Why you should plan a winter escape to this European hub of fashion and art
The year is well and truly flying by and soon our eyes will be glued to the glitz and glamour of Milan.
But we're not talking about Fashion Week.
From 6 to 22 February 2026, Italy will welcome the world for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, followed by the Paralympics from 6 to 15 March.
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From 6 to 22 February 2026, Italy will welcome the world for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Getty Images/iStockphoto
This is the first Winter Olympics to have two host cities: the cosmopolitan Milan and chic ski resort Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Already a popular European destination, Milan is a hub of design, art, business and architecture.
But the fashionable Italian city may not be your first choice for a getaway during winter.
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Milan will host the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium before events take place in venues across the city and the slopes of Cortina.
We asked locals about some of their highlights across the city, including the districts to visit and some of the best places to eat.
Milan will host the event alongside Cortina. Getty Images/iStockphoto
How many days do you need in Milan?
From the Navigli to the Triennale, the Mercato della Terra to the Fabbrica del Vapore, the city offers authentic and sometimes unexpected experiences.
Generally, two to three days is enough time to really soak up the best the city has to offer.
See the famous Duomo cathedral as well as Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church home to Leonardo da Vinci's mural The Last Supper.
Design districts and must-visit areas
If you like your Italian culture with a side of art, locals recommend a visit to these areas.
The University of Milan (Statale) hosts over 40 design exhibitions and installations from international designers.
Brera and Durini Districts are iconic design hubs filled with showrooms, pop-ups, and courtyards that are transformed for Design Week during April.
Tortona District ("Walk of Design") is a historic route through key design landmarks, from Via Tortona to Via Savona and Via Bergognone.
Colored ribbons in the cloister of the University of Milan during the Fuorisalone. Getty
What to eat in Milan
Brera:
- Caffè Fernanda – A stylish café next to the Brera Art Museum.
- Degustazione – Seasonal and locally sourced cuisine inside Casa degli Artisti.
Tortona:
- Osteria del Binari – Traditional Milanese dishes.
- Ristorante Tagiura – Cozy spot with outdoor seating.
Porta Romana:
- Plastic – Iconic nightclub.
Navigli:
- La Coloniale – Lively wine bar.
- Le Vigne – Scenic spot with canal views.
- Posto di Conversazione – Classic Milanese trattoria.
- Mieru Mieru – Seafood-focused restaurant.
- Belé Navigli – Modern Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
Deus Cafe Isola Milano. Supplied
Isola:
- Opera 33 – A bar known for its artisanal cocktails.
- Trattoria Bel Belé – Vintage-style eatery with a homey feel.
- Deus Cafe Isola Milano
Ripamonte:
- Bar Luce– Designed by the American film director Wes Anderson in 2015, Bar Luce recreates the atmosphere of a typical Milanese cafè.
Chinatown:
- Cantine Isola – A wine lover's paradise.
- Club Diamante – Popular karaoke bar.
Duomo / Historic centre:
- Pasto - Laboratorio di pasta con cucina:
Christmas tree and Duomo of Milan square. Italy Getty Images/iStockphoto
When is winter in Milan?
The coldest months in Milan are December, January and February with average lows of -1°C and average highs of 9°C, but it is definitely already cooler from November.
Does it snow in Milan?
Framed by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains, snow falls in Milan once or twice during winter, and the city has its highest rainfall in April and May.
Where will the competitions take place in Milan?
Milan will not only host the Opening Ceremony but also several of the most thrilling disciplines of the Olympic programme.
The designated venues include:
- Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, for ice hockey matches
- Milano Ice Park, at Fiera Milano in Rho, for ice hockey and speed skating
- Milano Ice Skating Arena, for short track and figure skating
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will screen live and free on the 9Network and 9Now
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