Milan is one of Italy's largest cities, and a capital of design and fashion. It serves as a great destination for a weekend break, with much to sample in terms of art, food, fashion and with the many coffee bars you can sit and watch the people go by wearing a chic pair of Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses, who just so happen to the city's premier fashion designers.
Why not start the day like an Italian with a sharp shot of espresso to get you into the groove. Italians love their coffee, and you'll find a varied menu. You may enjoy the marocchino, which is a mini-cappuccino in a glass, or if you're after a kick, wake up with a cafe corretto - an espresso with a shot of grappa. Cafe Royal on Via Agnello 2 is a favoured coffee stop with locals on their way to work, so expect lots of hustle and bustle and local life.
After you've kick-started your day, look for some cultural inspiration, at the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna, found on Via Palestro 16. The building and its surrounding gardens are worth the trip alone - a Neo-classical villa that was built in 1790 and housed Napoleon the third. Inside you'll find works by famous artists, like Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Morandi, Picasso, and Rosso. Admission is free, so you save your money for a shopping spree at one of Milan's many flash boutiques.
Milan is one of Europe's fashion capitals, and the swanky boutiques are a major attraction for visitors. If you're after some serious shopping, then Milan has it covered. In Via Saint Andrea you'll find Missoni, Trussardi, and of course Dolce and Gabbana who seem to be as significant to Milan as any painter. In fact, the new men's boutique has been placed in an old eighteenth-century palazzo, which would make a very scenic shopping trip. For other big-name fashion houses, head to Via Sant'Andrea for Milan's finest boutiques. You'll find Missoni, more Dolce and Gabbana, Kenzo, Trussardi and Valentino to keep you and your credit card occupied all afternoon.
You can't leave the city without sampling some Milan-cuisine, so head with your shopping bags to the Gran Hotel Pub on Via Ascanio Sforza 75 for some traditional fare set in traditional surroundings. The trattoria sits in a Milanses courtyard with nearby canals and serves straightforward Italian cuisine like gnocchi, and cotoletta alla Milanese - a fried cutlet. The atmosphere is informal and a glass of wine in this cosy setting should be a great way to end a very tasteful day.
For cheap flights to Milan, or any city in Italy check out TravelZoo, who browse the internet to bring you the best deals. Even if you're off for a weekend, don't forget your travel insurance - have a look at AA Travel's website for a list of packages suited to your travels.
