Your essential guide to Milan

CLIMB

Ramble along the cobbled streets surrounding Mandarin Oriental, Milan, and you’ll soon stumble upon many of Milan’s most iconic sights. Wander through the glass-topped Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (home to the city’s oldest and most prestigious shops and restaurants) to the magnificent Duomo, where a 251-step climb will be rewarded with unbeatable views across the city.

DISCOVER

Rather veer off the beaten track? Experience the lesser-known sides of the city in record time with a two-hour tour of the Quadrilatero del Silenzio – a tucked-away neighbourhood steeped in history. Uncover the secrets lurking behind the perfectly preserved façades and take a trip back to the 1930s with a visit to the glamorous Villa Necchi Campiglio.

ADMIRE

While famed for fashion, Milan has an art scene to rival the likes of Florence and Rome. Check out the boundary-pushing Gió Marconi contemporary gallery, championing experimental artists since 1990 – or see what’s on at multidisciplinary art space Kaufmann Repetto, which has a dedicated courtyard for its more structurally ambitious projects.

DRINK

At the strike of 6pm, the tranquil waterside district of Navigli undergoes quite the transformation. The city’s workers spill out onto the streets for a celebratory aperitivo, the canal-facing bars and restaurants thrumming with carefree conviviality. Head to the top of Naviglio Grande canal for the optimum sunset view and join locals for an Aperol Spritz.

SEE

The experience of a lifetime is just a short walk away, with the illustrious Teatro alla Scala conveniently sitting on the hotel’s doorstep. It’s one of Europe’s finest opera houses, so catch a performance by the leading names in contemporary Italian opera, or take a behind-the-scenes peek at set and costume designs at the Ansaldo workshops.

BROWSE

No trip to the fashion capital would be complete without a little retail therapy. For a unique shopping experience, embark on a personalised excursion through the city’s vintage boutiques and flea markets, where you’ll unearth one-off pieces to treasure for a lifetime.

RIDE

Arguably the most romantic way to see the city is to hop on the ATMosfera tram (a modern reconstruction of the original Carelli streetcars dating back to 1928) for a fantastically retro whistle-stop tour. Take in the sights as you indulge in a three-course feast on board, complete with a glass of bubbly, and expert wine pairings throughout.

TASTE

Embark on a journey, while comfortably seated at the effortlessly stylish Mandarin Garden. Sip one of the signature cocktails crafted by our expert mixologists.

BEHOLD

Milan’s most famed museum (and with reason), the Pinacoteca di Brera is unmissable. You might want to set aside the whole day to explore the sprawling collection, which features some of the greatest Italian masterpieces from across the decades, from Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus to Modigliani’s Enfant gras.

CRUISE

Venture beyond the city’s limits in impeccable style with the hotel’s vintage car experience. Take a spin through Milan’s cobbled streets to the charming province or breathtaking lakes, where you’ll stop for lunch at a delightfully traditional family trattoria. Then, embark on a personalised itinerary to fit your fancy.

WANDER

At 95 hectares, the ever-popular Parco Sempione is Milan’s largest green space and can easily fill an unhurried afternoon. Amble around the glistening ornamental lake, admire the heights of the 19th-century Arco della Pace, then explore the picturesque courtyards of the medieval Castello Sforzesco – once one of the largest citadels in Europe.

TASTE

A short drive east of the city, just south of the glorious Lake Iseo, the Franciacorta district is renowned for its verdant vineyards and world-famous wines. Pop into one of the most prestigious local wineries (which has its very own private art gallery and colossal wine cellar) to sample the best sparkling wines from the region.

One of Milan’s most memorable attractions is The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece that is housed in the church and Unesco Heritage Site Santa Maria delle Grazie. For a truly VIP experience, the hotel can arrange exclusive visits for guests to admire the painting after the convent has closed for the day.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Milan.