5 places you must visit on a weekend trip to Milan

Milan is a beautiful city.

I'm just back and I want to visit it again. Straight away. I used to think Paris was my favourite location in the world - but spending four days in Milan has totally trumped every trip to Paris I ever had. From the architecture, to the food and shopping, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip from start to finish. So, if you're heading there soon, or fancy a weekend away, here are 5 things you must do while on a city break to Milan.

Duomo di Milano

As you walk out of the train station and turn to your left, you will be amazed by the magnitude of the cathedral. Right in the middle of Duomo is the decadent chapel (which is still being built) and it's definitely one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. Queues to get into the cathedral can be hours long, but if you just want to take in the beauty from the outside, that's OK too.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II

This is what made me fall in love with Milan. If the huge archway into the building isn't fabulous enough, you will be taken aback when you walk inside. The extravagant 19th-century glass-topped, barrel-vaulted tunnel serves as a shopping centre (for the rich - think Prada, Gucci and more) and has Renaissance paintings on domes at the top of the building. It's beautiful. It's stunning. Definitely go.

Lake Garda

OK, so Lake Garda isn't actually in Milan (it's about 1 and a half hours by train) but it is most certainly worth a visit. It's the largest lake in Italy and the views are absolutely stunning. Take a ferry around the lake to take in the beautiful views or have a bit of lunch by one of the many insanely cute restaurants by the lake.

Pinacoteca di Brera

If you're into a birra art, then definitely visit Pinacoteca di Brera. The fine art gallery is home to some of the world's most famous paintings. It has works of art such as Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Pieta by Bellini, the Last Supper by Rubens and the Adoration of the Magi by Correggio.

Brera district

If you want a bit of everything then visit the Brera district. Located just north of the Duomo, in-between Borgonuovo and Broletto, you will find everything from art galleries, to restaurants, high-end retail and fabulous bars. Admire to architecture on the cobbled streets or watch the world go by with a drink in hand - you could spend hours there just relaxing and taking everything in.