For the majority of us, student living is defined by a single consistent factor: the student budget. But if your 2017 is already feeling pretty bleak, it’s probably time to rethink the maths… Student budget + fashion student = treat yaself 💁🏼.
Don’t worry, I’ve done the market research for you and put together the ultimate(ly cheap) guide to a long weekend break in Milan. Get your overdraft ready.
After you’ve found the cheapest flights on SkyScanner, head to Booking.com to get an amazing deal at 4* hotel Acca Palace. The staff are friendly, room service is insanely cheap, it’s 5 minutes from the metro and (most importantly) for 3 nights in a 4 person room it’s only around £70 each if you book at the last minute.
Day 1:
One of the pros to a weekend break in Milan is that it’s a relatively small city with heaps of fashion and culture around every corner. So, first thing’s first - get the metro straight to Duomo, the centre of Milan. Here you’ll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and home to the likes of Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace. I personally took this opportunity to try on a pair of Prada shoes that I’ve had my eyes on this season (if my boyfriend/friends/family are reading this, I’d like to make that an official hint). Cafés in the mall are surprisingly well priced, so take your pick - trying on new season Prada is always tiring.
Duomo Cathedral is one of the most well-known landmarks in Milan, and for good reason. The queue is long, but it does go quickly and it’s only €3 to get inside. The cathedral is a must-see so do not miss out! High street shops including Sephora, Bershka and other European favourites are dotted around the Duomo area to occupy you until evening. When you’ve finally hit exhaustion, the Maio Restaurant is calling your name. Think modern food, a generous selection of wine and panoramic views of the cathedral in a stunning rooftop restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace.
Day 2:
There are currently two fashion exhibitions running in Milan: Armani/Silos and Fondazione Prada. If you have time to visit both then do, but if you have to pick Armani/Silos certainly has the edge. The 4,500 square-metre space spread over four floors houses an inspiring selection of the fashion designer’s work from the 80s until today, divided into unique themes that celebrate the last 40 years of Armani style. The exhibition takes you through captivating editorials, classic artwork, hundreds of outfits, and finishes on a cinematic reel of every Armani advertising commercial to date.
Even lunch at the exhibition’s café was treated like a work of art - with everything Armani branded and beautifully presented, every detail felt special. Armani/Silos was a true highlight of Milan, and only €8.40 for students. After you’ve spent the day falling in love with Armani, it only seems fitting to spend the evening at the Armani Restaurant a short walk away. Whether your budget stretches as far as dinner, or even if only for a few cocktails in the Bamboo Bar, I recommend that you go.
Day 3:
After you checkout of the hotel in the morning, ready for your evening flight; make sure you take yourself back to the centre of Duomo for a last few hours strolling down Via Montenapoleone, one of the most important streets in the Milan fashion district. Boasting some of the world’s most renowned boutiques and possibly the most beautiful shop windows you will ever see. Highlights include Saint Laurent, Valentino and the countless branches of Dolce and Gabbana with their playful visual merchandising.
Arguably the home of high fashion, the district is an unmissable attraction for any fashion lover in Milan. And what a way to spend your last few hours here after undoubtably blowing your whole budget already?
P.S. Follow @wearingpetite on Instagram to keep up with me at London Fashion Week AW17, starting tomorrow!
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