reasonably priced and everything is so good, but personally we would recommend getting the amatriciana and also the tiramisu which is massive and definitely can be split is the perfect way to end the meal. If you are going with friends or family make sure to note that this restaurant does not split checks so if you are wanting to do so I would suggest bringing some cash. You can easily walk in here and be seated or maybe on a busy day there may be a little wait but no need for a reservation.
Menabrea:
This spot in the Brera neighborhood is perfect for a long, relaxing lunch outside or sitting inside for a more cozy atmosphere. Menabrea is a classic Italian restaurant and the meatballs, Margherita pizza, and burrata really remind you how yummy Italian food is.
Domò Sushi:
This restaurant offers such an exceptional yet affordable sushi experience. Domò Sushi delivers with its innovative rolls and dramatic tableside presentation. Ordering the Truffle Jo truly changed our palette and put us in a constant state of missing that dish. This modern Japanese restaurant has mastered the art of sushi, sho
Domò Sushi:
This restaurant offers such an exceptional yet affordable sushi experience. Domò Sushi delivers with its innovative rolls and dramatic tableside presentation. Ordering the Truffle Jo truly changed our palette and put us in a constant state of missing that dish. This modern Japanese restaurant has mastered the art of sushi, showcasing fresh ingredients in unique flavor combinations and garnishes. A lot of the dishes include the theatrical blow torch searing of certain rolls tableside, imparting a smoky essence and a good opportunity for photo taking. Despite the upscale creativity and ambiance, you can indulge in a multi-course meal without exceeding €30 for your food. I would be sure to make a reservation a bit in advance for your meal as it is a hot spot. With its focus on quality ingredients, inventive fusion flavors, and interactive dining experience, Domò offers a sophisticated yet accessible taste of Milan's thriving sushi scene and is one of our favorite restaurants in the world.
Dahlias:
This popular spot for an aperitivo in the afternoon is perfect for student travelers as the place is crawling with Bocconi students. The Hugo Spritz is a personal favorite, perfect with a side of potato chips if you are wanting just a quick bite and drink.
Chihuahua Tacos:
This Mexican food joint was a pleasant surprise by offering authentic Mexican cuisine. Ordering the quesadilla barrio chino which and the tacos carnita which included pork leg, red sauce, coriander, radishes and pickled chile jalapeñoswere both great together. It was also very affordable as the meal was about 20 euros for
Chihuahua Tacos:
This Mexican food joint was a pleasant surprise by offering authentic Mexican cuisine. Ordering the quesadilla barrio chino which and the tacos carnita which included pork leg, red sauce, coriander, radishes and pickled chile jalapeñoswere both great together. It was also very affordable as the meal was about 20 euros for one person which included two entrees and two drinks. This restaurant is also across the street from Gelateria La Romana, a popular gelato and crepe spot so if you are up for some dessert after stopping by there is a treat, although you will probably have to wait in a short line.
Il Solferino:
This well-established renowned restaurant which has been running since 1909 offers traditional Milanese dishes. Il Solferino boasts a very nice atmosphere and the food is made from locally sourced, organic, and high-quality ingredients. A highlight of the menu is the Ossobuco of veal with risotto Milanese style. While we would not consider this menu the most affordable option, it is a great place if you are wanting to experience true Milanese cuisine and ambiance.
Osteria Serafina:
Prepare to be wowed at this stunning Italian restaurant that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The beautifully designed interior with its warm lighting and cozy decor provides the perfect backdrop for photos of Osteria Serafina's artfully plated dishes. From the black truffle pasta prepared tabl
Osteria Serafina:
Prepare to be wowed at this stunning Italian restaurant that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The beautifully designed interior with its warm lighting and cozy decor provides the perfect backdrop for photos of Osteria Serafina's artfully plated dishes. From the black truffle pasta prepared tableside in a cheese wheel to the delicate carpaccio albese, each item on the menu has great flavor and presentation. Reservations here are required so plan your meal ahead, and I would recommend eating dinner here over lunch. Admittedly, the prices lean toward the higher end, but the quality of ingredients, immaculate preparation, and enchanting ambiance make Osteria Serafina worth the splurge for a truly memorable Italian meal in Milan.
