- Who said Venice was the only place to visit? Milan's canals (Naviglio) date back to the 15th century and provide some lovely walks. They're a hive of activity in the evenings, with a plethora of bars and restaurants and live music. There are two main canals - the Grande and the Pavese; Naviglio Grande is perhaps the most scenic.
- Milan may not be by the sea, but the seafood is second to none thanks to the incredible fish market which serves swathes of the country. Head to Al Mercato del Pesce where the seafood, served grilled or in a range of pasta dishes, is the freshest you'll find.
This amazing venue is still recognised as one of the world's leading opera and ballet houses, and a night here is one you'll never forget: the atmosphere is unique. Over the past 200 years, Teatro alla Scala has hosted Italy's most famous opera singers, as well as many of the finest singers from around the world. The fascinating adjoining Museo Teatrale alla Scala, is well worth a visit.
For absolute top class accommodation in the heart of the quadrilatero d'oro (the chic Fashion District), The Four Seasons cannot disappoint. Rooms are deliciously peaceful - this is a 15th century converted convent - and the restrained elegance and impeccable service make this a real treat.
If you're in Milan, it would be rude not to pay a visit to the beautiful lake district - and particularly to Lake Como, a mere hour's drive away. The town of Como itself is rich in history and bursting with cafes and good restaurants. If you get the chance, have a cocktail on the terrace of the beautiful hotel, Casta Diva on the eastern shores of the lake. You won't regret it.
La Casa die Riposo per Musicisti, a rest home for retired opera singers, was founded by Giuseppe Verdi. It's well worth a stop to see this beautiful and quirky little place: listen out for the singing.
As one of the world's fashion capitals, Milan is home to top designer shops. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is where you'll find the Prada flagship store, then head to the Via della Spigia has more designer names than you can shake a credit card at. The famous Armani Superstore can be found on Via Mazoni.
- On the last Sunday of every month, the Naviglio Grande Antiques markets open up. A treasure trove of vintage clothes, books and antiques, a lot of the shops on the canal are owned by local artists and if yo wander into the courtyards you can see some fantastic artwork as well as the fascinating architecture.
Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and take in the architecture. The corridor between the Scala and the Duomo, this is one of the oldest malls in the world, known by many as il salotto di Milano (Milan's living room) and it's where all the faces of Milan meet: busy workers, fashionistas and curious tourists collide. Make sure you buy yourself an ice cream or stop by for a a cappuccino at the Gucci cafe.
If there's one place you absolutely have to spend some quality time, this is it. The Duomo is one of the world's largest cathedrals and an extraordinary work of art: it took six centuries to build. The statistics are mind-boggling: it's adorned with 3,159 individual statues, the majority of which are on the exterior, and 135 spires. Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty, spent many years studying in Milan, and the story goes that he used to sit and gaze at the Duomo facade. Two of the figures bear a certain resemblance to the statue in New York.
Inside the Duomo, five large naves are divided by 52 pillars, one for each week of the year. Works of art and architectural pieces fill every space, including a Renaissance marble altar. But the crowning glory are the beautiful stained glass windows.
It's worth paying to take a trip to the roof of the Duomo, accessible by lift (10 Euros) or stairs (6 Euros) . On a clear day, you can see as far as the Alps and the Apennines.
The largest green space in Milan, a peaceful stroll here is a delight. Don't miss the gardens of the Sforza Castle which run alongside the park, and the Arch of Peace, one of the city's prominent landmark.