Master hatter Giuseppe Borsalino opened the first store of what would become his empire in 1857. Still Italy's most famous headgear, the iconic rabbit-felt fedora with its natty grosgrain band is now worn by cool cats such as Denzel Washington and John Malkovich. The brand also does exclusive capsule collections, the latest being with former model cum hippie hatmaker Nick Fouquet.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Milan attractions

2. Museo Bagatti Valsecchi

0.08 MILES

Though born a few centuries too late, the Bagatti Valsecchi brothers, Fausto and Giuseppe, were determined to be Renaissance men, and from 1878 to 1887…

3. Quadrilatero d'Oro

0.08 MILES

A stroll around the Quadrilatero d'Oro, the world's most famous shopping district, is a must even for those not sartorially inclined. The quaintly cobbled…

4. Museo Poldi Pezzoli

0.21 MILES

At the age of 24 Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli had inherited not only his family fortune, but also his mother’s love of art. After extensive travels in which…

5. Gallerie d'Italia

0.29 MILES

This fabulously decorated palazzo (mansion) is home to part of the enormous collection of Fondazione Cariplo and Intesa Sanpaolo bank, which pays homage…

6. Villa Necchi Campiglio

0.3 MILES

Designed by homegrown talent Piero Portaluppi, this exquisitely restored 1930s villa was commissioned by Pavian heiresses Nedda and Gigina Necchi (of the…

7. Museo Teatrale alla Scala

0.33 MILES

Giuseppe Piermarini's 2800-seat theatre was inaugurated in 1778, replacing the previous theatre, which burnt down in a fire after a carnival gala. Costs…

8. Galleria d’Arte Moderna

0.34 MILES

Napoleon’s temporary Milanese home, the 18th-century Villa Reale, now houses Milan's modern art collection. Made up of bequests from leading Milanese…