An elegant 19th-century shopping arcade nicknamed “Milan’s living room,” featuring luxury boutiques under a magnificent glass dome.

Full description: Steps from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers a striking contrast between grand historical architecture and modern luxury. Constructed between 1865 and 1877, it is Italy’s oldest shopping gallery. The Galleria’s design – a cross-shaped arcade covered by an immense glass and iron roof – is so elegant that locals call it “il salotto di Milano” (“Milan’s drawing room”). Inside, you’ll find high-end boutiques (Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more) as well as classic cafes and restaurants that have served patrons for over a century. Ornate mosaic floors display symbols of Italian cities – including a famous bull on which spinning around for good luck is a local tradition.

Visiting the Galleria is as much about atmosphere as shopping. Stroll through and look up to admire the central glass dome soaring above – especially magical with light filtering in. It’s an ideal spot for a coffee or gelato break amidst beautiful surroundings. From Hotel Aurelia, the Galleria is easily reached along with the Duomo (simply take the metro to Duomo station and walk a minute into the arcade). Whether you’re indulging in fashion, window-shopping, or enjoying a historic café like Camparino, this ornate passage offers a luxurious shopping experience in a historic setting that transports you to Milan’s belle époque