Milan – City Life
You already know how much you love Italy… Italy’s rich, cultural heritage aside, there’s the sheer elegance of life on Lake Como hopping on and off the motoscafi d’epoca from villa to bar to ristorante; sipping wine in Tuscany whilst sitting in its vineyard watching the sun set over the rolling hills; the inimitable dolce vita lifestyle of the Amalfi Coast; skiing in the UNESCO listed landscape of Cortina… Add Italy’s fiscal benefits for foreigners and you’re ready to move! Afraid of missing your “City Life”? Check out our report on Life in Milan!
Milan offers a vibrant lifestyle that rivals London's allure, blending rich history, cutting-edge design, distinct neighbourhoods, and beautiful golf courses and country clubs, making it the ideal relocation location for those looking to elevate their lifestyle experience.
Whilst London's luxury shopping scenes like Bond Street are more than impressive, Milan's Centro Storico and Fashion District is THE locus for global fashion. Living near the Duomo provides daily access to architectural marvels like the largest cathedral in Italy, and being steps away from famed landmarks such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the oldest running shopping mall in the world – adds an element of elegance to everyday life. Picture yourself aperitivo-hour bar hopping through streets filled with models, photographers and celebrities during fashion week—Milan perfectly merges history with the glamour of modern luxury.
Move on over to Milan’s funky Brera district – once a fishing village back when boats would come into the canals from the northern lakes – now offering a romantic, boho-chic lifestyle reminiscent of London’s Covent Garden, but with a uniquely Italian flair. The coolest of Londoners would appreciate Brera’s charm, with its mix of upscale boutiques, sleek art galleries, and top-tier dining, splattered against a canvas of old-world architecture. A stroll through Brera feels like stepping into an artist’s dream, and for those who love designer homewares and upscale lifestyle boutiques, this district is a treasure trove. The third Sunday of each month sees the very French style brocante market weaving through the streets and along the canals as the day disappears into long lunches and aperitivi at cool spots such as Tibi Bistrot Provençal or La Tartina.
Soccer fans will find Milan's San Siro a sporting sanctuary, comparable to London’s Wembley Stadium and coming in only 4 places behind in terms of grandeur. Whether you're watching AC Milan or Inter Milan, the electrifying atmosphere is unforgettable. To the north of Via Harar – the street that divides the quartiere of San Siro – there is an affluent neighbourhood where celebrities’ villas and green spaces merge with residential tranquillity.
Milan’s quartiere of Isola and Porta Nuova are comparable to London’s Shoreditch, taking trendy living to the next level. What was once a rough neighbourhood has transformed into a chic and lively hub, boasting modern skyscrapers, high-end dining, and vintage shopping experiences. Porta Nuova’s avant-garde architecture, such as the Bosco Verticale, gives Milan a unique skyline that combines nature and urban life, making it a perfect blend of style and sustainability. Get your fresh foodstuffs at Mercato Isola, a covered market where you can also dine. Meditate with a book in the Biblioteca degli Alberi, the botanical park. Looking for an aperitivo? Stop in at Capra e Cavoli; and for a drink with a view, Radio Rooftop.
Similar to London’s East End, Milan’s Tortona district has evolved from industrial roots into a creative powerhouse – the coolest new hood absolute. Cut off from its neighbouring districts, the Navigli and Ticinese after the 1960s economic crisis, Tortona has since been injected with the arts set. For those who thrive in a city pulsing with innovation, Tortona’s blend of fashion showrooms, art spaces, and cultural events like Design Week offers a dynamic lifestyle. Giorgio Armani’s headquarters and the nearby Mudec museum bring high fashion and culture right to your doorstep, elevating everyday life into an artistic journey. Take your Sunday morning shadow to brunch at God Save The Food or Summer Sunday lunch-it in the beautiful garden at Al Fresco restaurant.
Porta Romana is London's Hackney with an Italian accent, Porta Romana offers an exciting mix of upscale and gritty. Its blend of leafy streets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and edgy nightlife pour out the best of a cosmopolitan lifestyle surrounded by Milan's renowned contemporary art scene. Start your evenings off at DHole for its eclectic list of cocktails; Bere Buona Birra has a list of beers from around the world to suit all lager lovers; and Bicerín wine bistrot with its retro vintage vibe and more than 800 labels of wines.
The Navigli district has the charm of Venice right in the heart of Milan. The Navigli, with its canals and lively atmosphere, is perfect for those who love a laid-back, bohemian lifestyle. Similar to London’s South Bank and Little Venice, it’s a hub of cafes, art studios, book stores and sophisticated bars, where every corner holds a new discovery, making it an enchanting place to call home. The Navigli district also has its Sunday antiques and secondhand market on the last Sunday of each month offering over 400 stalls to lose yourself amongst. Float along on a Conche to one of Navigli’s top aperitivo bars like La Prosciutteria; or dine at the top end restaurant Al Pont de Fer going strong since 1986; or crowd in for some live blues and Jazz at The Nidaba Theatre; and dance the night away at The Apollo Club with excellent food and cocktails.
