Milan shines as Italy’s fashion epicenter and a prime entry to breathtaking alpine landscapes, a fact underscored by its role as co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Two residents with deep mountain ties offer their visions for an ideal day in the city. Giorgio Rocca, a champion slalom skier from Switzerland’s Grisons region with 11 World Cup victories, took the Olympic Oath at the 2006 Torino Games. Now a top ski coach based in Milan and active around Livigno’s peaks—venue for this year’s snowboard and freestyle events—he shares his routine. Brigitte Niedermair, an artist from Italy’s Merano in Bolzano province, creates photography-focused works displayed permanently at the revamped Aman Rosa Alpina, where she once worked in housekeeping. Both highlight top spots from morning pastries to elite nightlife.
Giorgio Rocca’s Day: Running and Risotto
Balancing fitness and Milanese pleasures defines life here. Rocca starts with a lavish breakfast at Pasticceria Ernst Knam, where the chocolate master’s artistic treats like bite-sized pralines and fruit-topped tarts delight locals.
For heartier fare, Portrait Milano excels in brunch with seasonal cheeses, veggie plates, and hot dishes featuring avocado, salmon, and a croissant-based eggs Benedict twist.
On weekends, Rocca runs through wide paths in Parco Sempione, one of Europe’s premier green spaces, or strolls the Navigli canals, Milan’s historic waterway heart, when the city quiets.
No perfect day skips risotto alla Milanese; Rocca praises chef Davide Oldani’s two-Michelin-starred D’O in Cornaredo village. The signature saffron rice cuts butter for a lighter, brighter classic.
Afternoon client meets happen at Swiss Corner, a modern café with tulip chairs by Porta Venezia Gardens, designed by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce for public gatherings.
Sushi surges in popularity, but Rocca sticks to Nobu for timeless miso cod and yellowtail jalapeño.
Nights end at Armani Privé for Negronis or Italian wines in an exclusive vibe craved by Milan’s elite.
Brigitte Niedermair’s Day: Galleries and Gluten
Milan charms subtly, beyond icons like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Duomo di Milano. Niedermair, fresh from relocating her studio, uncovers hidden gems away from touristy Brera.
Signor Lievito bakery offers northern European pastries like cardamom buns and spice-infused fastelavnsboller—arrive by 8 a.m. for cappuccino and fresh picks.
Studio work means home-cooked lunches, but Milan excels in cotoletta, the breaded cutlet staple. Niedermair favors Il Ristorante Niko Romito at Bulgari Hotel Milano for its tender, crispy version paired with spaghetti al pomodoro; Trattoria Masuelli San Marco delivers tradition across town.
Skipping boutiques, she explores galleries like Casa Mutina for Mutina ceramic art collaborations and Federico Vavassori for avant-garde painting.
Pinacoteca di Brera’s latest Giorgio Armani retrospective, extended to May, draws repeat visits.
Niedermair escapes to Bolzano’s Meteo restaurant, where chef’s wife Agata curates unforgettable meals in a uniquely vibrant setting.
