Milan is Italys city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where money talks, creativity is big business and looking good is an art form.

Ruled by the Caesars, Napolon, the Austro-Hungarians and Mussolini, Milan has an ancient and fascinating history. After the unification of Italy in 1861, it also became an important industrial and cultural centre a title it still holds today. While it may not have the historic attractions of other Italian cities, it holds its own with art collections old and new, which mark the genius of old masters and provoke new conversations about where the world is headed. Prestigious nights at La Scala, an illustrious literary heritage and a vibrant music scene also do much to debunk the citys workaholic image.

Since Leonardo da Vinci broke all the rules in his stunningLast Supper,the indefatigably inventive Milanese seem to have skipped straight from the Renaissance to the 1900s. Not only is Milan a treasure trove of 20th-century art, but art deco and rationalist architecture abound. Today the city leads the way with the largest post-war re-development in Italy, impressive, sustainable architecture and a futuristic skyline modelled by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and Csar Pelli. The city is also burgeoning into a hi-tech hub, home to start-ups galore and the likes of Google, Microsoft, Alibaba and Apple.

Though Italian design is world renowned, its roots lie in 1930s Milan seeing it in a home context offers fresh appreciation. A visit to theTriennaledesign museum is a wonderful way to pay homage to the work of Italys best and brightest. In addition, Milan is home to all the major design showrooms and an endless round of trade fairs, includingSalone Internazionale del Mobileand its ever-popular sidekick the freeFuorisalone. Italian fashion houses are also branching out into spas, bars, hotels, galleries and cultural centres all over Milan, which means you can get your style fix pretty much everywhere.

Cucina povera(poor mans cuisine) may be the cry of the south, but Milanese cooking is the product of a rich urban culture. Just note the golden hue of its quintessential dishes:cotoletta(burnished, buttery veal) and saffron risotto. It was in powerful commercial cities such as Milan that some of Italys great cuisines were born, marrying Mediterranean fruits, spices and herbs with cooking methods, pastry techniques and eating styles from France and central Europe. Even today Milan continues to push Italys culinary boundaries, making sushi and dim sum its own, and holding the highest number of Michelin stars in the country.

Milans most famous mural, Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper, is hidden away on a wall of the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle

A vision in pink Candoglia marble, Milans extravagant Gothic cathedral, 600 years in the making, aptly reflects the citys creativity and ambition. Its

Behind striking Renaissance-revival black-and-white walls, Milans wealthy have kept their dynastic ambitions alive long after death with grand sculptural

Located upstairs from one of Italys most prestigious art schools, this gallery houses Milans collection of Old Masters, much of it lifted from Venice

A stroll around the Quadrilatero dOro, the worlds most famous shopping district, is a must even for those not sartorially inclined. The quaintly cobbled

Originally a Visconti fortress, this iconic red-brick castle was later home to the mighty Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. The castles

Overlooking Piazza del Duomo, with fabulous views of the cathedral, is Mussolinis Arengario, from where he would harangue huge crowds in his heyday. Now

Conceived by designer Miuccia Prada and architect Rem Koolhaas, this museum is as innovative and creative as the minds that gave it shape. Seven renovated

Designed by homegrown talent Piero Portaluppi, this exquisitely restored 1930s villa was commissioned by Pavian heiresses Nedda and Gigina Necchi (of the

Milans most famous mural, Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper, is hidden away on a wall of the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle

A vision in pink Candoglia marble, Milans extravagant Gothic cathedral, 600 years in the making, aptly reflects the citys creativity and ambition. Its

Behind striking Renaissance-revival black-and-white walls, Milans wealthy have kept their dynastic ambitions alive long after death with grand sculptural

Located upstairs from one of Italys most prestigious art schools, this gallery houses Milans collection of Old Masters, much of it lifted from Venice

A stroll around the Quadrilatero dOro, the worlds most famous shopping district, is a must even for those not sartorially inclined. The quaintly cobbled

Originally a Visconti fortress, this iconic red-brick castle was later home to the mighty Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. The castles

Overlooking Piazza del Duomo, with fabulous views of the cathedral, is Mussolinis Arengario, from where he would harangue huge crowds in his heyday. Now

Conceived by designer Miuccia Prada and architect Rem Koolhaas, this museum is as innovative and creative as the minds that gave it shape. Seven renovated

Designed by homegrown talent Piero Portaluppi, this exquisitely restored 1930s villa was commissioned by Pavian heiresses Nedda and Gigina Necchi (of the

The northern Italian city is far from monochrome and has many parks where visitors can relax, exercise and take even take in art.

Whether you are a lover of art, design or technology, or maybe all three, heres your guide to the best museums Milan has to offer.

Officials in Milan, Paris and Berlin are working to make their cities more bike and pedestrian-friendly after lockdown.

Milan has announced an ambitious plan to make the city greener and cleaner when it emerges from lockdown, with a major focus on allocating more space on

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber are synonymous with cheap and efficient travel but there are still some cities in the world where its cheaper to hail a

Before Expo 2015 Milan had long been considered the forgotten sibling to more resplendent Venice, Florence and Rome. While they stole the limelight with

The citys long-awaited urban green space has finally opened, making it the third largest in central Milan. Sitting at the foot of the Bosco Verticale and

Theyre like towering forests in the sky, and thats exactly as they were intended to be by Milanese architect Stefano Boeri.

Somewhere in Northern Italy, you can now explore the locations featured in last years Oscar-winning movie Call Me By Your Name. A new LGBTQ-friendly tour

Stepping into this bar/cafe designed by celebrated director Wes Anderson is like entering the whimsical world of his films. Pale green formica tables go

Lonely Planet Local Stephanie Ong ended up in Milan like so many foreigners do by falling for an Italian. Five years later the city feels like home. For

Imagine a room the size of a walk-in wardrobe, with only four stools, a small bar and shelves overflowing with apothecary vials, whisky bottles and

A unique art project has been unveiled that sees a functional tennis court being installed inside a 16th century church in the heart of Milan.

In a city known for fashion and elegance, youd expect Milans bar scene to be sophisticated  and sure, its possible to sip aperitifs with the beautiful

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.

Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.

Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.

Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.

Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.

Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.

Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.

Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.

Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughoutMilan.

Milans most famous mural, Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper, is hidden away on a wall of the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle

A vision in pink Candoglia marble, Milans extravagant Gothic cathedral, 600 years in the making, aptly reflects the citys creativity and ambition. Its

Behind striking Renaissance-revival black-and-white walls, Milans wealthy have kept their dynastic ambitions alive long after death with grand sculptural

Located upstairs from one of Italys most prestigious art schools, this gallery houses Milans collection of Old Masters, much of it lifted from Venice

A stroll around the Quadrilatero dOro, the worlds most famous shopping district, is a must even for those not sartorially inclined. The quaintly cobbled

Originally a Visconti fortress, this iconic red-brick castle was later home to the mighty Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. The castles

Overlooking Piazza del Duomo, with fabulous views of the cathedral, is Mussolinis Arengario, from where he would harangue huge crowds in his heyday. Now

Conceived by designer Miuccia Prada and architect Rem Koolhaas, this museum is as innovative and creative as the minds that gave it shape. Seven renovated

Designed by homegrown talent Piero Portaluppi, this exquisitely restored 1930s villa was commissioned by Pavian heiresses Nedda and Gigina Necchi (of the

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