The 2026 Winter Olympics are just days away, and Milan is already buzzing. But long before the medals, lights, and flags, this Italian city has been preparing in its own way—for centuries. In this episode, David and Tim explore Milan between the events: where to stay, what to eat, and how to really experience the fashion capital of Italy.

From stylish hotel rooftops to wood-fired pizzas at sunset, they share first-hand tips for exploring the city beyond the stadiums. Whether you're headed to the Games or planning a future summer trip through Northern Italy, this guide is packed with local insight.

Where to Stay

1. Excelsior Hotel Gallia (Luxury Collection, Marriott)
2. A favorite of David’s, this hotel features a rooftop spa with Himalayan salt rooms, a massive breakfast spread, and skyline views. It once had Maseratis as its shuttle vehicles—now it’s black vans, but still iconic.
3. Radisson Collection Palazzo Touring Club
4. Tim’s pick for elegant old-world charm with a twist—think lobby bookstores, functioning travel agencies, and travel-themed design.
5. Radisson Collection Santa Sofia
6. A bold, stylish transformation of a former insurance building. Rooftop dining and luxury finishes make this a standout stay.
7. Vico Milano
8. Chic and affordable (~€150–300 per night), this boutique hotel in the fashion district offers rooms with a story—and strong design credentials.

What to Do

1. Duomo di Milano & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
2. The heart of the city: Gothic grandeur meets historic shopping arcade.
3. Villa Necchi Campiglio
4. A house museum filled with vintage Milanese charm—and original Picasso and Matisse sketches hidden in the bathroom.
5. Fondazione Prada
6. An avant-garde art complex with rotating exhibitions, performance spaces, and a “Haunted House”...

In this episode of Travel in 10, we continue our exploration of Paris, this time focusing on three of the city’s most iconic markets. In the last episode, we toured the streets of Paris with Oliver Gee from The Earful Tower. Today, we step deeper into local life, where the colours, flavours, and sounds of Paris come alive in its bustling marketplaces.

From open-air boulevards to historic covered halls, these markets are the perfect way to connect with Parisian culture — whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. David shares his favorites from a recent trip, along with tips for where to stay and a classic Paris jazz club to visit at night.

Marché Bastille

• Open Thursdays and Sundays, near the Bastille
• One of the largest and liveliest open-air markets in Paris
• Fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, flowers, and street food
• Sunday is the busiest day and the best for variety

Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Open Tuesday to Sunday in the 3rd arrondissement
• Oldest covered market in Paris (1615)
• Known for high-quality food stalls and small restaurants
• Global cuisine alongside French favorites; great communal dining atmosphere

Marché d’Aligre / Marché Beauvau

• Open Tuesday to Sunday in the 12th arrondissement
• Combination of outdoor produce stalls and a covered market
• Popular with locals and chefs; known for authentic atmosphere
• Surrounded by a foodie neighborhood with excellent cafés, wine shops, and specialty stores
• Flea market outside most mornings except Monday

Stay – Hotel 34B (Astotel Group)

• Stylish boutique hotel with excellent value
• Free in-room minibar (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks)
• Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks at any Astotel property in the city
• Great locations and unique design inspired by each neighborhood

Nightlife – Caveau de la Huchette

• Legendary Paris jazz club in the Latin Quarter
• Live music until the early hours, every night
• Welcoming atmosphere and great value

Note: Some of the above links are affiliate links. By booking through them, you pay no extra, but a small portion of your booking helps support this podcast.

You’ve done Paris once. Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Luxembourg Gardens—check. Now what? In this episode, we sit down in a café in the 11th arrondissement with Oliver Gee, host of The Earful Tower, to plan a “second visit” to Paris that steps off the tourist track: covered passages, neighborhood cafés, budget-friendly bouillons, cabarets that are actually fun, where to stay, and how to arrive without wrecking your first impression.

Oliver Gee, host of The Earful Tower and founder of Earful walking tours in Paris.

• Why your second trip is when Paris really clicks
• Which neighborhoods reward wandering (11th, 19th, 20th)
• The covered passages worth seeking out and why they’re special
• Lunch spots and coffee bars locals actually use
• Bouillons: beautiful rooms, classic fare, tiny bills—what to expect
• Solo-friendly nights out (including cabaret)
• Smart lodging and airport choices that save time and sanity

• Covered passages: Galerie Vivienne; Passage Jouffroy (home to Hôtel Chopin)
• Cafés & lunch favorites: Café Méricourt; Holybelly
• Vintage shopping: Kilo Shop (pay-by-weight, multiple locations)
• Budget dinner, big atmosphere: Bouillon Chartier; Bouillon Pigalle
• Night out: Moulin Rouge and other cabarets around Pigalle/Montmartre
• Where to stay: Aim central (arrondissements 1–11) to cut transit time
• Getting into town: Consider a taxi from CDG/ORY for a smooth first impression; if you have a choice, many prefer Orly for speed and simplicity

Earful Tower tours focus on discovery over dates and statues—courtyards, stories, and hidden details. Oliver personally leads a Monday-morning Marais tour most weeks.

Book: Earful Tower Walking Tours — https://theearfultower.com/the-earful-tower-walking-tours/

The Earful Tower (podcast): https://theearfultower.com/the-podcast/

• The covered passages are as atmospheric as promised. Highlights: Galerie Vivienne; Passage Jouffroy with Hôtel Chopin tucked inside.
• Kilo Shop is a fun, budget-friendly vintage stop—great with teens.
• Bouillon Pigalle (more modern) and Bouillon Chartier (old-school classic) both deliver on vibe and value. Go off-peak to avoid lines.

• Earful Tower Walking Tours: https://theearfultower.com/the-earful-tower-walking-tours/
• The Earful Tower (podcast): https://theearfultower.com/the-podcast/
• Galerie Vivienne: https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/voyascape/EWLWk69bPK
• Passage Jouffroy: https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/voyascape/vPe_qlc-k_
• Hôtel Chopin: