Located in northwest Italy about 30 miles south of the Alps, Milan (Milano) is one of the world's most fashionable and glamorous cities, home to top fashion houses and designers such as Versace, Armani, Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. But fashion aside, it is also known for several historic and artistic attractions like the Duomo, Last Supper painting and the La Scala Opera House, as well as famous for its traditional Milanese dishes such as risotto alla milanese (a rice dish made with saffron) and cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal) served in trendy neighbourhood restaurants.

Weather/ when to go:

Milan can be very hot and humid in summer (especially in August), but winters are relatively mild.

Do & see:

Quadrilatero d'Oro

Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Rectangle) is Milan's prestigious shopping square, bound by four adjoining streets: Via Monte Napoleone, Via Spiga, Via Borgospesso, and Via Sant'Andrea. Fashionistas flock here to shop at the designers' flagship stores. Even if the price tags are out of your budget, the area is well worth a stroll for hours of fashion gazing.

Duomo

The Duomo is the world's largest Gothic cathedral, magnificently built with stained-glass windows, intricately carved pillars and a gilded copper statue of the Madonnina crowning the top. For an unbeatable bird's eye view, you can climb 165 steps to the cathedral roof or take a lift up.
Address: Piazza del Duomo

Cenacolo Vinciano

This is the home of one of the world's most famous artworks, Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper." It's rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look though -- to book a time in advance, reservations must be made by phone.
Address: Santa Maria delle Grazie 2

Teatro alla Scala Museum

One of the most famous opera houses in the world, Teatro alla Scala was opened in 1778. You can take a peek inside as part of a visit to the in-house Museo Teatrale alla Scala if there are no performances in progress.

Address: Piazza della Scala