Sightseeing

April 2013
Don't miss the Poldi-Pezzoli Museum. This astonishing collection of art was amassed by one man and includes jewellery, porcelain, tapestries, antique furniture and artworks including Botticelli's famous painting Madonna of the Book (12 Via Manzoni, tel. 02 794 889).

February 2013
The church of San Maurizio and Sigismondo in Corso Magenta is a bit shabby on the outside but turns out to be well worth a look. The real surprise is the interior, as the building is an art museum with amazing frescoes dating back to the 16th century. The most important painter represented is Bernardino Luini, a local artist influenced by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. The church is open every day and admission is free.

Key Areas

March 2013
Check out the idyllic Lake Como from one of the lesser-known waterside villages such as Varenna, just over an hour from Milan. Varenna's Castello di Vizio is a medieval fortress surrounded by olive groves, while the ancient tiered gardens of the Villa Cipressi stretch right down to the water's edge.

January 2013
Brera Great for a romantic stroll is the Brera district, an arty, bohemian quarter with upmarket shops and one of the best art galleries in Europe, the Pinacoteca (28 Via Brera, tel: 02 7226 3264). In the evening the area comes alive with elegant market stalls.

Day Trips

April 2013
Largest and most impressive of the Italian lakes, Lago Maggiore is around 100km north-west of Milan and easily reached by train or car. The summer season of boat trips starts at the end of March, and includes sailings to the romantic island of Isola Bella.

January 2013
Lodi is a picturesque historic city around 25km to the south-east of Milan, with one of the prettiest squares in Italy. The 12th-century Duomo is one of many sights, while the town is also recommended for its elegant boutiques and eateries.