Image by Alessandra Gesuelli

This English-language bookshop is located near the Castle, in piazza Cairoli. It’s very popular among expats and Italians, like me, who want to read English books. This friendly shop is great for modern fiction and children’s books. If you ask they suggest you a good one, just tell them what do you prefer. They have also Art books and history publications as well. There are shelves dedicated to poetry and classics.

It’s not easy for a specialized little bookshop to survive in the market but they succeeded with a high quality service. The interiors are so charming! You feel like in a traditional English bookshop. The windows always change depending on the season: during festivities are full of Christmas related publications, calendars and greetings cards, during spring or summer there is a good selection of book to read while on vacation.

I have some English friends, so I like going there to buy some gifts.

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American Bookstore | Art & culture, Shopping | Book € 10.00
via Camperio 16 | Centro | +3902878920
Mon 13:30 – 19:00, Tue – Sat 10:30 – 19:00

Image by Alessandra Gesuelli

Libreria Azalai is a unique bookshop. It opened in Ticinese area in 1994 in via San Gottardo. Then, 5 years ago it moved to the peaceful via Gian Giacomo Mora, just behind the busy corso di Porta Ticinese. The street is lovely, with a couple of good restaurants. For those who wants to read some good Italian travel writers here you can find the best ones together with a wonderful selection of international authors.

I have known this bookshop since I moved to Milan. As a traveller I tried to find a bookshop related to my passion but Azalai is also specialized in different topics about Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific area. They have authors that you can’t find in big bookstores. They also promote independent publishers, and host events and art exhibitions.

Believe me, even if you don’t speak or read Italian, this place is really worth a visit. Moreover, in a corner they have crafts designed in developing countries and produced by no-profit organizations to support local communities. In their new website you can also order the books you are looking for, buy them online or go there to take them.

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Libreria Azalai | Art & culture, Shopping | Book € 10.00
via Giacomo Mora 5 | Ticinese/Genova | +390258101310
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 19:30

Image by Alessandra Gesuelli

Ratanà is located in a former train station building in the Isola area, near Porta Garibaldi Station. It’s difficult to spot because is surrounded by scaffoldings. In this area between viale Melchiorre Gioia and corso Como they are building brand new skyscrapers for the Expo 2015, here there will be a stylish residential area and the new Fashion City.

I discovered Ratanà during an art event. Even if it’s not far from where I live, I never noticed it. The old building has been completely renovated to host Ratanà restaurant and Fondazione Riccardo Catella, located at the second floor, an organization who supports young talents and cultural projects. They host several exhibitions and events. The building is surrounded by a nice garden with a playground for kids. This coming summer they are planning to have a calendar of events just for them.

Ratanà serves Milan classics like risotto and cotoletta alla milanese. I like the onion soup, the polenta and the dessert sbrisolona. For lunch they have a special menu for 18.00 euro (drinks and coffee included).

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Ratanà | Art & culture, Restaurants (Milan) | Lunch menu € 18.00
via De Castillia 28 | Centrale/Greco | +390287128855
Oct – May Tue – Fri & Sun 12:00 – 00:00, Sat 18:00 – 00:00 |Jun – Sep Mon – Fri 12:00 – 00:00, Sat 18:00 – 00:00

Image by Alessandra Gesuelli

Milan is famous for its Navigli. When you mention these artificial canals, mostly built between 12th and 16th century, you immediately think about nightlife, because all along Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese you can find bars, pubs, restaurants and trattorie.

When I moved to Milan five years ago I discovered that for those who live here, Navigli also means riding a bicycle on a sunny weekend, and taking a relaxing walk out with kids and family. Naviglio Grande or Pavese are too far from my home and too busy so I chose another one: Naviglio della Martesana

Naviglio della Martesana is one of the most peaceful canals in Milan. They say that it was partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. When I go walking along this Naviglio in the city I really feel relaxed. The best thing to do is to take the underground, get off at the stop “Turro”, and head to the canal.

I regularly go to an amazing Greek restaurant, Myknos, just on the riversides, where I can experience a real taberna atmosphere. Close to the riversides there are also tiny veg gardens, a country touch in the center of Milan, while on the water I like spotting birds and enjoying the silence, so close to the busy viale Monza!

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Naviglio Martesana | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Via Tofane 1 | Centrale/Greco
24 hours daily

Image by Alessandra Gesuelli

Castello Sforzesco is one of the most famous spots in Milan. Everybody knows it, just like everybody knows the Duomo. But not everyone is aware of the Castello’s hidden secrets: its underground galleries.

After almost two years of works, I had the chance to visit the Strada Coperta della Ghirlanda, or Galleria della Ghirlanda, recovered and opened to the public.

Strada Coperta della Ghirlanda is an amazing gallery shaped as a horseshoe, half a kilometer long, built by Francesco Sforza in 1454. Originally it was part of the Castle underground defense system.

In the XVI century it was used by the soldiers to reach other military outposts. In the Middle Ages it was linked to the city wall and was connected to the outside buildings and to the country streets out of the city. On Saturdays there are guided tours to visit the Strada della Ghirlanda and other tunnels.

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Il Castello | Art & culture | Tour € 10
Piazza Castello 1 | Centrale/Greco
Sat 14:30 & 16:00 for guided tours