Expo 2015

Image Credit: Marco Poggiaroni

September is also a great time to see Expo 2015, the "universal exposition", which is expected to attract 20 million visitors over its six-month opening (running until 31st October). The theme this year is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life". There are showcases from 145 countries, focussing on the best technological solutions to the problem of how to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the planet and its equilibrium. The UK contribution, rather boringly entitled "Grown in Britain and Northern Ireland" is actually quite a striking design, fashioned as a giant beehive. Expo visitors will have the opportunity to explore and taste the world's best dishes, while discovering the best of the agri-food and gastronomic traditions of each of the exhibitor countries.

A Place to Stay

Image Credit: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Milan's newest hotel, Mandarin Oriental, opened just three weeks ago and is a short stroll from some of the city's top boutiques and fashion houses around Via Monte Napoleone and La Scala. Some of the most famous names on the planet may be spotted there during Fashion Week, which starts on 23 September. The Mandarin Oriental is housed within four converted 18th-century buildings, with a spa, pool, lounge area and two restaurants. The head chef, Antonio Guida, whose dishes reflect Puglian and Tuscan roots, oversees its main restaurant, Seta. Double rooms start at €750 (£545) including breakfast.

Things to See

Image Credit: Pietro Pulvirenti

Much of Milan's architecture may look austere from the outside, but lurking behind you may well discover secret gardens and courtyards. Try to visit the amazing 1930s Villa Necchi Campiglio on Via Mozart. Until the end of October (from Wednesday to Sunday) there's La Vigna di Leonardo, which tells the fascinating story of Leonardo da Vinci's vineyard, given to him in 1498 by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. You can also book a guided tour around the gorgeous Casa degli Atellani, a historic Renaissance residence, which includes the Leonardo vineyard. Advanced planning is needed if you want to see Leonardo's The Last Supper, which many would argue is the greatest painting of the Renaissance period. A ticket to see it, housed in the former refectory of a Dominican convent, is as highly coveted as a front-row catwalk seat. Think about booking at least three months in advance in high season.

Eat and Drink

The true locals line up at Luini, on Via Santa Radegonda, near the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, for a panzerotti – a sort of cross between a pasty and a calzone. If there's nobody waiting to get in, it's probably closed.

Away from the centre of town, next to a field of wheat that has been grown as part of Expo, you'll find Ratana. Its set-menu three-course lunch is great value at €19 (£13.40).

If your bank balance won't stretch to a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, you can at least have a drink in the bar. Try an Americano Inaspettato, a combination of Campari, vermouth and soda water, shaken to produce a foam, with a hint of hazelnut liqueur added. If people-watching's your thing, an outside seat at Radetzkyon Corso Garibaldi will suit you to a tee. They do a wide range of cocktails, accompanied by aperitivi (snacks), in the evening.

For a more affordable bite, head to the gastronomic heaven of Eataly on Piazza XXV Aprile. Eataly now has a presence in such places as Dubai, Tokyo and New York. You'll find several floors of food and wine, as well as cookbooks, kitchen gadgets and places to eat.

Spending

Image Credit: Mike Beales

In Milan, it's not difficult to dispose of your income. If you're into fashion, you'll be in shopping heaven - after all, this is the home of Valentino, Moschino and Prada. Via Monte Napoleone is reckoned to be the sixth most expensive shopping street in the world.

Getting There

Image Credit: Alessandro Prada

easyJet flies to Milan from Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, and Luton.