Milan city breaks

There’s also serious financial oomph: as well as being home to a battalion of bankers, Italy's stock exchange is located here.

The industrial powerhouse scores too for football (calcio) – multi-European champions AC Milan and Inter Milan share its legendary San Siro stadium – and food, with a raft of newly Michelin-starred chefs making it one of 2024’s culinary must-visit destinations.

Underrated wonders

Milan also has a reputation for being reserved, a stereotype that’s based upon the city’s often grey, modern buildings and business-like locals. Give a holiday in Milan a chance, however, and you’ll encounter culture, charm, flamboyance and beauty.

There’s La Scala, a world-leading opera house, the Pirelli tower, a triumph of 1960s modernism, and grand Gothic cathedral Il Duomo, one of the world’s finest buildings.

And then there’s the Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica, home to Leonardo da Vinci's mural ‘The Last Supper’. Art doesn’t come any more vital than this masterpiece.

Secrets and highs

This is also a place where incredible galleries hide in plain sight and where fantastic cocktail bars are squirreled away in unpromising courtyards: a place that rewards exploration and enterprise.

Stroll districts such as the canal-filled Navigli or raffish Corso Como and you’ll encounter Milan’s own dolce vita (good life).

Here, gelaterias, aperitivi bars and cheap pizzerias accompany high-design furniture stores and impressive, plant-swathed high rises.

La posizione perfetta

Another plus of cheap city breaks in Milan is the dreamy location. Lake Como and ski slopes are both within reach as a day-trip, as are vineyards, beaches and all-inclusive resort hotels.

Humid summers see many shops close in August as everyone takes long vacations.

Milan city breaks are cheapest in winter, Christmas aside, and in August when holiday package deals are common.

If you’re coming for a long Milan weekend in 2024, beware that many museums shut on Mondays.

Involving a half marathon and a shorter (15-kilometre/9.3-mile) race, Stramilano effectively shuts central Milan for a weekend in March. Corso Sempione is the best viewpoint.