For those who love the energy of London’s Soho, Porta Venezia is Milan’s melting pot of creativity, LGBTQ+ culture, and artistic expression. The area offers affordable luxury living, with vibrant art galleries, green parks, and a diverse culinary scene, all within walking distance of Milan’s bustling centre. The mix of art nouveau architecture and modern social spaces makes this neighbourhood both visually stunning and culturally rich.
Milan’s pedestrian-only Chinatown – Paolo Sarpi – is a vibrant cultural enclave, offering an exciting blend of Asian cuisine, affordable shopping, colourful streets and aromatic food stalls. Whilst she’s no rival to London’s Chinatown, it is the largest in Italy and unique in its Italian urban design. First settled in the 1920s by immigrants working in the silk and textile industries and growing alongside Milan's burgeoning reputation as a fashion capital. Its proximity to key attractions and modern venues makes it an attractive spot for those seeking a dynamic and diverse living experience in Milan.
The Bar at Ralph Lauren
In Milan, you’ll find a lifestyle that effortlessly combines the sophistication of London with the warmth and creativity of Italian culture. For those seeking a new experience, Milan offers a captivating blend of luxury, culture, and community that is simply irresistible. And if you’re thinking of bringing the brats along, there are some top international schools.
International Schools Milan
Country Clubs & Golf Clubs & Polo & Cricket
Tax Incentives
Living in Italy also comes with various fiscal benefits, such as the Impatriati regime and the €100k annual flat tax for high-net-worth individuals. These incentives make Italy even more attractive for expatriates, offering substantial tax savings whether you're a professional looking to reduce your taxable income by 50% or a wealthy individual seeking simplicity with a fixed tax rate on foreign-sourced income.
Finding La Dolce Vita Relocation
At Finding La Dolce Vita, we understand that relocating involves more than just finding a new home. Our comprehensive services are designed to ensure your transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We handle all the paperwork and liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf, making the visa and residence permit process straightforward and stress-free. Our house-finding services range from live remote video tours and lease negotiation to property management and home inspections. We correspond with real estate agencies and landlords on your behalf, providing you with expert advice on investing in real estate and assisting with mortgage arrangements, interior design, and renovation services.
Settling into a new home and adapting to a new lifestyle can be daunting, but our services make this process seamless. We offer airport welcome and transfer services, assist with opening bank accounts, taking out health insurance, and registering at a doctor's practice. Our team helps connect utilities, obtain an Italian driver's licence, and complete all necessary bureaucratic forms. We can even assist with pet importation, purchasing or registering a vehicle, and organising orientation tours to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. For those seeking an even higher level of personalised assistance, The Butler™ offers a bespoke lifestyle management service. We can set up your home before your arrival, organise personal shopping, and arrange for language lessons or social activities. Our services extend to finding domestic help, arranging chauffeur services, and even performing home checks during your absence.
With over 30 years of experience living in Italy, our founders understand the intricacies of relocating and settling in a new country. Our tailored approach ensures that each client’s unique needs are met, making the process not only seamless but also enjoyable. Contact Finding La Dolce Vita today and let us guide you to your Italian dolce vita. For more information on our services, visit our website or contact us directly.
Finding La Dolce Vita Relocation
At Finding La Dolce Vita, we understand that relocating involves more than just finding a new home. Our comprehensive services are designed to ensure your transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We handle all the paperwork and liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf, making the visa and residence permit process straightforward and stress-free. Our house-finding services range from live remote video tours and lease negotiation to property management and home inspections. We correspond with real estate agencies and landlords on your behalf, providing you with expert advice on investing in real estate and assisting with mortgage arrangements, interior design, and renovation services.
Settling into a new home and adapting to a new lifestyle can be daunting, but our services make this process seamless. We offer airport welcome and transfer services, assist with opening bank accounts, taking out health insurance, and registering at a doctor's practice. Our team helps connect utilities, obtain an Italian driver's licence, and complete all necessary bureaucratic forms. We can even assist with pet importation, purchasing or registering a vehicle, and organising orientation tours to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. For those seeking an even higher level of personalised assistance, The Butler™ offers a bespoke lifestyle management service. We can set up your home before your arrival, organise personal shopping, and arrange for language lessons or social activities. Our services extend to finding domestic help, arranging chauffeur services, and even performing home checks during your absence.
With over 30 years of experience living in Italy, our founders understand the intricacies of relocating and settling in a new country. Our tailored approach ensures that each client’s unique needs are met, making the process not only seamless but also enjoyable. Contact Finding La Dolce Vita today and let us guide you to your Italian dolce vita. For more information on our services, visit our website or contact us directly.
La Dolce Vita awaits...