Nightlife
Terazza Duomo 21:
This rooftop nightclub and bar overlooking the Duomo cathedral at night is ideal for students visiting Milan. Grab an Aperol Spritz and soak in the scenery, or go hard until the 4:00 am close with music from guest DJs. Mondays and Thursdays are the best and most popular nights to go on. Just be prepared for a late night but, no regrets when you're making memories in one of Europe's coolest spots while also looking over Milan’s most visited site.
Gate Nightclub:
If you are not wanting to take your chances on getting into Volt, Gate Nightclub, which is a little bit out of the city center offers a big venue and a great time. We went here for an event and saw the DJ who made the song Gorah (one of my favorites). It had an array of different places to dance and hang out but was generally in one big, open space. If you are considering going here, we would recommend making sure it is a good night to go or that a fun DJ is playing.
Bar Basso:
This Milan bar is a must-visit for cocktail connoisseurs. Why? Because it's the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, an accidental but delightful twist on the classic Negroni. Now, you can belly up to the wood-paneled bar and order the original "mistaken" Negroni while soaking in the timeless Italian aperitivo vibes. Snag a few cicchetti (Italian tapas) to share and make an evening of sipping and people-watching at this lively local bar.
Sicily : Taormina and Giardini Naxos
Taormina and Giardini Naxos
This was undoubtedly the best trip during my time at St Andrews. Sicily is a breathtakingly beautiful place, and if you choose the right spots, it can also be quite affordable. We stayed in Giardini Naxos, a charming local town situated directly on the water, but we ventured to Taormina (the filming location for Season 2 of White Lotus) almost every day, which was just a 10-minute drive or an hour-and-a-half walk away.
While Giardini Naxos offered a local, coastal vibe, Taormina perched atop a hill, overlooking the beaches below and bustling with far more crowds. Nevertheless, Taormina exuded an undeniable charm, boasting a variety of beaches at its base. Because of this unique dynamic, we believe Giardini Naxos was the ideal and most cost-effective option for accommodation, allowing us to explore the nearby towns with ease.
Every restaurant we visited was an absolute delight, convincing us that you'd be hard-pressed to find a disappointing meal in this region. Even the cannolis from a street vendor were amazingly delicious. If you're planning a visit, I'd highly recommend going in late April or early May to avoid the peak crowds while still basking in the warm weather. We spent five days there, which proved to be the perfect amount of time to soak up the sun in both Giardini Naxos and Taormina, as well as explore another town, Siracusa. Depending on your preferences, this destination could be an ideal choice for a short, beautiful weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.
Activities
Lido La Pigna Beach Club:
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Taormina, this beach club offers a luxurious and relaxing seaside experience at remarkably affordable prices. During our stay, Lido La Pigna charged a mere 20 euros for a chair rental for the entire day, making it an ideal spot for students on a budget – in fact, we encountered a few other groups of study abroad students there. Lido La Pigna also offered chairside service, allowing us to indulge in around six euro pizzas and refreshing drinks without ever leaving our sun-soaked spot.
Isola Bella:
Just off the coast of Taormina, Isola Bella is a serene and beautiful small island which can be accessed by a narrow strip of pebbly beach. The beach near Isola Bella is free to swim, sunbathe or hang out in so if you are not wanting to pay to go to Lido La Pigna, this is another pristine option, the only downside is that it is filled with small rocks instead of sand. To explore the island of Isola Bella which has a rich history, you have to get tickets for 5 euros and while that was definitely a highlight, it is not a necessity to buy the tickets.
