Milan Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

It’s a good climb to the top of the Duomo – 166 steps, or there’s a lift – but worth it for the eyeful.

Arts and culture

A tour of La Scala (www.teatroallascala.org) is no substitute for a performance, but diverting nonetheless. Santa Marie delle Grazie houses da Vinci’s Last Supper (open until 6.45pm; closed Mondays; ring +39 (0)2 8942 1146 to book). La Pinacoteca di Brera is a fine-art must, with pieces covering periods from pre-Renaissance to Cubism.

Something for nothing

At aperitivo time, 6–9pm, many bars lay on free canapés. Il Cimitero Monumentale (Tuesday–Sunday 'til 17h15), where Giuseppe Verdi lies, is an amazing open-air museum in its own right.

Shopping

Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea house the showrooms of the major designers, including Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. The Armani empire has its multi-concept store on Via Manzoni. For more affordable purchases (MaxMara, Bruno Magli, Pollini, H&M, Zara), head for Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The area around Porta Ticinese is good for street style (Diesel, Miss Sixty, Fornarina) as well as second-hand shops, handmade clothes and intriguing homewares.

Daytripper

Head to Monza for the Italian GP, or, if you prefer soothing (and quieter) days out, hire a car and head for the shores of Italy's great lakes, Como, Garda or Maggiore.

Children

Unless your children are into Prada and prosecco, Milan's not the most diverting place to take them. Older kids may find rewards in the galleries and museums, though.

Activities

Treat yourself to tickets to a ballet, opera or orchestral performance at one of the word's greatest theatres, La Scala (www.teatroallascala.org). NB you will be expected to look the part: jackets and ties are compulsory for Mr Smith (black tie if it's a premiere). It might sound like a bit of a kerfuffle, but it's worth it.

And...

The Fiera di Senigallia market, every Saturday, sells ethnic handicrafts, records and bicycles along the Darsena dockyard. Mercato dell’Antiquariato di Brera, on the third Saturday of the month, has stalls selling books, jewellery, antiques and curios.