Milan is northern Italy's commercial and fashion capital, with a cityscape that moves between grand historic architecture and contemporary design. At its center, the Duomo dominates the main square with its elaborate Gothic façade and rooftop terraces, while the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects elegant arcades filled with cafés and boutiques. The Brera district brings a more intimate atmosphere, with art galleries, narrow streets, and restaurants surrounding the Pinacoteca di Brera.

The city has a strong connection to art and design, most famously through Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, preserved at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Milan's culinary traditions include risotto alla milanese, cotoletta, panettone, and a well-established aperitivo culture. Beyond the urban center, the city's location in Lombardy makes it a useful starting point for exploring northern Italy. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Bergamo, and the vineyards and foothills of the Italian Alps can all be reached by car, offering a change of scenery from Milan's busy streets.