Milano Cortina: City Break with Olympic Glow and a Touch of Romance

As global attention turns toward Milano Cortina 2026, Milan enters a new chapter of its urban story - not only as one of the host cities of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, but as a destination offering layered experiences: historic landmarks alongside contemporary art, Michelin-starred dining just steps from romantic canals, and world-class shopping beneath century-old glass domes.

Classic landmarks: Milan, step by step

A first encounter with the city often begins at Piazza Duomo, the monumental square dominated by the Duomo di Milano Cathedral. Just a few steps away stands the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century arcade where luxury boutiques sit beneath a soaring glass dome, creating an almost cinematic atmosphere.

From here, stroll toward Castello Sforzesco and the green oasis of Parco Sempione, perfect for a short break from the city buzz. For lovers of classical art, Pinacoteca di Brera is unmissable - one of Italy’s most important galleries, located in the elegant Brera district, ideal for combining art with a relaxed lunch in nearby bistros.

Between sightseeing stops, drop by Marchesi 1824, the iconic pastry shop owned by Prada, celebrated for its refined cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and traditional recipes. It’s also an excellent place to pick up Valentine’s gifts for anyone with a sweet tooth - beautifully packaged and impeccably crafted.

For dinner, consider reserving a table at the Michelin-starred SETA by Antonio Guida, located inside Mandarin Oriental Milan. Here, contemporary Italian haute cuisine meets flawless service, making it an ideal choice for a romantic evening during your Olympic stay.

While Milan’s evenings are best reserved for fine dining and quiet conversations over a glass of wine, February days pulse to the Olympic rhythm of the city.

Olympic energy and Italian elegance

The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games takes place at San Siro Stadium, marking the start of several weeks of sporting excitement and cultural events across northern Italy.

Alongside competitions, Milan participates in the Cultural Olympiad, with Triennale Milano playing a key role by presenting the exhibition White Out. The Future of Winter Sport, exploring the relationship between winter sports, design, and climate challenges.

For fans of contemporary art, Fondazione Prada remains an essential stop. Its 2026 program includes major solo projects by Mona Hatoum and Cao Fei, as well as multimedia installations at Osservatorio di Fondazione Prada, located inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Beyond exhibitions, Fondazione Prada offers film programs, talks, and music events, reinforcing its role as a laboratory of ideas addressing contemporary social and cultural themes. Plan to spend at least half a day here - the architecture alone justifies the visit.

But the true winter postcard begins beyond the city.

From Milan’s urban rhythm to Cortina’s alpine intimacy

While Milan serves as the urban stage of Milano Cortina 2026, the alpine backdrop of the Games unfolds in Cortina d'Ampezzo - a legendary mountain destination nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina sits at 1,224 meters above sea level, surrounded by dramatic peaks including Tofana and Cristallo.

During the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Cortina hosts alpine disciplines, yet its appeal extends far beyond sport. This year-round mountain resort blends skiing, wellness, design, and gastronomy, offering more than 120 km of ski runs and access to Dolomiti Superski, with around 1,200 km of interconnected slopes - making it an ideal winter base for couples seeking active days paired with understated romance.

Where to stay: Armani Hotel Milano

If Milan has a hotel signature, it’s Armani Hotel Milano. Located on Via Manzoni, the hotel is just minutes on foot from Via Montenapoleone, Teatro alla Scala, and the Duomo. Room and suite interiors are personally designed by Giorgio Armani, while the 'home-away-from-home' concept includes a lifestyle manager who tailors every detail of your stay - from spa rituals to panoramic dinners.

If city life becomes a little intense, a one-hour drive brings you to Lake Como. In winter, the lake feels quieter and more intimate: pastel-colored towns along the shore, short ferry rides, and lunches with alpine views offer a perfect counterpoint to Milan - especially for couples.

Milan during the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is far more than a sporting destination. It is a cultural crossroads - where Olympic rhythm meets Italian design, where contemporary art converses with Renaissance architecture, and where fashion boutiques share streets with prestigious restaurants and historic pastry shops.