Milan Hotels

Sophisticated Milan is also home to Il Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals and La Scala theatre, opera's premiere stage. And you need not crack any cryptic code to know that the long queues outside Santa Maria delle Grazie is proof of the popularity of what's inside. The old convent houses Da Vinci's The Last Supper, definite crowd-drawer - which is what all of Milan remains to be!

Attractions

The most striking part of Milan's skyline is the daunting figure that pierces through the skies of the city. Il Duomo is as gothic as it gets with its spires and intricate details on its façade and main nave, very much a trademark attraction in the heart of the city.

This cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente took more than 500 years to build. On top sits the copper statue of the Virgin, also known as Madonina, seemingly keeping an eye over Milan. The nearby Duomo Museum tells its rich history with its extensive display of church artifacts but for an even better experience, head to the roof to see the gargoyles and unrivalled views of the city. Another outstanding cathedral is Basilica Sant'Ambrogio where the city's patron saint, St. Ambrose is buried.

As testament to Milan's grandness, two more structures exude their iconic presence in the city just like the Duomo. Sforzesco Castle is a giant 15th century monument which has witnessed the city's colourful past. Rather than being an elegant gilded castle, it looks more like a giant fortress guarding over Milan. On the other hand, La Scala Theatre looks regal in every sense of the word, as it is the grand dame of all opera houses in the whole world.

Art's best works can be seen from Milan's varied historic locations. The very famous one is found at Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent. Tourists from all over make a beeline to see The Last Supper, a major piece of the Renaissance movement. While at Brera Art Gallery, works by masters such as Tintoretto, Titian and Bellini are for public viewing in this vast treasury of Italian art.

To pack in more of Milan's art into your itinerary, don't forget to check out the other museums! Da Vinci's National Museum of Science and Technology takes you through the artist's forays into engineering; get to know Da Vinci, the locomotive expert, warcraft genius or architect extraordinaire! Another interesting stop to your museum-hopping is Museum of Historic Art inside Sforzesco Castle. The collection gathers prominent masterpieces, the highlight of which is Michelangelo's Pieta De Rondanini. Lastly, La Scala also has its own display of memorabilia which pays homage to the colourful history of the opera house.

As the city presents heavenly shopping options, the best area for this would be Via Montenapoleone. It is part of the Golden Quadrilateral north of the Duomo, four streets lined with chic boutiques such as Ferragamo, Dolce et Gabbana and Prada. As proof of Milan's shopping-savvy, you can find the world's oldest mall here! Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, built in 1865, is a glass-roofed arcade designed in the neo-classical style, maintained impressively to this day. Street markets are fun to explore as well so head to Viale Papiniano and Fiera di Senigallia.

Events

Milan is fashion's stronghold, thus the unveiling of designer's collections every season can be chaotic times in the city. During February and March, then September and October, expect fashionistas to hover around the Fiera district where all trade fairs take place.

To honour St. Ambrose, the city holds a street fair in early December known as “oh bej, oh bej”, which you'll hear the stall-owners cry out to attract customers to their goods. It's a big Christmas market which allows both locals and tourists to take in that holiday ambience as you'll see all sorts of sweets and other delicacies on sale. This festival commemorates St. Ambrose who was known for his public-speaking skills, thus his “sweet-tongued” ways endeared him to the hearts of the Milanese. Opera season opens at La Scala on feast day as well. Book in to see performances in dance, theatre and ballet.

Still on the shopping front, set your sights on Naviglio canal for its grand antiques fair, year-round on Sundays except during July and August. The two-kilometer stretch hosts merchants offering watches, furniture, pottery, jewelry and books among others.

Climate

• Winter (November to February) 4-8°C; fairly mild but it can get foggy and some rains as well

• Spring (March to May) 10 - 22°C; generally pleasant

• Summer (June to August) 15 - 30°C; sweltering heat

• Fall (September to October) 13 - 18°C; cool with heavy downpours