Usually referred to as Italy’s business and fashion capital, Milan has a softer side that is often overlooked. There are the cobblestone streets, the innumerable charming piazzas, and the juxtaposition of Neoclassical, Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles. The city is also a culture fiend’s dreamland: Everyone knows about The Last Supper, but near the towering Duomo are undiscovered museums such as the Poldi Pezzoli and the Pinacoteca di Brera, which house works by masters like Raphael and Botticelli, while the Conservatorio di Milano, Teatro Dal Verme and the world-famous Teatro alla Scala showcase the highest-calibre classic musical performances. North of the Duomo, the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district is lined with every imaginable big-name designer store, whereas the more low-key Brera area has lesser-known but equally chic boutiques. An hour away is the serenity of the picturesque Lakes District with grand villas, blooming bougainvilleas and Alpine views.