Milan

The cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Construction began in 1386 and was not completed until 500 years later. Duomo di Milano is a late Gothic masterpiece, made even 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.

Right next to the Duomo di Milano (the Milan Cathedral), you will find Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an upscale shopping arcade housing luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton as well as restaurants, bars, cafes and even a hotel. The Galleria's central glass dome has a stunning mosaic representing the continents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, while its floor is decorated with mosaics portraying the coat of arms of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Turin. Representing Turin is a bull, and according to the legend, if you spin around three times with your heel on the bull's genitals, it will bring you good fortune.

Cenacolo Vinciano is the home of one of the world’s most legendary and beloved works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It’s rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look though, so definitely book your visit 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.

Even if canals aren't the first thing you think about when you visit Milan, you shouldn't miss The Navigli. These canals 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 cafes, bars and small shops.

Cimitero Monumentale 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. A guided tour will not only draw your attention to the wide array of contemporary and classical Italian works of art, but will also give you information about the rich and famous Italians who found their resting place here.

Enjoy some time out in one of the city's greenest and lushest parks. You can find something for everyone in Parco Sempione: play areas and train rides for the children, football fields and a roller skating rink, and green lawns with free Wi-Fi to relax after a busy day. Escape from the heat in the Civic Aquarium, whose building was constructed for the International Exposition back in 1906. Get a bird's eye view of Milan by taking a lift up Torre Branca. At 108.6 meters high, it is one of the tallest structure in the city. Have a romantic moment on the Ponte delle Sirenette — a little bridge dedicated to all lovers.

The Brera area is a must if you visit Milan. Young professionals and students tend to gather in this bohemian quarter, which boasts countless small boutiques and restaurants. It is a perfect place to eat a memorable lunch or to have an aperitivo towards the evening.

When you want to escape from the busy city streets and enjoy some natural beauty of Lombardy, consider hopping on the scenic Bernina Express train. Stroll along Lake Como, make a stop in the historic lakeshore village of Varenna and ascend the Alps on the UNESCO-listed train — it'll make a stop on top so you can take short walk enjoying summit views. The train journey itself takes about 4 hours start to finish and runs through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and viaducts.

Villa Necchi Campiglio is an architect-designed villa that functions as a museum with decorative arts, paintings and period furniture. This architectural gem with a gorgeous private garden and a swimming pool was completed by Piero Portaluppi in 1935 for the Necchi Campiglio family — part of the flourishing middle class of Milan in the 30s. After WWII, the villa underwent some changes: the linear modern architecture was softened with design elements from the 18th century and those in the style of Louis the 15th of France. Villa Necchi Campiglio gained popular fame after appearing as Tilda Swinton's character's opulent home in Luca Guadagnino's 2009 hit film I Am Love.

Italian cuisine needs no introduction — you've tasted it and loved it countless times. Milan is the perfect place to take one of the many cooking classes with a trained chef or an average (if there is such a thing) nonna. Most classes can teach you how to make your own pasta, pizza and dessert, but you can ask for something that speaks to you personally. Of course, you get to taste your own masterpiece afterwards.