If you only have time to see one gallery in Milan, make it this one. Set up in 1618, it is home to over 1500 paintings by artists such as Raphael, Luini, Titian, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Brueghel. It also has a large collection of work by Da Vinci including his ‘Codex Atlanticus' and many of his notebooks. The building itself was completely restored in the 1990s and is a fine example of Lombard architecture with mullioned windows, frescoed walls and vaulted ceilings. The visit ends in the impressive library, rich in classical manuscripts, notably Homer and Virgil. Another bonus is the lack of crowds, so you always have a great view without having to jostle with the hordes!

www.ambrosiana.eu/jsp/index.jsp
Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano, Italy
+3902806921
Google map: bit.ly/xVwNJW

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I've been visiting Milan for quite a few years now, since my sister moved there to study, fell in love and settled.
Milan is not known as the most picturesque of Italian destinations. Having said this, it does have a lot to offer and I'd recommend it as a great mini-break destination. Apart from the art, architecture and opera there are loads of nice bars and places to go out, particularly if the weather is good. If you're lucky enough to be there on a warm spring day (spring is best as there are less mosquitos and more people about - the Milanese tend to leave the city en masse at the weekends in Summer) it's great to go out in the "Navigli" area which is full of nice bars and restaurants with tables and chairs outside looking over the ancient canals. This area is lovely although if you fancy having more than one beer or glass of wine it might sting a little as the prices are pretty high due to the "aperitivo" culture. This is basically Happy Hour time when drinks are expensive but the bar offers a buffet so you can eat and drink for 8-10 Euros which is great if you don't want to have more than one drink or go out for dinner afterwards.
I love going out for dinner and having more than one glass of wine so my top tip, to avoid getting stung, is the "Vineria" wine shop/bar on Via Casale, between the Porta Genova metro station and the "Naviglio Grande". This wine shop has big barrels inside and the staff pour out litres and bottle on request. It has no tables inside, no waiter service and no free aperitivo so it cuts out all the extra costs. You can sit outside with a glass of wine that costs €1.5 instead of €8 and, if you do fancy a bite, order a cheese and meat board, again for a very reasonable price. It's a great place allowing you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the area, the good weather and wine and all on a budget.

www.la-vineria.it/eg/index.html
Via Casale, 4, 20144 Milano
+39(0)2 83242440
Google map: bit.ly/y6m8iP

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Travelling through the Mont-Blanc tunnel and emerging in the Aosta valley brings you en route for the classic Italian cities. First of all, you pass through Turin before experiencing the Levantine Riviera as you travel along side the Mediterranean. From here you can continue further down to visit the famous leaning tower of Pisa or head back up to Milan. The majestic city of Venice is on a direct road from here and on the way you can stop by historic Verona and get in touch with your romantic side by leaving a letter to Juliet.

Google map: bit.ly/iRuNcu

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Under represented in the guide books and slightly away from the heart of Milan, the Triennale, in the gardens of the Castello Sforzesco, is a museum of modern applied arts.
There are usually four or five temporary exhibits, covering an eclectic mix of different disciplines. When I was there the standout was an outstanding retrospective of the work of Milanese designer and architect Marco Ferreri.
A great place to people watch too, as an indoor alternative to gawping at the fashionistas in the Quadrilatero della Moda!

Viale Alemagna 6, 20121 Milano, Italy
www.triennaledesignmuseum.it/
+39 (0)2 724341
Google map: bit.ly/fbGGwd

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