Is there more to Milan than fashion houses and designer shops I am visiting Milan in September for a long weekend and want to do something else while my girlfriend goes shopping.

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Asks Milton

A. Of course. There are loads of things to do and see in Milan - admittedly it is very stylish and is one of the world's leading fashion centres - but that shouldn't put you off. It is also Italy's business capital and home to its stock market -and it is full of historic buildings, skyscrapers (like nowhere else in Italy) theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars. It also has a great club scene.

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Q. Can you recommend any good attractions

A. At first you may be overwhelmed by the size of the city, especially if you encounter its sprawling industrialised areas, but most of the tourist attractions are located in the city centre near the Duomo (the Cathedral) - with the Piazza del Duomo forming the centre from which several roads spread.

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Castello Sforzesco is an imposing castle that was originally built as a fortress, and today houses museums and art galleries. Within its walls you'll find work by Michelangelo, Bellini and Tiepolo. Its most famous gallery is the Museo d'Arte Antica that is home to Michelangelo's Rondanini Piet� - which he worked on for the last nine years of his life.

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Parco Sempione is a huge park, inaugurated by Napoleon, located behind the castle. Of late it has a reputation for being a hang out for prostitutes and junkies - but is reportedly safe to visit in the daytime.

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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - this glass-domed gallery is famed for its zodiac mosaic, and it is considered good luck to stand on Taurus' testicles! If you visit the Galleria you must make a visit to the home of Italian opera - La Scala (Teotro alla Scala), which is attached to the Galleria - it first opened in 1778.

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Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie - this convent is home to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper. But book well in advance to see it as it is usually fully booked.

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Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is one of the largest libraries in Europe and located on Piazza Pio X12, but it isn't famous for its books, but rather its art as it houses many works by Bruegel.

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The Pinocateca de Brera is Milan's most prestigious gallery and houses works by Tintoretto, Bellini, Carpaccio, Mantegna (The Dead Christ), Piero della Francesca (Madonna) and Caravaggio.

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Q. Is it easy to get around the city

A. As stated, most attractions are located within walking distance of the Duomo. If you have to venture further afield use the underground, known as the MM (Metropolitana Milanesa), it is very clean and easy to use. Unless you speak Italian, don't try to navigate your way around by bus, it is very confusing and difficult. If you arrive by plane, a bus into town (either from Malpensa 50km north of the city centre or Linate 7km east of the city centre) should be your only bus trip if you can help it - these services are easy to use. If you wish to take a taxi use a taxi rank, as you'll probably be ignored if you try to flag one down.

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Q. When is the best time to visit

A. September is a good time, as the humid summer will be drawing to a close. Alternatively winter is a great time, although it can get quite cold, as you avoid all the crowds and the hot and muggy climate of the summer months.

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Q. How would I go about finding somewhere to stay in the city centre

A. As Milan is considered a business, rather than a tourist; city the accommodation is geared towards business travellers and is, therefore, quite pricey. However, if you are able to book in advance, contact the Milan Tourist Office (APT) to obtain a copy of its 130 page book Milano Hotels it is free and gives up to date information on places to stay in the city and current prices. The APT can be contacted by phone on 00 39 02 725 24 301 or via email at: [email protected]

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By Karen Anderson