Situated in Lombardy, Northern Italy, Milan is the global capital of fashion and design and is famous for it's shops, restaurants, art, history and Italian culture. It is also Italy's financial hub, housing the Italian stock exchange. We have made many trips to Italy to meet suppliers and Milan has to be one of our favourite destinations. Here are a few tips as to why we love this very cosmopolitan city.

Milan is a very easy city to navigate, it's compact with a great, easy to use Metro system. The transport links from the local airports are quick, regular and economical and drop you off just outside the Central Train Station and Metro.

The first place to visit is the absolutely spectacular gothic Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world that took almost 6 centuries to build. I do remember vividly catching our first glimpse of this magnificent building, We were walking in the shade heading towards the Piazza del Duomo from the Piazza Cordusio when we suddenly caught sight of the marble white facade illuminated by the midday sun. And as we approached we were in awe as the hundreds and hundreds of intricate carving became visible. Do venture inside and view the beautiful stained glass windows and paintings and for those of you with a head for heights, a walk on the roof is an absolute must with spectacular views across the city through the detailed carvings. This can be accessed either by lift or for the more physically able, a climb up the 919 stone spiral stairs is sure to give you an appetite.

The Piazza Duomo is also home to the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II. Opened in 1867, it is one of the world's oldest shopping centres. Easily recognisable, the Galleria consists of a four story double arcade with fabulous ornate roof, frescos and exclusive shops. The frescos represent the four continents and the floor mosaics represent Italian cities, Milan (red cross), Rome (wolf), Florence (iris) and Turin (bull). Don't forget to spin on your heels 3 times on the mosaic bull's privates as it is said to guarantee good luck.

Just down from the Duomo is an upmarket store, la Renascent. Set on 7 floors, it is great for shopping if you have a taste for expensive designer goods but it also has a secret too. Travel to the top floor and discover a gourmet food hall which includes upmarket bars and restaurants, some of which have an amazing view looking out over the Duomo. Take advantage of the terrace which is open nearly all year round and enjoy a Peroni, Aperol or Campari spritz and just soak in the magnificent view.

Art and culture is also well catered for, most famous being "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci which is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent. Booking is advisable as it's strictly managed with time slots to control the humidity and protect the fresco. Renaissance art is housed in the beautiful Pinacoteca di Brera a beautiful palazzo used by Napoleon and for those interested in science, the Museo Scienza Leonardo da Vinci is a must. For those lucky enough to have a ticket there is of course La Scala, Milan's opera house inaugurated in 1778, a lavish theatre hosts premiere performances for both ballet and opera. 

The Navigli is another of our favourites, a system of 5 navigable canals. The canals were originally built to bring in the stone required for the Duomo di Milano and is a lively area filled with bars and restaurants. Some of which offer an extensive buffet inclusive with your drink order. One particular bar we visited had an old Fiat 500 inside where the DJ resided and offered a large variety of food including octopus, chicken, tortilla, pasta and salads. 

This is just a brief guide as there are still many things we still haven't seen or tried. Milan is a wonderful city to visit for a city break or as a part of a tour. The beautiful Lakes, Como and Garda are a train ride away as is Turin and Genoa. We have done both and whatever you decide I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.