Duomo

If you only have time to see one sight in Milan, the Duomo should be it. Considered Milan's largest and most unique Gothic complex in all of Italy, it took more than half a millennium to construct. This masterpiece is dotted with thousands of intricately-carved statues (2,300 to be exact) depicting both religious figures and stories from the Bible, including Jesus' crucifixion. Even more intricate, you'll find a thousand more statues, sky-high marble columns, gilded ceilings, striking stained-glass windows and loads of paintings scattered throughout.

The accessible roof gives visitors an awe-inspiring view of the Duomo's elaborate buttresses, pinnacles and spires up close, all the while enjoying views of the piazza below. And make sure to get an eyeful of the Madonna, found on the highest spire. During World War II, to distract from bombers, the church had the gold statue covered so it wouldn't be easily spotted in the air.

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci's famous 15th-century work, "The Last Supper" (or "Il Cenacolo" in Italian) lies inside Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Depicting the moment that Christ tells his apostles that one of them will betray him, the painting is immensely moving, especially considering what it's been through, including a flood and a World War II bomb raid. The painting has since been restored, but because of the technique da Vinci used (dry wall-painting), it continues to deteriorate.

Navigli

This much-loved district in Milano, known for its quirky charm and lively nightlife scene, is a great place to hangout. Head south of the city, where you can stroll along the banks of the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, stopping off for a drink or for some shopping in the many artisan and indie shops along the way.

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

One of Europe's largest castles, this former fortress and residence of Milan's most powerful rulers, is now a campus for the city's best cultural institutions.

Home to museums and galleries focusing on art and history, you'll find Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, the Raccolta di Mobili, Furniture Collection, Museo delle Arti Decorative, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museo Egizio, Egyptian Museum and so much more. There's also the Museo Degli Strumenti Musicali, which houses one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe. Museo della Pietà Rondanini, houses Michelangelo's last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini.

Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery (Biblioteca Ambrosiana)

Housing a collection of artwork, most of which were donated by a single person) the 24-room gallery holds works of Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Botticelli. The founder of the gallery, Italian Cardinal and former archbishop of Milan, Federico Borromeo, gave the library his personal collection including his drawings, paintings, and statues. The Ambrosiana also houses numerous other works spanning from the 17th to the 20th century as well as historical relics, including gloves that Napoleon wore at the historic Battle of Waterloo.

Lake Como

Lake Como is arguably Italy's most famous lake, especially popular with Americans thanks to part-time celebrity resident, George Clooney. This beautiful lake is dotted with incredible villas and iconic vistas of lush mountains dipping into blue waters. It's no wonder Lake Como is considered one of the best places to visit in Italy. The towns perched along the lake feature immaculate gardens. Splurge on a speedboat ride on the lake featuring a beautiful wooden Riva for an iconic Lake Como experience.

The Fashion District

The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) is Milan's luxury shopping district, and one of the most famed in the world. The showrooms and boutiques attract shopping lovers from all over the globe. Stroll and soak up the beauty of the shop windows, featuring the epitome of exquisite taste and design. Every beautiful corner of this district is an opportunity to experience shopping, luxury, fashion and culture in the heart of Milan.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This galleria - built at the height of 19th-century belle époque (French for beautiful era) - is a glorified shopping mall, housing high-end Italian designers from Prada to Gucci to Armani under its steel-and-glass arcade. The original Prada store, dating back to 1913, has the original register on display. Whatever your budget, it's still worth a peek for its stunning interiors.