Hardy, Paula: Lonely Planet Pocket Milan

Milan is Italy's city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where creativity is big business, looking good is compulsory and after-work drinks - known as aperitivi - are an art form. It's also a city with ancient roots and extraordinary treasures that you'll get to experience without the usual queues. At the weekends, join the urban exodus to the elegant towns and tiered gardens of the Italian lakes. Pull-out city map, full-colour, pocket-sized guidebook, the city's best walking tours.