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Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Courtesy Disney Italia

Explore Milan in the footsteps of The Devil Wears Prada 2

Discover our guide to the Milan locations from The Devil Wears Prada 2: from the Duomo to the Fashion District, via Brera and the city’s most iconic restaurants

The wait is over: The Devil Wears Prada 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to the cult classic, is finally in cinemas, brimming with sequins, sharp wit and iconic style.

And whilst 20 years ago the characters’ adventures unfolded amidst the austere elegance of Paris, this time the spotlight outside Runway’s New York offices shines brightly on Milan. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, as in real life, the city reveals itself step by step amidst historic buildings, luxury boutiques, timeless masterpieces and, of course, references to UNESCO-recognised Italian cuisine. This is also thanks to the return to the cast of Stanley Tucci, a lover of Italian flavours.

So, if you too have ever dreamed of being Andy, Miranda, Emily or Nigel for a day – after all, “everyone wants to be us”, as the saying goes – we’ve put together a Milan itinerary for you, taking in all the locations featured in the film. Iconic spots and hidden gems to discover as you retrace the steps of the cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2. 

Piazza Duomo

We start with Milan’s most famous landmark: Piazza Duomo, which features in several scenes from the film. There are countless aerial shots; Andy runs across it several times, and the spires even peek through the windows of the protagonists’ rooms during their stay in Milan (the magic of AI?). Your journey through the rustle of chiffon can only begin here. Want to say it like a true Milanese? You don’t go “to Piazza Duomo”, but simply “to the Duomo”. 

Climbing up to the cathedral’s terraces is an unmissable experience, but our tip is to make the most of the heights for a gourmet and super Instagrammable break: try Terrazza Duomo 21 for a meticulously curated drinks list and a unique photo opportunity with the Duomo spires; Innocenti Evasioni, where chef Tommaso Arrigoni reinterprets Milanese tradition with a view of the skyline; two-Michelin-star Verso, from the Capitaneo brothers, with chef’s tables overlooking the kitchen for an immersive, elegant and truly unforgettable experience; Panzerotti Luini, a Milanese institution since 1949, for piping-hot panzerotti; and Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina for Gino Sorbillo’s signature pizza, deep-fried and served straight from the display window facing the street.

Photo credit: Senerin Kadriu via Unsplash

Duomo in Milan, viewed from Piazza Duomo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just a short walk away lies the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant urban lounge covered by an extraordinary glass and iron dome. The scene in which Miranda Priestley walks through it in the dead of night, looking unusually lost, has already become iconic. Spoiler: you’ll never find it quite so implausibly empty and deserted. 

From must-see attractions to real hidden gems, we recommend: Camparino in Galleria, where the aperitif, taken at an outdoor table or at the bar, is a ritual; Michelin-starred Cracco in Galleria, both a café and restaurant, and perfect for a break at any time of day; and, for a real insider tip, head to the corner of Piazza della Scala (at the entrance to the Leonardo Museum), follow the corridor and take the lift up to the sixth floor for a pizza with a priceless view over the rooftops of the Galleria and a historic colony of black cats at I Dodici Gatti.

Photo credit: Federica Di Dio via Unsplash

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

Brera Academy

Could Antonio Canova ever have imagined that his Napoleon would end up under the spotlights of a Runway-style party with Lady Gaga playing in the background? Such is the power of cinema and The Devil Wears Prada 2. It is, in fact, at the Brera Academy that Miranda organises one of the film’s most spectacular events, with strobe lights and sequins amidst the works of Caravaggio and Hayez. 

Outside the gallery lies Brera, Milan’s most charming neighbourhood, a maze of shops, alleyways and restaurants. Between a consultation with a fortune-teller and a luxurious souvenir – perhaps an antique – our favourite stops are: Bar Jamaica (Via Brera 32), an historic haunt for artists, photographers and writers, for a quick break or snack; Coraje for dishes with Latin flair and a carefully curated wine list with a strong nod to South America; Portico 84, a modern bistro perfect for brunch, aperitifs and even co-working; Casa Fiori Chiari, a peaceful haven where you can find comfort food and a good thin-crust pizza; and Daniel Canzian Ristorante, which offers minimalist, elegant, cuisine and where you can try a version of the typical Venetian creamed salt cod dish that Nigel mentions in the film during a conversation with Andy.

Photo credit: iStock

Brera Academy in Milan.

Via Montenapoleone and Il Salumaio

In the heart of Milan’s fashion district, between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, a dining spot takes centre stage in The Devil Wears Prada 2: Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. At this historic restaurant tucked away in a Renaissance courtyard, there is just one rule: the dish matters as much as who you’re sitting next to. And it is here, in the film, that Andy (Anne Hathaway) spots Emily (Emily Blunt) having lunch with Donatella Versace, played by the designer herself. Order cold cuts or Milanese risotto and ask for a table in the courtyard. The rest will follow. Then off to shop in the Quadrilatero: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Manzoni. The realm of luxury. Your Miranda Priestley moment.

Photo credit: iStock

Via Montenapoleone in Milan.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Another unmissable stop when retracing the most iconic Milan scenes from The Devil Wears Prada 2 is Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed in the refectory of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Right in front of The Last Supper, in fact, Miranda delivers one of her masterful life lessons to poor Andy. A visit to see Da Vinci’s painting must be booked well in advance, but the experience is well worth the effort.

After fulfilling your cultural duty, treat yourself to a quick but well-chosen break in the area at: El Pastée de Milan, for authentic yet innovative Milanese street food, like fried ravioli; Bar Magenta, a lively, timeless institution for coffee and lunch to the quintessentially Milanese aperitif; and Beef Club,  for well-cooked meat dishes and a contemporary urban vibe. 

Photo credit: iStock

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Palazzo Parigi

Where else could Miranda and co. have stayed but at Palazzo Parigi? The characters from The Devil Wears Prada 2 are, in fact, captured in a scene as they emerge, dressed to the nines, from the five-star Milanese hotel, one of the film’s – and the city’s – most chic locations.

Palazzo Parigi is the place where you have breakfast as if you were about to sign an important contract, even if you’re just ordering a cappuccino. An international clientele, effortless elegance and no need to show off. In short, the spot chosen by people who don’t need to stand out but do so anyway.

Even without staying the night, it’s worth a visit for a drink or a chic break.

Table at Palazzo Parigi with food and S.Pellegrino.

The bonus stop

You can’t see it, but it’s mentioned. And that’s enough. “Whenever I’m in Milan, I have dinner at Da Giacomo with Tom Ford,” says Nigel (Stanley Tucci) in The Devil Wears Prada 2. And indeed, Da Giacomo is more than just a restaurant: it’s a visual aesthetic of mirrors, warm lighting, waiters in white jackets and impeccable clientele.

To really look like Tom Ford’s regular plus one, go straight for the raw dishes and seafood in general, even though their classic tomato spaghetti even turned Demi Moore’s head. 

Pasta and S.Pellegrino at Da Giacomo in Milan.

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