Milan (Milano), situated on the flat plains of the Po Valley, is the capital of Lombardy and Italy’s richest and second largest city. Wealthy and cosmopolitan, the Milanesi enjoy a reputation as successful businesspeople, equally at home overseas and in Italy.

Embracing tradition, sophistication and ambition in equal measure, they are just as likely to follow opera at La Scala as their shares on the city’s stock market or their chosen football team, AC or Inter Milan, at the San Siro Stadium. Better known for being new and fashionable, Milan has never willingly thrown out the old. Three times in its history, the city had to rebuild after conquest by foreign invaders.

Founded in the seventh century BC by Celts, the city, then known as Mediolanum (‘mid-plain’), was first sacked by the Goths in the 600s (AD), then by Barbarossa in 1157 and finally by the Allies in World War II, when over a quarter of the city was flattened.

With a population of 1.3 million and covering an area of 80 sq mls, Milan is a thriving, sprawling, sophisticated city, renowned as one of the fashion capitals of Europe and the financial centre of Italy. Despite muggy summers, foggy winters and the most polluted air in Italy, visitors flock here for the exclusive shopping and dynamic business environment. It has a rich and varied past which can still be ferreted out in pockets around the city, but generally Milan offers little of architectural or natural beauty - soulless 1960s concrete blocks far outweigh grandiose historical monuments. Most tourist interest centres around the Piazza del Duomo with its Gothic cathedral - said to be one of the world's finest - and the web of lively streets surrounding it. The suburbs offer little other than a handful of parks and some Roman remains, although the arty districts of Navigli and Ticinese, which flank a couple of industrial canals to the SW of Piazza del Duomo, offer a calmer contrast to the bustling life of the city centre.

Most visitors are business travellers or affluent shopaholics making the most of the upmarket designer boutiques. Soccer fans and art lovers will also find something of interest. Popular with Japanese tourists - and their cameras.

A fair range of accommodation, mainly geared towards middle- and upmarket business clientele - functional establishments with little character. Expect city prices; a handful of cheaper options are located around Central Station. Busy all year round.

An impressive array of shopping opportunities and a mecca for top designer labels. Exclusive boutiques are concentrated in the Quadrilatero d'Oro ("Golden Rectangle") between Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga; the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery houses some of the most exclusive outlets. There is more affordable shopping along Corso Buenos Aires. For something a bit different - from antique shops to second-hand stores - it is worth exploring the Navigli and Brera districts.

Daytime: shopping is almost obligatory (try the impressive glass-domed Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery for people watching and expensive coffee); a good range of museums, art galleries and exhibitions, notably the Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and the Brera Palace; Sforza (Sforzesco) Castle housing the Museum of Historic Art; many churches, in particular the Duomo - one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals - and Santa Maria delle Grazie with Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper; several parks including the Public Gardens (the city's oldest) and Sempione Park (rather seedy). Nightlife: arguably the best in Italy, with a host of bars, cafes and clubs to suit most budgets - Ticinese, Navigli and Brera are the most hip, happening areas; plenty of live music covering a broad range including rock and jazz; the world-famous La Scala Opera House (prestigious and popular); theatres (notably Teatro Piccolo) and cinemas (some English language) are plentiful.

Plenty of variety and all budgets catered for, from popular fast-food outlets (including a welcome Italian-style chain) to pricey restaurants (aimed at expense-account business clients). Traditional trattorias are the trendy places to dine - with soups and risottos being favourite dishes - but international cuisine, such as African and Chinese, is well represented. Many cafes and sandwich bars, as you would expect in a fast-paced city.

Buses and trams provide a regular and efficient service across the city and into the suburbs, augmented by an easy-to-negotiate Metro; tickets are available at newsstands and tobacconists. Central Station is the hub of Europe's railway network, with frequent connections to Italian and European cities. A number of other stations - such as Porta Garibaldi - provide an equally convenient service. Plentiful metered taxis. Car rental (if one dares to drive) at the airport.

Half day: Certosa di Pavia, one of Europe's most impressive monasteries, near the historic town of Pavia. Full day (or overnight): many interesting towns, such as affluent Vigevano, Cremona (known for its violin making) and romantic Mantua (Mantova). Two days: Italian Lakes, in particular Maggiore, Como and Garda; Alps for summer walks and winter skiing; Lugano in Switzerland.

In N Italy, in the heart of the Lombardy region. 40 mls S of the Alps and Swiss border. 350 mls NW of the capital, Rome. 7 mls W of Linate airport; 25 mls SE of Malpensa airport.

In almost entirely flat terrain, surrounded by the flood plains and rich farmland of the River Po.

Website: www.milanoinfotourist.com

Airport : Linate
Airport Code: LIN
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr. 45 mins