Right next to the Duomo di Milano (the Milan Cathedral), you will find Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an upscale shopping arcade housing luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton as well as restaurants, bars, cafes and even a hotel. The Galleria's central glass dome has a stunning mosaic representing the continents of Africa, America, Asia and Europe, while its floor is decorated with mosaics portraying the coat of arms of Rome, Florence, Milan and Turin. Representing Turin is a bull, and according to the legend, if you spin around three times with your heel on the bull's genitals, it will bring you good fortune.

The collection of streets between the city centre and the Jeker quarter is known as the Stokstraat quarter. It’s that historic corner of the city between two statues, ‘De Mestreechter Geis’ and ‘Slevrouwe’. All of these streets ultimately lead to the ever-charming, intimate and romantic Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. In this part of the city, you can find the warmth and charm of a classic Maastricht pub on virtually every corner. The quarter takes its name from what may be the city’s most famous (or infamous) street. Today, Stokstraat is known as the place for the most exclusive and luxury shops in the Netherlands, but it was not always so. If there’s any street that has seen its fortunes turn over the years, it’s this one. In the Middle Ages, its reputation was dubious thanks to its many bathhouse-brothels; later, the street enjoyed a renaissance with many reputable merchants established in it, until, as the Industrial Revolution took hold and the city centre became overpopulated with wave after wave of migrants from the countryside, the street became synonymous with grinding poverty. Living conditions here became so dire that there was even talk of demolishing the entire street. The Stokstraat quarter of today is the result of a dramatic redevelopment between 1950 and 1973, which succeeded in preserving its historic character but transforming it into a fashionable address for living, shopping, and dining.

This baroque building was completed in 1712 and once consisted of three greenhouses. Nowadays, The structure is available for reservation in occasion of special events, such as conferences, cultural meeting and exhibitions. It also features an elegant cafeteria and tea house. There is also a small park in front of the orangery if you would like to take a walk.

Even if canals aren't the first thing you think about when you visit Milan, you shouldn't miss The Navigli. These canals were constructed by Leonardo da Vinci to make the building of Il Duomo and the transportation of heavy materials easier. The neighbourhood around the Navigli is today one of the most popular, filled with cafes, bars and small shops.