These old school shops can be easy to overlook when you’re in a city like Milan, but once you find them you uncover such fascinating stories.
When I stroll the streets of Milan, the five best historical shops I love to visit for a quick visit back in time include the Bovini 1909 stationery store, Cucchi pastry shop, the Libreria Bocca bookshop, the Antica Barbieria Colla barber shop, and Peck restaurant and shop.
If you’re up for an adventure back in time and escape the hustle and bustle of today’s modern life, you can’t go wrong with any one of the following shops.
There are several old school paper shops tucked away around the city of Milan, but one of my absolute favorites is The Bonvini 1909. You just don’t see too many paper shops in existence anymore, so when I stumbled upon this gem one day I knew before I even stepped inside it was going to be a truly unique experience.
When I stepped inside and my feet touched the large green and mauve checkered square floor, I could literally breathe in the retro atmosphere of pen touching paper. I don’t think anything has changed since the store opened in the early 1900s.
Right in front of the store a large, dark wooden U-shaped desk flanked by floor to ceiling pistachio green and walnut shelves is where you can find a variety of pen, pencil, paper, ink, stamps, and calligraphy supplies.
For example, a traditional Italian stapler grabbed my attention, but the older man in a blue coat didn’t speak much English when I asked about it, so I had to ask about the cucitrice (pronounced kutchiˈtri:tche), which is stapler in Italian. He was very matter-of-fact, no wasting a single word telling me about the stapler. Which was fine, my Italian is that great anyway.
All of the furniture and shelving is original when the store first opened in 1909. They still even use 19th-century presses to provide typography to local businesses! The store was in the Bonvini family until 2011, but with some renovations from passionate printing enthusiasts this historic gem remains open for everyone to enjoy.
And if you’re in Milan at the right time, The Bonvini 1909 organizes courses and events about typography, art, writing, and drawing if stepping inside inspires you to return to old-fashioned pen-to-paper writing and art.
Via Tagliamento 1
+39 02 5392 151
One of the best historical shops in Milan definitely is the Cucchi Pastry Shop located in the heart of old Milan. I never pass up a chance for Italian coffee and pastry, so I remember when I stepped inside I met a crowd of people smiling and pointing to their favorite sweet treats behind the temperature controlled cases.
When I finally made it to the front to order, I was still undecided what I wanted to try from the variety of picturesque pastries. The lady at the counter was kind enough to provide some recommendations, so I ordered a chocolate-filled tart with velvety moose peaks, a cappuccino, and a slice of panettone to go. Cucchi is known for serving panettone all-year round, a traditional sweet cake-like bread served during Christmas and New Year’s. For U.S. Americans who love fruitcake, panettone is a dream come true.
I was fortunate to find a linen-covered table open up so I took a seat among the bustle of the crowd. I noticed a variety of people, from elegant Milanese women to people I could gather were tourists. Looking around, I could feel that this place has a history with its old-warm charm and vintage interior, so before diving into my tart I read the history of Cucchi.
This quaint pastry shop first opened in 1936, originally named Caffe Concerto. Only a few years later in 1943, it was destroyed by bombings from Allied forces in World War II. But it didn’t take long for the family to rebuild the shop and start new. Renovated in 1954, it is quintessentially old-school Milan.
I slid my fork into my chocolate tart and with one bite, I tried to make the moment of pure bliss last as long as possible. With a few more bites my tart was gone….and the slice of panettone that had no chance of ever making it home.
Corso Genova, 1Milan, 20123 Italy
39 02-8940-9793
If you love bookstores so much that you would seriously consider marrying one, then the Libreria Bocca bookshop is the perfect match for you. One of the best historical shops in Milan, you’ll step inside to be greeted by literally floor to ceiling books and art. Really, you can even see art and books through the sections of clear glass tiles on the floor.
It’s small in space, but large in elegance. I stood just in awe, wishing I could read Italian better so I could spend possibly the rest of my life thumbing through all the books. Just for fun, I climbed the nearest ladder so I could marvel at the books clear at the top shelf. The owner, an extremely nice gentleman, politely asked me to get down. I explained I was just impressed with the collection and asked if he could share more about this shop.
He explained that the Libreria Bocca first opened in 1775 in Turin and then opened several locations across Italy. But the location in Milan is the only one that still exists today and the oldest bookshop in the city. You can tell this place is in such good hands because he is so passionate and knowledgeable about the bookshop.
If you’re not even a huge fan of books, this bookshop should still be on your list of must-see vintage shops in the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 12
20121 Milan
Italy
Centro Storico
Now this was definitely a pleasant surprise to stumble upon this historical shop in Milan. Usually when I’m in Milan I don’t necessarily have to worry about getting a haircut, but the vintage looking sign above the door that announced “Antica Barbieria Colla” grabbed my attention.
I stepped inside and just stopped. Bright lights reflected off vintage black and white barber chairs and huge mirrors that wrapped around the entire barbershop. And the photos! Photos of prominent Italian personalities who have been at this very barber shop.
I even saw one man receiving an old-school shave. You know, the little brush dipped in shaving cream and the barber using an old-school razor to delicately shave the neck, cheeks, and upper lip. On the nearby sink there are old tonic-looking bottles with aftershave.
I politely shared I was just observing when a gentleman asked me if I needed help. I later found out that Antica Barbieria Colla first opened the barbershop in 1904 where he later moved to a bigger location in 1919 due to his tremendous success. But after suffering damage from World War II, he closed the shop and reopened it in the current location in 1944. A group of passionate barbers shared ownership and kept the place going until 1975, when Franco Bompieri became the sole owner.
Next time I plan to try out an old-school shave. I recommend you do the same!
Via Gerolamo Morone, 3
+39 02 874312
Peck is definitely a landmark in Milan since it’s been known for its gourmet food since 1883. Started by Franz Peck who quickly became world-renowned for cured meats and deli, moved to a bigger location on Via Spadari where the shop has been located since 1912. On one of my visits to Milan I made sure I stopped by to view this historic location.
Not only is there a restaurant inside, throughout three floors you’ll find a wine shop, a butchery, cured meats, and cheese, a bakery, a patisserie, fresh produce, and a heavenly wine shop. The Peck Parmiginao Reggiano is one of the best sellers, so I definitely grabbed some of that while walking around.
While Peck has definitely upgraded through the decades to keep up with modern times, you can still find glimmers of old school Milan charm. It’s such a proud benchmark of Milanse history, you have to visit at least once.
Via Spadari 9, 20123 Milan
+39 02 802 3161
Images from Unsplash