Famed the world over for its fashion week, style and sheer range of luxury shopping, Milan also offers the more traditional side of Italian luxury to visitors. Italian food is only ever delicious, wherever it is served in Italy, and in Milan you can dine in splendid luxury or more traditional, homely surroundings as you wish.

Museums, art galleries and the famous Duomo Cathedral – the 3rd largest in the world – mean that culture and art can play a central role in your luxury Milan city break. If you’d prefer, you can simply sit back in any one of the multitude of chic cafés, watch the world go by or marvel at the beautiful architecture that make Milan a city of beauty in more ways than one.

Whether in fashion, people, architecture or accommodation, Milan simply doesn’t do “normal”.

Milan – at a glance

1. Historic centre

A lot of Milan’s most famous monuments, not least the gigantic El Duomo cathedral and surrounding Piazza (square) are to be found here. For fantastic theatre in world famous surroundings, La Scala Opera House can also be found here.

2. Brera and Montenapoleone

Here is where – for the well-heeled shopper with money to spend on only the finest clothes and jewellery - Milan comes into its own. Just north of the Duomo, the Fashion district (or Quadrilatero della Moda) has all the high-end fashion houses, like Armani, Valentino and Versace in close proximity, on or near Via Montenapoleone. Trendy bars and the National Art Gallery offer luxury distractions from the high-end shopping, if you can drag yourself away from it!

3. Navigli

The canal quarter has an ambiance all of its own. More lively and vibrant than the rarefied luxury of the Fashion district, this area has numerous unique bars and quirky art galleries. At the weekends, flea-markets selling literally everything take precedence, making Navigli a vibrant and bustling place to be.

4. Parco Sempione

To the North of the centre lies Milan’s largest green space. In this grand park you can find the grand and historic castle, Castello Sforzeco, as well as an art gallery housing some of Italy’s finest paintings. For an unrivalled panoramic view of the city, climb up the park’s steel tower, Torre Branca. Nearby, the Santa Maria delle Grazie (Saint Mary of Grace) church houses the world-famous “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.

5. Central station and Public Gardens

For more shopping, eating and lively hustle and bustle, come to the area surrounding Milan’s main train station. The eye catching design and art gallery, 10 Corso Como is nearby, offering art and boutique shopping under one roof. A quiet stroll through the nearby public gardens or a visit to the enlightening Modern Art Gallery are also possible in this area.