Perhaps best known as a fashion hub, Milan is more than just a destination for window shopping and looking fabulous — it is the center of Italian commerce and one of the premier destinations for doing business in the country.

And while the chic city certainly deserves its trendsetting title, its after hours ambience is perfect for mixing, mingling and even checking out some of the iconic sites you would otherwise miss during a day of meetings.

When business is done for the day, there’s still time to squeeze in some of Milan’s top sightseeing spots. Milan Cathedral, or the Duomo, dating back to the 14th century, took nearly six centuries to complete.

Year-round, the cathedral remains open until 6:45 p.m.; from April through October, visitors can access the Duomo’s rooftop until 9 p.m. Take in the action in the surrounding Piazza del Duomo, the city’s most bustling plaza.

Perhaps the most sought-after attraction in Milan is Leonardo da Vinci’s depiction of the Last Supper; the 15-foot-by-29-foot mural graces the dining hall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Monastery. Viewings are regulated to groups of 25 admitted at 15-minute intervals. Tickets are on sale months in advance and sell out quickly, so plan ahead — the good news for business travelers is nighttime viewings are available.

Should your visit to Milan coincide with opera season (December–June), while away an evening in classical style at La Scala, Milan’s iconic opera house, which has hosted greats such as Verdi and Maria Callas. Again, it is imperative to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance.

As a global hub for fashion, Milan is a shopper’s delight. Gemelli department store, a cornerstone of Milan, opened in 1927 in the Corso Vercelli. Luxury buyers should focus their attention on the Golden Quadrilateral near Via Montenapoleone. Along Via Brera, wanderers find plenty of spots to stop in, from galleries and art shops to restaurants, bars and stores. The Via Madonnina is a popular antiques district.

For a traditional Milanese dining experience, enjoy dinner at Savini. Post-meal, head to any number of fabulous bars for an evening cocktail, such as Principe Bar at the Hotel Principe di Savoia. If you fancy yourself a fashionista, the h club>diana at the Diana Majestic Hotel or Gold, owned by Dolce and Gabbana, are the perfect spots for an aperitivo. Nottingham Forest and Sayonara are other nightcap options. For live music, head to Le Scimme. Milan has a thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, especially in the area around Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini. Next Groove and After Line are the street’s major bars.

Weblinks

The Duomo

Gemelli

Gold

Hotel Principe di Savoia

La Scala

Milan Tourism

Savini

Sheraton Diana Majestic

Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini

Via Montenapoleone