Milan

The cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Building began in 1386 and was not completed until 500 years later. It is a late Gothic masterpiece, made more interesting by the fact that this style can’t be seen anywhere else in Italy. Towering over the Piazza del Duomo, the marble building is marked by 135 spires and countless statues.

Cenacolo Vinciano is the home of one of the world’s most legendary and beloved works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s "Last Supper". It’s rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look though, so a good way to avoid the long queues is to book a time in advance.

Milan doesn’t have as many artistic treasures as Venice and Florence, but it does not fall too far behind. The city’s foremost art museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera, showcases works by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Bramante, and Caravaggio, among others.

The city’s two top Series A football teams, Inter and Milan, draw dedicated crowds to their shared home ground. San Siro also hosts fan events and is home to Italy’s only football museum, so make sure to visit it even if football isn't really your thing, just to make your Milan experience more complete.

Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. A visit to the museum grants you a sneak peek inside the theatre itself and the glamour that goes along with it. You’ll be able to visit one of its spectacular theatre boxes overlooking the stage.

In addition to the famous and outstanding Duomo, this 15th century castle is a landmark of Milan. Until the beginning of the 20th century it was a symbol of power and different dukes used it as their residence. Today it houses a wide selection of cultural sights, such as museums and exhibitions.

Even if channels aren't the first thing you think about when you visit Milan, you shouldn't miss The Navigli. These channels were constructed by Leonardo da Vinci to make the building of Il Duomo and the transportation of heavy materials easier. The neighbourhood around the Navigli is today one of the most popular, filled with cafés, bars and small shops.

This cemetery opened in 1866 and is one of the two largest in Milan. To be buried here, the deceased had to be from higher echelons of society, and one can pay homage to the memory of a few celebrated artists and political figures here. The grave yard is also decorated with a wide array of contemporary and classical Italian works of art.

This Latino-Japanese fusion restaurant (inside the Armani department store) has an interior that is as exciting as its menu. The translucent screens, elegant dining room furniture, and the strict lines are reminiscent of luxurious airport lounges. For those who find it hard to choose, there is a tasting menu.

This storied deli also has its own one-star Michelin restaurant. The young chef, Carlo Cracco, lets his creativity seep into his culinary exploits, resulting in interesting and delicious dishes like goat milk ravioli with bunching onion and Norcia truffle.

Rigolo looks like a formal restaurant with its white linen, silver cutlery and slightly older waiters. But once inside, it becomes apparent that this is actually a warm and friendly place. The food is Tuscan, and the menu features dishes like pappardelle with wild boar sauce.

A famous venue, split between two levels. On the lower level is the restaurant, with a large fish counter from which diners can choose their own seafood. On the second floor is the lounge bar. Take the opportunity to go for something slightly out of the box, like sea urchin.

This restaurant is located in the exclusive department store Rinascente. It is a special place dedicated to good food, where the passion for cooking and the pleasure of the palate find their maximum expression. Maio is said to be a new landmark in glamorous Milan.

If you are looking for something other than Italian specialities, consider heading to Hana Restaurant for some sushi. A wonderful selection of traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura and many others, are served in an elegant and stylish dining room.

Located in the outskirts of the city, L'Immagine Ristorante Bistrot tempts with delicious Italian food, impeccable service, and a free glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. Even if it may be a bit of a struggle to get there, it is well worth the effort.

Nerino Dieci Trattoria is a popular restaurant among both locals and tourists. Authentic Italian cuisine is served at very reasonable prices, accompanied by an extensive and well put together wine menu. A wide range of bottled beers can also be found on the menu.

This is Milan’s equivalent to London’s Harrods department store, where exclusive selections of fashion items for men, women and kids are on offer. Across its eight floors you will find exclusive fashion, accessories, perfumes and toys by more than 200 brands. La Rinascente is located in the heart of Milan, just a few steps away from the Duomo.

Enoteca Cotti is a well-stocked wine shop in the artsy Brera neighbourhood with an original 1930's interior. Italy produces an impressive quantity of high quality wine, and this wine shop stocks more than 3,000 selected labels representing every region of Italy. In addition, here you can find culinary specialities crafted in the Italian tradition.

After visiting Cotti, head down to Rossi & Grassi to find the perfect accompanying snacks. Specialising in cold cuts and other delights, Rossi & Grassi is the place to buy prosciutto San Daniele and mortadella with pistachios. They also offer their own fabulous wine selection.

All culinary delights Italy has earned itself an international reputation for are on display at Peck, Milan's longstanding deli that spans three underground floors. Meats and cheeses, olives and oil, along with baked goods and sweets, are all up for sale and/or consumption at the on-site cafe.

Malpensa lies approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from downtown Milan and can be reached by bus, train and taxi (these can easily be hired at the airport). The Malpensa Express trains stop at terminals 1 and 2, depart frequently and run until late. Multiple buses and shuttles run between the airport and city centre, too. These might be a slightly cheaper option, and the only one if your time of arrival falls between after midnight and before 5am. Linate Airport is situated eight kilometres from the Milan city centre. Buses and taxis are available to transport you to and from the airport. This airport is mainly used for domestic and short-haul international flights. (www.milanolinate.eu) Orio al Serio Airport lies 50 kilometres northeast of Milan, just outside of Bergamo. Buses depart from here for Milan city centre, and the journey takes one hour.

Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Summer temperatures tend to rise very high, so unless you are not one to be disturbed by the smouldering heat, aim for late spring (April-May) or early fall, when temperatures are still comfortable.

Milan’s local transport is called ATM and includes underground, buses, and trains. Single fare tickets and day passes can be purchased from ATM ticket offices, newsstands and ticket machines. All tickets have to be stamped on board at the beginning of every journey.

Taxis are usually white and can be hailed in the street or at taxi stands. These are often located outside train and underground stations. The final fare depends on the number of suitcases you have, the day of the week, and the time of day.

Stamps can be bought at tobacconists that carry either the blue and white “Tabacchi” sign or are simply marked with a ”T”. Poste Italiane Milano Centrale, Piazza Duca d'Aosta +39 02 6707 2150 Mon-Fri 8.20-19.05, Sat 8.20-12.35 www.poste.it