On an Italian honeymoon, Venice, Florence, and Rome are some obvious hot spots to jet off to. But who wants the obvious when it comes to a fabulous post-wedding getaway? Once thought of only as a major business and fashion capital, Milan is a vibrant and molto stylish city with is also surprisingly romantic with its charming streets, cozy cafés, and Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Where to stay: A discreet entrance on Via Gesù leads you into the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Milano (fourseasons.com). The property is a restored 15th century convent done up with swanky accommodations. If you’re planning a destination wedding, this hotel is a dreamy location complete with a lavish downstairs ballroom and foyer that opens out to a sunken patio.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

What to do:
- A little known fact about Milan: it’s bursting with art and culture. Check out the Pinacoteca di Brera museum, which houses masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini and Raphael; take in the impressive sights of the Duomo Catherdral, the focal point of the city; visit the regal rooms at the Palazzo Reale; and make a reservation to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Duomo Cathedral

- Explore the Navigli neighborhood, located in the Southern part of the city, which is full of hip restaurants and nightclubs, as well as historic homes lining the Naviglio Grande canal.

- Of course you’ll want to do a bit of shopping and you’ll have lots of options along the store-packed Corso Vittorio Emanuele, under the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and among the top-designer boutiques that make up the fashion district known as the “Golden Triangle”.

- Relax and keep up that newlywed glow with a luxurious facial using the Bulgari gem essence-infused skincare line at the spa in the sleek Bulgari Hotel Milan (bulgarihotels.com).

Bulgari Hotel Milan spa

Where to eat: Beautiful hidden courtyards dot the city, and many feature chic restaurants that boast open-air seating. Surrounded by a 19th century palazzo on Via Gesù, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone (ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it) serves delicious traditional Milanese fare and offers a great wine selection. Conti Café (conticafe.it), on Via Montenapoleone, has a sexy lounge area that’s perfect for an early-evening aperitivo or late-night dinner. Stop for gelato at Cioccolati Italiani (cioccolatitaliani.it), which is the best in town.

Where to go: Just an hour away is the picturesque Lake Como in the Lakes District. (discovercomo.com). Its grand villas, serene atmosphere, and spectacular scenery have made it a favorite retreat for the rich and famous.

Lake Como

Photo credits: Four Seasons Milano, DiscoverComo.com, The Italian Government Tourist Board, Bulgari Hotel Milan