When planning a babymoon at 32 weeks pregnant with a self-imposed two-hour travel limit, Milan emerged as the perfect choice for a quick yet fulfilling getaway. While city destinations aren’t the typical pick for a babymoon, our four-night stay in the Porta Nuova district proved to be a wonderful experience. Our Airbnb offered a stunning view of the Bosco Verticale, setting the tone for a memorable trip filled with delicious food, cultural exploration, and quality time together.
A Culinary Start: Trattoria Trippa Our first evening in Milan began with an unforgettable meal at Trattoria Trippa. Known for its innovative take on traditional Italian cuisine, every dish we tried was a standout. We started with trippa fritta, verza arrosto, and cardo gobbo, followed by Plin, Baccala e stocco, and Tagliatelle for our main courses. The Tagliatelle was hands-down the best pasta I have ever had—simple yet absolutely perfect. For dessert, we enjoyed Castagnaccio, Tiramisù, and Panna Cotta, with the latter being my personal favorite. Every single dish was exceptional, and if you’re ever in Milan, I highly recommend booking a table here for an unforgettable dining experience.
One of the highlights of our trip was lunch at Ristorante Ratanà, the perfect Milanese lunch spot. We ordered codfish mantecato, focaccia with sourdough and white cabbage kimchi, adamello smoked trout, red radicchio, capricciosa salad, roasted potato dumplings, and pastina con formaggino. My favorite dish was the pastina con formaggino, which reminded me of a cheesy risotto—so comforting and delicious. To finish, we had fresh vanilla gelato, the perfect ending to an incredible meal. The location was amazing, the service was excellent, and the food was even better. For wine lovers, they also have an extensive selection worth exploring.
We visited Bar Nico, a newly opened wine bar east of Milan. This stop was particularly special because we had followed the owners, Riccardo and Chiara (long-time friends of my husband), on their journey from concept to reality over the past three years. Seeing their success firsthand was incredibly rewarding. The bar had a fantastic wine selection, a cool and inviting atmosphere, and a design that exuded creativity. While I stuck to a mocktail, the experience was no less enjoyable.
For brunch, we indulged in a feast at Loste Café, which quickly became one of my favorite bakeries in Milan. Our brunch spread included La Salata, Il Cardamomo, focaccia, pain au chocolat, egg and cheese sandwich, tiramisu special pastry, apple, and butterscotch cream pastry, and homemade granola with seasonal fruits. Everything was delicious, but my favorites were the egg and cheese sandwich on a brioche bun for savory and the cardamom bun for sweet. If you love pastries and great coffee, Loste Café is an absolute must-visit.
Despite visiting Milan multiple times, I had never been to Fondazione Prada, so this trip felt like the perfect opportunity. Before heading in, we grabbed a snack at the café and then explored the exhibitions. The standout for me was “For My Best Family”, though the cinema was unfortunately closed on the day of our visit. Even if the exhibitions don’t immediately catch your interest, the museum’s architecture alone makes it worth the visit. The combination of textures, styles, and surfaces creates a visually striking experience.
A trip to Milan wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. I had been searching for a family-run clothing store specializing in pajamas, similar to one I love in Rome, and stumbled upon Casa Del Bianco. The women running the store were incredibly knowledgeable, helping us select the perfect fabrics and styles. I fell in love with their baby pajamas and decided to order a full matching set for the entire family. While my chosen colors weren’t in stock, they assured me the sizes would be available in early March, just in time for when our baby will be able to wear them. Beyond pajamas, the store also carries a beautiful selection of clothing for women, men, and children, as well as cozy knits. I love supporting local businesses, especially those that have been passed down through generations.
Milan has always held a special place in my heart, and this trip was no exception. It was wonderful to experience the city with my husband, seeing it through his eyes as he once lived here for many years. Our babymoon was filled with delicious food, leisurely walks, and reconnecting with old friends, making it a truly memorable escape. While city destinations might not be the traditional choice for a babymoon, Milan was the perfect change of pace from Berlin—one I cherished every minute of.
