Relaxing

This bio-natural restaurant is in the inner court of a modern building just opposite the Navigli. It is a great place to go to if you are curious to discover what vegan food is, i.e. the food with no meat, no fish, no egg, no cheese, no milk … you would imagine you can only have salad but believe me, it’s an entire new world of ingredients and tastes to explore. Not only tofu and seitan but also hummus, wakame, kamut, soya, cereals and many others.

I suggest to try Mudra for lunch and to get the menu degustazione (sampling menu): for just € 9.00 (€ 15.00 for dinner) you have a single dish with 1st and 2nd course + side order. Also the aperitivo is a nice experience: you can order your glass of biological wine or beer and peck from the buffet but if you want to try something different, you can get a 20 minutes ayurvedic massage with it (€ 18.00 instead of € 8.00)

At the 1st floor there are often courses (dance, massage, yoga…).

Afer 21:30 you need to press the entry phone to get in the inner court.

Ok I must admint that “navigli”, is probably the most touristic area in town. Probably because, especially in summer, the atmosphere here is very relaxed and the water adds the “holiday feeling”. However if you follow my simple tips you’ll have the chance to experience one of the most romantic parts of the city.

Navigli in Milan is the name for canal. Originally it was built to connect Milan with the lakes and with Switzerland.

The are two main Navigli: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese: they are both nice but it depends on what you are looking for.

Naviglio Grande is more on the bohemian side. There are many restaurants, cafes and second hand shops. Here, each last Sunday of the month, a big Antiques Market is held (Mercatone Naviglio Grande). You’ll find furniture, items for the home, old books, jewelry etc. In my opinion is perfect for a pleasant walk on a Sunday morning in spring/autumn or to have a drink in the afternoon.

In Naviglio Pavese (just beside the other Naviglio) the atmosphere is younger. I recommend to come here at night in autumn or in winter, for a romantic walk. Unless you are looking for a party atmosphere, then come here on a Saturday night for a drink or two.

This pastry shop was opened in Milano in 1936 and in the years it’s become very well known by Milanese people thanks to the excellent quality of its products. They are specialised in homemade sweets and they offer a great choice of different typical Italian cakes, pastries, candies and chocolates. Needless to say ingredients are always fresh and I am sure you will immediately taste it if you treat yourself to something.

In the shop there is also a tea room to spend some time inside. The style belongs to early XX century, with classical furniture, fancy table clothes and elegant cutlery. With the warm season they you can also seat outside: on sunny days there are a lot of people sitting quietly and enjoy their food and drinks.

Personally, I love their croissant: jam, cream, honey, chocolate, empty or whatever, the pastry is so good and fresh! Very often, on Saturday or Sunday late mornings I wake up with this craving for these croissant and I feel lucky my apartment is only one minute walking from the shop!

Rotonda della Besana is one of the most charming and uncommon places I have seen in Milano. Basically, it is a public garden surrounded by a “flower” shaped porch, with a deconsecrated church in the middle.

It was built at the beginning of the XVIII Century to be a church with its graveyard. Afterwards it’s been devoted to many different purposes and now the church hosts exhibitions and cultural events and the garden around is a public green area.

This place gives a peaceful and protecting feeling because of its perfect symmetry and balanced geometry. Once you’re inside it’s like time stops and all the chaotic sounds of the city are left outside.

If you’re in Porta Romana take some time to stop here and try to catch the beauty of the place with your camera or check which exhibit is on because usually they are really interesting and well cared.

If you’re looking for: a charming spot, an intimate atmosphere, a green corner, a relaxing moment, this is the place you want to go to.

Vivaio Riva is a little and old garden in the very centre of Milano. It’s in a crowded area but most of the people don’t know about it. And that’s why it’s so special. You can buy plants and flowers, or you can just have a look around, sit on a bench, have a chat with the two ladies who spent their lives after it. If you go there in spring or summer you’ll be wrapped into natural scents and perfumes. During the cold months you can warm up a little in the greenhouse.

At the entrance a beautiful old tree full of small moving mirrors and tiny lights welcomes you. You can pretend to be either in Pollyanna or in The secret garden. Up to you!