Welcome to Milan and the Lakes
Milan is Italys city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where creativity is big business, looking good is compulsory and after-work drinks known as aperitivi are an art form. Its also a city with ancient roots and extraordinary treasures that youll get to experience without the usual queues. At the weekends, join the urban exodus to the elegant towns and tiered gardens of the Italian lakes.
Duomo Richard IAnson / Getty Images
Milan and the LakesTop Sights
Duomo
With its ageless marble facade and countless pinnacles and spires piercing the sky, Milans splendid Gothic cathedral is a veritable outdoor sculpture museum.
Tibor Bognar / Robert Harding
Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
The Last Supper
Saved from WWII bombs by a bank of sandbags, Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo), painted on the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is one of the worlds most iconic images.
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Isole Borromee
In Lago Maggiores most beautiful corner, the Borromean Islands harbour the spectacular, privately owned palaces of the Borromei family. Palazzo Borromeo, on Isola Bella, is the centrepiece, with 10 tiers of terraced gardens.
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Bellagio
Wander Bellagios zigzagging streets and rhododendron-filled gardens, then sit lakeside and while away the afternoon with a bottle of Mamete Prevostini Opera Bianco. Surely life doesn't get any better?
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Pinacoteca di Brera
Founded in the 18th century alongside Italys most prestigious art academy, the Pinacoteca houses a priceless collection of Old Master paintings that includes the likes of Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and the Bellini brothers.
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Museo del Novecento
Milan's stunning collection of 20th-century art is fittingly housed in the remodelled 1950s Palazzo dell'Arengario, which features bas reliefs by Arturo Martini.
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzolis historically themed apartments, decorated with his priceless collection of Renaissance paintings and artefacts, offer a unique preserved-in-amber insight into the heyday of 19th-century patronage.
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Milan and the Lakes Top Sights
Castello Sforzesco
Long-time seat and residence of the dukes of Milan, the Sforza castle is one of the biggest citadels in Europe, with 12 sturdy bastions and walls that once ran 3.5km. It now houses the citys civic museums.
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Milan and the LakesLocal Life
Insider tips to help you find the real Milan and the Lakes
Its true the Milanese dont always have time to play nice for visitors theyre simply too busy redesigning the world. But if youre prepared to jump in, theyll happily share their intoxicating round of pursuits, be that precision shopping, browsing contemporary galleries, or loading up a plate with local delicacies while downing an expertly mixed negroni.
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Shop Like a Local
Fashion boutiques
Historic palazzi
With more than 500 fashion marques crammed into 6000 sq metres of cobbled laneways, the Quadrilatero dOro is high-fashion theatre at its best. Names such as Armani, Bulgari and D&G are known the world over, and the Quad is also home to historic house museums, gourmet eateries and luxurious spas.
Zona Tortona
Designer studios
Design fair hot spot
Lying across Graffiti Bridge and behind the railway tracks of Porta Genova, the Zona Tortona was once a tangle of working-class tenements and factories. Now an area flush with studios, fashion HQs and Armani's new legacy museum, this is the place to glimpse Milans latest ideas.
Life on the Canals
Markets
Aperitivo bars
Milan was once defined by its network of canals, which fell into disuse in the 20th century. Today the banks of the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are lined with some of the citys best bars, clubs and artists' workshops. At weekends locals flock here for markets and sunny strolls.