Live like a local in Milano

Some secrets you better not tell. But this secret is worth sharing! When I travel, I prefer booking a private room on AIRBNB. It is so much more inspiring, comfortable and personal than staying in a boring, way to expensive hotel.

Last moth I visited the design fair Salone di Mobile in Milano. This year I stayed at Gloria Formenti ’s place. Gloria has a beautiful apartment between Sant’Ambrogio and San Lorenzo. Just 10 minutes by Mibike (shared public bikes) to the Dome, Spazio Rosanna Orlandi and MOST. The rooms where stylish, comfy and the bathroom with rainshower was amazing.

My host Gloria, was a really nice Italian lady, working in communication. Before Gloria worked at Gucci and Dior, but she left the fashion companies cause she actually wanted to life a more balanced and creative life. Now she works in digital pr and social marketing and is thinking about her own company. Check her blog about the beautiful and precious things in life http://chicandquick.tumblr.com. Lovely pictures and photography!

Although she still had a pretty busy schedule, Gloria was really helpful in finding the local and creative spots in the city. She even invited me for a dinner together with some friends in a fancy restaurant in Zona Tortona. That’s what I love about Airbnb. You meet the locals, and life the local life for a little while.

I adapted the local italian habits. Every morning I had the Italian breakfast on my way out, standing at the bar drinking my ‘capucio’ and a delicious brioche with floating chocolate. On the way back home I could not resist the amazing Gelato with a cone with inside …the floating chocolate. If you love coffee, chocolate or ice cream… don’t stay in this place. You will definitely get addicted like me! But if you can resist … and you are looking for a lovely apartment in Milano, check: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/968660

Some people love the fast and fashionable Milano. Some people hate it. Milano does not have the overwhelming architecture as Rome of Florence. Last year I experienced that Milano is a ‘hidden city’. You have to know your way and looking behind the ‘fast’ and sometimes ‘fake’ façade. If you meet the locals, you see the city from another point of view and experience the true spirit of the city. This year again I discovered a lot of good food, creative hotspots and beautiful design!

Photography & Text: Helene Vogelaar