Milan

The Quadrilatero d’Oro district — ‘The Golden Rectangle’ — is one of the world’s most important fashion landmarks and home to Milan’s most exclusive stores. Located just north of the Duomo, is defined by the four main streets that surround it: via Monte Napoleone, via della Spiga, via Manzoni and corso Venezia. Haute couture at every step, with all the brands one can expect. On via Sant’Andrea, look out for Hermès, Armani and Chanel. Here, located in the 17th century Palazzo Bolognini, you'll find the excellent Museo di Milano. The cobbled via della Spiga is the quintessential shopping street with two Dolce and Gabbana stores, Tiffany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, Prada and lots more. Don’t miss the Armani Megastore on via Manzoni. Take a break at Cova cafe on via Monte Napoleone and do some exclusive people watching. It's a place to see and be seen. Via Monte Napoleone is home to several Prada stores, the flagship Gucci store, Pucci, Fendi and Cartier.

La Rinascente is Milan’s equivalent to London’s Harrods department store, where exclusive selections of fashion items for men, women and kids are on offer. Across its eight floors you will find exclusive fashion, accessories, perfumes and toys by more than 200 brands. La Rinascente is located in the heart of Milan, just a few steps away from the Duomo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, housed within a four-story double arcade just steps away from Il Duomo, is Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Marvel at the elaborate mosaics and stare at the domed ceilings while you go from one luxury boutique to another, and park yourself at one of the restaurants and cafes, including some of the oldest establishments of Milan such as Café Biffi, founded in 1867. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II hosts the iconic Prada store and Versace’s latest collection. In the Galleria, haute couture is in full bloom. You'll find big international names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani, Borsalino, Luisa Spagnoli, Bric’s, Tod’s, Swarovski, Stefanel and Massimo Dutti as well as smaller traditional artisans like Cadè (shirts and ties since 1926), Piumelli (handmade gloves), Mejana (gorgeous fountain pens).

All of Italy's culinary delights are on display at Peck, Milan's longstanding deli that spans three underground floors. Meats and cheeses, olives and oil, along with baked goods and sweets, are all up for sale and/or consumption at the on-site cafe.

CityLife is the biggest urban shopping district in Italy and definitely worth visiting. It hosts various interesting events and houses over a hundred stores, restaurants and a movie theatre. Stroll through the district and shop fashion, jewellery, cosmetics and more. Or try one of the several restaurants located in the district. The CityLife District is also interesting for architecture geers since the project was designed by famous architects such as Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is known as 'Milan’s living room'. This pedestrian street connects Piazza Duomo and San Babila metro station and provides a great shopping experience for the entire family. Luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Prada are right next to popular fast fashion brands like Urban Outfitters or Bershka. Good for all ages and budgets. In the evening Corso Vittorio comes alive with film lovers flocking to the many cinemas. A number of bars and small eateries remain open until late at night, packed with locals enjoying the night out after catching a film.

This concept store feels more like a modern art gallery than a shop in the common sense of the word — some pieces rather on the extravagant side. And yet Spazio Rossana Orlandi vends, rather successfully, decor items and design pieces crafted by up-and-coming artists. This former tie factory also features a cosy back terrace.

The iconic Belgian rabbit felt fedoras and hats have been spotted worn by celebrities of the highest calibre, including on movie sets. Lately the brand has also started releasing other types of head gear, if fedoras aren't the style you'd normally go for.