Milan attractions

Packed into a 16th-century monastery, this cutting-edge science museum offers a hands-on experience with scientific phenomena and models of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings and designs. It has over 16,000 historical objects and 13 interactive laboratories, plus an array of flying machines, war paraphernalia and curious inventions - some of them even work. A true Renaissance man, the famous painter is also credited with inventing the parachute, helicopter and tank.

Milan's most popular attraction is also Italy’s most spectacular church. Fill your Instagram account with photos of intricate stonework, arches, spires and Gothic buttresses as you explore centuries of work and detail. Take the elevator up to the top for mind-boggling views of Milan and behold the crowning glory - the Duomo Rooftop. Say hi to the gargoyles and of course Madoninna, a 14-foot-high golden statue of Mary which marks the highest point of the building.

Built in 1867, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade (named after the first king of Italy) is one of the oldest and most glamorous shopping malls on the planet. The world’s first ever Prada opened its doors here in 1913 and Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani and Versace have all followed suit. Look out for the famous bull’s testicles. Yes really. Legend says that if you stand on this part of the special floor mosaic, good luck will soon be on its way.

Visit the Dead Christ by Mantegna, and Supper At Emmaus by Caravaggio, both fixtures of one of Italy’s most important collections at the Pinacoteca di Brera. See some of Leonardo da Vinci’s early work at the smaller Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, but don’t just take in the old stuff. The Museo del Novecento and Gallerie d’Italia were both opened in 2010, and for 20th-century Italian and international artwork, head to the Museum of the Twentieth Century and the free, Gallerie d’Italia.