Montenapoleone, Duomo

This is the smart shopping zone of the city, one of the world’s most sought-after and famous fashion centres, with all the buzz for which this hub is famous. Trendy people move in and out of the shops in the Quadrilatero (the area between Via Montenapoleone, Via S. Andrea, Via della Spiga and Via Borgospesso) clutching their elegant purchases. However, the area has none of the quiet charm of neighbouring Brera and there is little residential accommodation here. The area is very busy during the day, but quiet at night. There is easy access by metro and it is within walking distance of the cathedral (Il Duomo), but expensive chaffeur-driven cars can often be seen parked along the pavements, waiting for their fashion-conscious clients. During the winter and summer sales periods in January and July this is packed with bargain hunters. A new Armani boutique hotel is going up at Via Manzoni 31 but this is essentially an area to visit, not one where you would live.