Milan's claims to fame are many and varied. Home of Italy's Stock Exchange and therefore the heartbeat of the country, Milan is an important Italian city. A world leader in fashion and haute couture with high end designers like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Prada and Versace making their debuts on the catwalks, Milan has earned international respect and renown. Shopping is therefore a vital ingredient in Milan's infrastructure and the amazing Galleria Vittorio Emanuele houses some serious boutiques, chic stores and quality shops. There are many architectural gems too like the Duomo, the world's grandest Gothic Cathedral and, of course, La Scala Opera House which hosted such greats as Maria Callas and Pavarotti. A brilliant piece of 1960's Italian architecture, the Pirelli Tower, is also an iconic symbol of the city. Art lovers will be in heaven too as Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" has it's home here. A lesser known fact about the city is that quality furniture and homewares are created here and Milan even saw the invention of the beanbag! Fashionable and funky, Milan has a serious side too and can be delightfully old fashioned as is evidenced in the many traditional gelateria (ice cream parlours), canal-side cafes and terraces and family owned trattorias. Risotto alla Milanese, great pizzas and homemade pasta dishes are ubiquitous and the recent trend for an "aperitivo" is highly social and enjoyable. Italian coffee is also world class, so make sure you have a little ristretto or espresso every morning at a cute coffee counter to set you up for a good day's sightseeing. Mention Milan and the other passion emerges - football! Home of both AC Milan and Inter Milan, football is a religion in this city and San Siro stadium is like an institution! The city also acts as a "gateway" to many other beautiful parts of Italy, but doubtless, is truly worthy of exploration in its own right. Milan is a city with attitude and it knows it!