What to do and what to see in Milan- Top 10 Hotel Galles

Streching up high above the piazza, The Duomo of Milan is the third largest Cathedral in Europe. A staggering 3,500 statues and 13 5 spires adorn the marble structure, which has a Baroque and neo-Gothic façade. It took 500 years to complete.

To appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, take the lift or steps to the roof, from where you get a breathtaking view of the Alps on a clear day. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.

For a spot of luxury, look out the glass-roofed arcade near the Duomo: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in 1867, the ceilings vaults are decorated with mosaics representing Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

It has a grand style that’s given it the name of “Il salotto di Mlano” ( Milan’s living room). Prada’s flagship store has been in business here since 1913 and it’s recently been joined by Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.

The Scala Opera House was commissioned by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1776 and was designed by the famous architect Giuseppe Piermarini. The sumptuous auditorium is decorated in red velvet and glided stuccowork.

You can visit the auditorium as part of a museum tour. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.

In the heart of the city, beside the Duomo, there is the historic Palazzo Reale, seat of the city council in the 11th century.

Today the palace hosts a museum and many art exhibitions. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo

The exquisite collection at the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum covers works by major Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including Caravaggio, Bellini, Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Titian and Tintoretto. Behind the museum, the Orto Botanico di Brera is a lovely spot to relax, and there are plenty of exhibition spaces, boutiques and cool bars to visit in the area.

Underground MM2 (green line) – to Abbiategrasso/Assago, stop Lanza.

Bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant’Andrea and via Montenapoleone, the Quadrilatero della moda is Milan’s most exclusive shopping area in the city, where fashions jump from catwalk to clothes rail in weeks.

Designer named stores include Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop San Babila.

The Navigli is one of the most unique area of the City. Walk through the ancient washhouses of Vicolo dei Lavandai and San Cristoforo and stop at Darsena port.

This port was built in 1603 and sits at the confluence of two canals linking Milan with the Ticino and Po rivers, and now hosts many riverside shopping, restaurants and bars in Milan.

Underground MM2 (green line) to Abbiategrasso/Assago, stop Porta Genova.