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AC Milan's Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders Take Us Inside Their Milan

The American football phenom and Dutch midfielder share their favorite cultural destinations off the pitch. 

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Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders celebrate after scoring the opening goal during a match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images.

For in-the-know travelers, Milan offers a cooler, more downtown version of Italy than the ethereal splendor of Rome or Florence. In Milan, culture is not preserved in stone but continually reshaped, and heritage and innovation co-exist across architecture, culture, technology and design. While Rome exudes the history of ancient empires with its epic ruins and classical gravitas, Milan pulses with a refined modernity—its allure rooted not in antiquity but in reinvention.

For locals, the heart of the city beats not only among the columns of the Duomo or the bold lines of Fondazione Prada, but also within the San Siro Stadium, where the AC Milan players perform week after week for their legions of fans. Off the field, AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders are no strangers to the best the city has to offer, from authentic gelato stands to the perfect osteria. Here, they share their favorite destinations spanning out from the fast-paced epicenter, and a version of Milan unique to the eyes of two local champions.

For a special occasion, I make a reservation at: “I like to go to Ristorante Verdicchio, which is not far from Milanello, our training center.” - Christian Pulisic 

My favorite restaurants in town are: “Definitely La Gioia or El Carnicero.” - Tijjani Reijnders 

My favorite museum to visit is: “I like art, and recently visited the ‘Museo del 900’, which was an amazing experience. It’s filled with a rich collection of contemporary art, and I found it really inspiring. It’s next to the iconic Duomo as well.” - Christian Pulisic 

The best cafe for a cup of coffee is: “Caffè Leonardo located in Brera, which is my favorite Milanese neighborhood” - Tijjani Reijnders 

I love Milan because: “I like the fact that there’s so much to do and some beautiful and historical sights such as Duomo, the Brera neighborhood, and La Scala theater.” - Christian Pulisic 

My favorite spot inside the AC Milan stadium is: “The tunnel leading up to the field. It gives me the right boost before the game. As soon as I step into that space, I can feel the energy of the fans. I can hear their excitement from the stands, and that really fires me up." - Christian Pulisic 

When I want a scoop of gelato, I go to: “Gelateria Lab, especially in the summer when it gets really hot." - Tijjani Reijnders 

The best hotel in the city is: “We always stay there with the team, so my favorite hotel is of course the Meliá!” - Tijjani Reijnders 

My favorite thing about Milan is: “Definitely the Duomo. It's simply stunning and I never get tired of admiring it. Apart from that, I really enjoy shopping in Milan. The city offers some of the best shopping districts in the world, with everything from high-end luxury boutiques to unique local stores.” - Christian Pulisic 

When I want to travel somewhere close to the city, I go to: “When I want to relax I like to go to Como, it is a beautiful city by the lake. Truly magical.” - Christian Pulisic 

My favorite place for an outdoor workout is: “Parco Sempione for sure. It has a lot of green areas and hosts the iconic Arena Civica di Milano” - Tijjani Reijnders 

My go-to spot for pasta is: “I always go to Osteria da Fortunata. We really feel at home there” - Tijjani Reijnders 

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