Getting there BA, Alitalia and easyJet operate daily flights from London airports to Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa. Linate is located just 7km from the city centre whereas Malpensa is about 50km away. But the Malpensa Express train whisks passengers from Terminal 1 of the airport directly to Cadorna station in Milan in around 40 minutes. The train departs every half hour.

Business climate Milan is regarded as one of the fashion and design capitals of the world. Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci and Gucci all launched on the city's runways and most of the major Italian
and international fashion and designer brands are headquartered in the city. Milan is also the financial powerhouse of Italy, with all the main national banks as well as the stock exchange located there.

Don't miss The city is a shopping Mecca for followers of fashion. Those in the know head for quadrilatero della moda (quadrilateral of fashion), Milan's main upmarket clothing district. An opera at the Teatro alla Scala is a must-see and for football fans, watching AC Milan or Inter at the San Siro stadium is unmissable, if you can can get a ticket.

Etiquette The usual western European protocols apply. Life in the office starts at 9am and finishes at 7pm, with a short lunch break at about 1pm. Avoid Milan in August when the locals take their holidays—everything is closed and the weather is incredibly humid.

Culture Milan has some excellent museums and churches. Art lovers shouldn't miss the Duomo and Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its famous mural of da Vinci's The Last Supper. To see one of the foremost collections of Italian paintings visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, and then have an apéritif in the trendy Brera area. Lesser-known attractions include the Navigli's canal-side cafés and the funky design area of Isola. Before leaving Milan, visit the magnificent Castello Sforzesco and stroll through the park.

Where to stay A stone's throw from La Scala opera house is the Grand Hotel et de Milan, where a century and a half of Milanese history reveals itself. If you want to experience the quintessence of luxury, book a room at the Bulgari Hotel Resort, Italian jewellery brand Bulgari's tribute to the world of elegance. For something less grandiose, try the Marriott Hotel. Located in a residential area, a short distance from the city centre, this hotel offers modern and big rooms as well as an excellent restaurant.

Eat like a local For typical Milanese cuisine pick Al Matarel in the heart of Brera. A short distance away is the exquisite Santini, which is perfect for a business dinner. For exceptional Michelin-starred cuisine, book a table at Cracco Peck where chef Carlo Cracco's specialties include white-truffle dishes and risottos. If you prefer a wood-fired oven pizza good options include Di Gennaro and Da Cecco.