Whether you arrive by plane or train (the hotel is wonderfully near Milan’s central station), you’ll want to freshen up – and we can think of no better way than with an aperitivo. The city is so well known for its social drinking culture that it even has its own expression, ‘Milano da bere’, so do as the Milanese do and head straight to Principe Bar for a refreshing tipple.

Here, our bar manager Daniele Celli will happily recommend one of our signature cocktails or shake up something new for you to enjoy alongside a tasty selection of bar bites.

Should you wish to step out for another, Bar Basso is a must-visit for its Negroni sbagliato. The famous fizzy drink is said to have originated at this neighbourhood institution, along with the introduction of cocktail hour in Milan.

Sip one in a setting beautifully frozen in time with walnut-panelled walls and red neon signs, before heading back to the Principe for a glorious night’s sleep.

Ease into the new day with a couple of refreshing laps in our mosaic-tiled pool or watch the city slowly come to life from the cosy comfort of your room, before heading out for a caffè al banco, the standing coffee.

This daily ritual involves a quick espresso at the counter and maybe a baked good or two. Our favourite is Marchesi 1824, a historic pastry shop with an excellent reputation for deliciously soft panettone. With three locations, you can choose whether to have your morning coffee in an elegant 18th-century building or up in the arches of Italy’s oldest shopping arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

The Milanese are renowned for their unique, elegant and wonderfully eclectic style. So naturally, a perfect weekend in Milan wouldn’t be complete without some shopping. Head to Quadrilatero della Moda for the great Italian fashion houses such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and of course, Prada.

For collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, the city is rich with artisan workshops and bespoke boutiques. Find a remarkable piece of antique jewellery at Gioielleria Pennisi, pick up luxuriously patterned homeware at the Cabana Store, or visit the reimagined Fornasetti shop for their signature porcelain.

When hunger calls, stop by 10 Corso Como. This famous concept store offers an excellent selection of literature, fragrances and fashion, and has a tranquil courtyard serving great drinks and tempting seasonal plates beneath a canopy of green.

After a day of wandering, we suggest spending a night at the opera. A major landmark in its own right, Teatro alla Scala has been ‘the home of the opera’ for more than 200 years, making it a magnificent place to watch beautiful ballet shows and mesmerising musical performances.

Sundays are meant for lie-ins. We recommend ordering breakfast to your room, where you can enjoy fresh stacks of pancakes, creamy eggs Benedict and vibrant fruit platters, all while wrapped in a fluffy dressing gown.

After letting the morning slowly unfold, it’s time to take in a bit of culture. The Prada Foundation is always worth a visit with its rotating monthly calendar packed with exciting exhibitions and events. Explore the nine floors filled with artwork and installations before heading to Bar Luce, the retro on-site bar designed by the film director Wes Anderson.

If you prefer your culture with a side of historic splendour, then Palazzo Citterio is the spot. Set in the pretty Brera neighbourhood, this grand Baroque residence is now a magnificent art museum with an extensive collection of over 200 pieces.

And since you’re in the area, visit the nearby Botanical Garden for a leisurely stroll amongst the centuries-old Ginkgo trees, oval-shaped ponds and bursts of vibrant flowers.