Boat Tour:
Booking a boat tour to explore the coastlines of Giardini Naxos and Taormina is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. Contrary to what one might expect, this activity can also be very affordable, as companies like Sicily Active offer affordable options, with boat tours priced as low as 25 euros per person. Our two-hour tour provided a glimpse of the region's major coastal sites, including the Blue Grotto which are caves that allow sunlight to filter through the seawater below, creating a mesmerizing, illuminated effect within the caverns. We also visited the breathtaking Isola Bella nature preserve. Halfway through our boat ride, we were treated to a delightful spread of snacks, including almond pastes and refreshing prosecco, adding to the overall indulgent experience. For those seeking a more spontaneous adventure, there are also locals on the beaches of Taormina who offer similar tours at comparable prices, provided you're willing to negotiate. So, whether you upt for a pre-arranged tour or a more spontaneous excursion, a boat ride along the Sicilian coastline is a must-do.
Book a boat tour through Sicily Active here!
Restaurants
Meals
When it comes to ensuring a delicious meal in Taormina, I highly recommend Gambero Rosso Taormina dal 1949, especially their spaghetti alla vongole or bolognese – both were simply divine. Another spot is Trattoria Tutti Cca, where their spaghetti alla norma was so good that almost our entire table ordered it.
In Giardini Naxos, Pura Vida is a fantastic option for fresh seafood and sushi, but truthfully, any of the restaurants along the water looked incredibly appetizing. For breakfast, we suggest grabbing a coffee and some fresh fruit from any of the local vendors – it's the perfect way to start your day.
Aperitivo
If you're in the mood for an aperitivo, both Case Matta and Re Di Bastoni are fantastic choices, each offering a distinct vibe. Re Di Bastoni is conveniently located on Taormina's bustling main strip, making it a lively and vibrant spot to people-watch. In contrast, Case Matta is tucked away on a quieter side street, providing a more picturesque and serene atmosphere. One notable advantage of Case Matta's location is its proximity to the San Domenico Hotel, where the second season of White Lotus was filmed. After your aperitivo, you can easily swing by and catch a glimpse of the hotel's stunning setting (although I wouldn't recommend dining or staying there unless you're prepared for extravagant prices). Overall, whether you're in the mood for a lively scene or a tranquil escape, these two aperitivo spots have got you covered.
Day Trip Idea: Siracusa
Siracusa
Siracusa, a beautifully preserved city, is the perfect destination for a day trip, as it's just a 2-hour train ride away from the Taormina train station, making the journey incredibly convenient and stress-free. When we visited, the train fare was a mere eleven euros, adding to the affordability of the excursion.
In Siracusa, I would highly recommend exploring Isola di Ortigia, a small island at the city's tip, which is undoubtedly the most historical and picturesque part of the area. Siracusa is adorned with stunning white buildings, and doing a day trip to this city was the highlight of our time in Sicily. If you're in the mood for a refreshing swim along this coast, I'd suggest visiting Calarossa Beach or the Forte Vigliena swimming area, both of which offer beautiful, uncrowded, and free access to the water.
For those seeking a cultural activity, consider visiting the Maniace Castle. We purchased tickets to explore the castle ruins for just five euros, and there's an abundance of history to uncover, as these ancient structures have stood for eight centuries. If you're in the mood for some shopping, Laghetti Oritiga offers a diverse selection of unique and artsy options, including clothes, sunglasses, bathing suits, and journals. Additionally, Circo Fortuna is a charming boutique where the owner, an absolute angel, designs and hand-paints all the crafts and clothing sold.
If you are wanting a meal, all the restaurants along the water looked delicious and reasonably priced. We had a fantastic meal of fresh seafood pasta at Ristorante Arrìcriati, but La Foglia also seemed like a delightful spot for a bite. For a lively aperitivo experience, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Mikatu, which is also situated along the water. The service was prompt and friendly, and they served us tasty snacks alongside our drinks. We would highly recommend any of these establishments if you find yourself in Siracusa.