Milan's architecture is not only neoclassical promenades, Gothic cathedrals and posh villas — Porta Nuova district is the new and modern revitalization project that has drastically changed the city. Take a walk around the Diamond Tower, the Unicredit Tower and many other glass and steel construction. The stars of the show here are the two skyscrapers known as Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest). Featured in all major architecture outlets, these residential towers have actual live trees growing on its facade. They look marvellously lush in the spring and summer and totally enchanting covered in snow and frost.

This mystic neighbourhood's name literally means "sacred mountain". The place was traditionally occupied by the Gitanos (Romani people). A series of roads winding up the mountain are flanked by caves that are literally carved out of the side of the mountain. They served as the original dwellings for this area's first inhabitants. Many of the caves are still used as houses; others have been converted to restaurants and bars.

When you want to escape from the busy city streets and enjoy some natural beauty of Lombardy, consider hopping on the scenic Bernina Express train. Stroll along Lake Como, make a stop in the historic lakeshore village of Varenna and ascend the Alps on the UNESCO-listed train — it'll make a stop on top so you can take short walk enjoying summit views. The train journey itself takes about 4 hours start to finish and runs through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and viaducts.