Milan. Think high fashion. High class handbags. Cutting edge clothes. Grand.

Expensive. Very expensive. Those were the words that sprang into my head when I jetted off to the unofficial, self-proclaimed capital of northern Italy.

And at first glance, much of the above can be said to be true. A shoppers' paradise with classic architecture to boot - and yes, in the wrong places it can puncture a very large hole in the wallet.

But if you can take a walk away from the heavily touristy areas and there is much more to this city. There are definitely districts worth a wander, most within walking distance of the middle. And you're rarely far from a place to linger for a drink or a pizza, if you don't mind the price.

Milan's pride and joy: The Duomo.

Having said that, probably the best place to start is at the Duomo. It's Milan's big cathedral, a quite outstanding building that's in the heart of the city. Take a wander inside - and, if it's a clear day head to the rooftop terrace for a view as far as the alps. It's free to wander inside and take a look, with a charge for the rooftop. You pick up tickets from a booking office to the rear of the Duomo,  and note it's slightly cheaper - and there's less queues - if you decide to go up the stairs rather than take the lift. Mind you, you need to be fit…

In front of the cathedral is Piazza del Duomo, an open square where tourists can run the gauntlet of some of the more persistent hawkers i've had the displeasure of encountering.

Even if you're not a big shopper, you need to take a look inside the Galleria, Italy's first and probably most famous shopping arcade. Manchester Arndale it is not.

With the Duomo in front of you, the arcade is off to the left. The glorious interior, from ceiling to floor, are as big an attraction as the items in the stores themselves. And that's saying something. It's a who's who of the biggest names in world fashion. Head to the middle and you have four classic names, one in each corner. Prada, Bernasconi, Louis Vuitton.. and… wait for it… a McDonalds. The big yellow arches have reached here - although in deference to the surroundings they're not quite as big, or yellow.

Continue through the arcade and out the other side where you arrive in Piazza de la Scala, home of the La Scala opera house. Now to those in the opera know, this is the home of opera. If  you're into it, this is where you want to see a performance one day. Although it's grand enough to view simply from the outside, following a clean up in 2004. There's a small museum next door if this takes your fancy.

This is the very heart of Milan, which with its classical feel is host to dozens of galleries and museums, too many to list here. Although special mention needs to go to Leonardo de Vinci's The Last Supper, one of the world's most famous paintings, which can be found at Santa Maria dell Grazie (you're likely to need to go on an official tour to see it at late notice).

Well it wasn't going to be for Primark: Even the billboards are classy.

Maybe Milan isn't the most Italian of Italian cities. It does have its rich side, maybe even appear initially a little aloof but cut through some first impressions and I have to say the welcome was as warm as anywhere.

It's not the cheapest of places, and there may be other city breaks that tick more boxes, but there's certainly enough to see and do for a weekend.

Where to stay, eat and drink

I stayed at the Amadeus Hotel close to the Centrale Stazione. It was good value (around 35 euros a night including a small breakfast), clean and ticked the boxes. The Centrale Stazione is ringed by dozens of hotels of all levels, and although it's not the most beautiful of areas I didn't find it unsafe and it was quite busy with a few restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Certainly it's dead handy for links to the airports or anywhere else you're going, and is only a couple of metro stops from the middle.

Where to eat and drink - well, you won't be short of options. The nicest area I frequented was the Brera district, a pleasant network of narrow streets and courtyards a mere ten minutes away from the busy centre. Don't be surprised to find a small market there and some music as background as you chomp into a bowl of pasta. There's a small area of rows of street cafes and restaurants with pleasant food offerings, with prices not cheap although not crippling.

Pavement cafe central: The Brera district.

There is also a fair selection of decent restaurants around the south of the Duomo, but prices will match and exceed your expectations.

I also found a smattering of street bar/cafes around Moscova metro station (line M2), including MacDuffs pub along Alessandro Volta (although shut during the day when I was there). Meanwhile The Pogues Irish pub is in a quite busy area around Porta Romana metro stop (M3 line). It's a small, friendly bar with TV sport and worth checking out. It's only 100 yards from the metro off Corso Lodi in Vittorio Salmini. Exit left out of the metro station towards Lodi Piazza d'Oro and it's along on your right.

I'm also led to believe that the old docks area the Ticinese has been spruced up and can attract the trendy types to endless bars and restaurants along the canal.  Head to metro stop Porto Genova on line M2.

Although Italy has a cuisine to die for, it has unashamedly embraced the fast food sector and McDonalds are well represented in all parts.

Check out our traveller's tale to Milan: Two Series in One Day

Morst recently visited: May 2011