You have to go see the Duomo in Milan! Not only it's the third largest Christian church, and took 500 years to complete, it is by far the prettiest Duomo I have clapped eyes on and really, it is probably the only big tourist attraction in Milan. Be aware of the conservative cover your knees and shoulders rule though. We almost got caught out because it was summer and easy to not wear appropriate attire. Bring along a pashmina/ shawl, I have seen tourists drape these very creatively to cover up.
Haul some Haute Couture in the Rectangle of Gold bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant' Andrea and via Montenapoleone. Somewhere there you might find some bargains or pop-up outlets with discounted designer items. Even if you can't afford another Prada bag, it was still nice to saunter around window shopping like I did.
Visit the 13th century Castello Sforzesco and roam about its grounds and its many museums. Many visit on the weekends to dip their feet in the fountains and lounge amongst the blooms on the castle's greens.
Venice in Milan wasn't quite what we'd planned, but along the peaceful canal at Navigli Lombardi stretches endless trattorias that will gladly host you for some delish Milanese cuisine or some fine italian wine, whichever you'd fancy.
Speaking of the Milanese fare, One simply has to try the Costoletta alla Milanese and the traditional fragrant Saffron risotto. I wasn't a fan of the crispy version served up at Peck (an awesome deli to visit by the way if you'd like to pack a picnic for the day), as it was a little dry, but where they serve up the usual creamy risottos, the saffron lends a graceful hint of spice to a wonderfully cooked dish.
We had stumbled upon this unsung gem - A preserved 16th century mansion that houses antique fashions from the eras past. Palazzo Morando was quite the respite from the glitz and glam of the couture houses and Italian fast cars in the fashion district of Milan.
Grab a cappucino at the city that was the inspiration for Starbucks. The coffee here is the best I have had in Europe so far and we had as many as we physically could without dehydrating ourselves in the summer heat. We didn't once practice the Italian way of sipping the espressos at the bar, which is the norm, but perhaps you could if you're ever in town.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the 200 year old luxury shopping mall is home to the upper echelons who want to own the latest Prada/ Gucci, sip a ten euro cup of coffee at Zucca or make a wish whilst spinning on their right heel three times on the mosaic bull's genitals (now worn away into a gaping hole) in the midst of the arcade.
Club at Corso Como. Well, in full disclosure, we didn't go into any clubs, but we joined the hippy crowd there for an after-clubbing feed on the terrace of 'bad' pizza by Italian standards, but oh still very good for us tourists.
Kick back near one of the many gorgeous Milanese gardens. We rested with gelato in the shade at Parco Simpione, watching tourists and locals alike go about their Sunday afternoon leisurely.
Milan is a place best visited with a girlfriend or at least someone who appreciates luxury. Mr.HEA didn't feel at ease there one bit and was a rather disappointing travel companion on this leg of the trip. That said, I am pleasantly surprised that we had as many good memories as we did manage to capture on camera. I must have refused to let his mood get to me. After all, to me, Milan is the next best thing to Paris.
