culture
February 5, 2026
A local’s guide to Milan: the city’s best restaurants, culture and green spaces
In celebration of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which starts this week, paralympic swimming champion Simone Barlaam shares his favourite places in his hometown
TL;DR
- Simone Barlaam, a paralympic swimming champion and ambassador for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, shares his favorite places in Milan.
- He highlights various food spots including Pasticceria Grossi, Panificio Storico Vailati, Pizzeria da Mimmo, Grano e Caffè, Ratanà, and Vietnam Mon Amour.
- Barlaam mentions Via Paolo Sarpi in Chinatown for its lively atmosphere and diverse food options.
- He expresses admiration for Giorgio Armani's legacy in Milan and his involvement in developing a race suit with the fashion house.
- The Acquario Civico di Milano is cited as a place of inspiration, where Barlaam finds freedom and peace, drawing parallels to his experience in water.
- Parco Sempione is recommended for its green space, connection to Castello Sforzesco, and current Olympic poster exhibition.
- Barlaam discusses Milan's accessibility, noting improvements for the Olympics but also the ongoing need for enhancements in older buildings.
- Cultural highlights include Maurizio Cattelan's L.O.V.E. statue, the Mudec, and the Museum of Natural History.
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