Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable cities, home to some of the country's major fashion brands. One of the best spots in the city centre to find them in one spot happens to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. But Milan's not all about fashion, though.

It's among the great Italian cities where you can find rich history, art and culture through grand landmarks. These include the majestic Duomo and its grand collection of basilicas. Add the city's gastronomic traditions and you'll have plenty of compelling reasons to put a trip to Milan on your bucket list.

Piazza del Duomo is Milan's grandest square, home to the city's largest Gothic cathedral. Take your time soaking up the scene at a café, then visit the massive Duomo with its 135 spires and countless statues. You can head up to its rooftop terraces for amazing cityscapes. A lift inside takes you up 70 metres to these terraces for around €13. Numerous sculptors worked on the Duomo over the years try spotting quirky elements such as tennis rackets and boxing gloves among the Gothic reliefs.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is testament to Milan's title as one of the world's fashion capitals. This wondrous, glass-ceilinged arcade connects the piazzas of the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala opera house, and is lined with cafes and high-end boutiques, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Enjoy a coffee stop before heading to the piazzas, and sip your cappuccino as the Milanese do: standing up by the bar. If you choose a spot at their terraces, be prepared to pay extra.

Walking through Milan’s charming district of Brera introduces you to one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city’s historical zone. Brera’s home to an academy of fine arts and an art gallery, which explains its artistic vibe.

Vendors selling arts and antiques gather at Brera’s flea market on Via Fiori Chiari every third Sunday. Brera’s narrow streets are lined with small but stylish cafes and speciality shops, which light up after sundown for a unique and atmospheric walk through Milan.