Manjit Devgun: Hello, I’m Manjit back with you to continue our quest to find the most exciting hotels, restaurants, clubs and other hot spots all over Europe. Let’s face it, in a show about traveling and style you can't do better than Italy which is why today we’re going to Milan, one of the world’s capitals of fashion and design.

Paul Hirons: Hi! I’m Paul Hirons. I’m the sales office assistant and we are here in Milan at the Hotel Straf.

Manjit Devgun: Art, luxury, murals. Is this a museum, a private gallery that’s actually not far from the cruise? Tonight you’re staying at Hotel Straf.

Paul Hirons: The most significant feature of the hotel is its styling. It was designed by Vincenzo De Cotiis as arte povera which means “raw art.”

Manjit Devgun: Using high tech luxury with striking design element, organic materials such as rough slate and iron black stone and cement, Hotel Straf offers one of a kind of aesthetic experience. Even the furniture is designed specifically for the hotel and each room is a work of art. Make sure to visit the beautiful bar open all day for brunch, lunch or relaxing drink or come at night for the ever so fashionable scene.

Okay now let’s talk about shopping. You might want to see the high fashion boutiques on the Via Montenapoleone or the Via Della Spiga or go to the oldest shopping mall in the world, the Galleria but make sure you also check out Corso Como 10, a beautiful complex of design shops, boutiques, a bookstore and a wonderful café all surrounding a lovely courtyard.

Dominique Lepraud: The major counter here is the international people coming like a lot of designer or stylist. This is a point of meeting where all the people are coming here to see the pendants that you can find after in the newspaper and in the fashion hall.

Manjit Devgun: Carlo Sozzani, the creative force behind the complex operates a photography and art gallery here as well. They say Carlo was inspired by the atmosphere of oriental design, have a look and see what you think.

When you’re ready to escape the stimulation of the city sights and shops so capped and history at the Bar Magenta which opened in 1907 and they say it’s the creator of the aperitivo. An aperitivo is essentially a free dinner drink but has come to mean something like “Happy Hour” with drinks and light food.

Paolo Marchesi: Bar Magenta would first found with the new aperitif.

Manjit Devgun: At Bar Magenta, the Milanese comes to enjoy the classic atmosphere and they certainly love their aperitivo. Just a bit of fortification before heading out for evening fun. Now you can give it a try as well.

We’ve been talking so much about drinks and fashion. We’ve forgotten to mention Italian food. After a few aperitivos it’s finally time for an evening meal. Enter Lenoa at Hotel Gray and you leave the classic well behind. Visit this very contemporary, very intimate and discreet space and enjoy outstanding innovations in Italian food.

The Le Noir is especially well noted to tourist’s sophisticated design, both its dark, sleek interiors and its famous most often photographs exterior. Don’t fill up too much though because you’ll need some energy for our last stop when you hit the dance floor of the Club Milano.

Alberto Baldaccini: The club is going until five o’ clock in the morning and until five o’ clock if you stay here with us so you will see that is still full of people. We really have to turn on the lights and push them out of the club.

Manjit Devgun: Black walls, steel floor and amazing laser show, great fun. Hope you’re ready for a workout with the beautiful people. The club is extremely popular and yes this crowd loves to dance.

So you see Milan is a must to visit for the fashion contrast cosmopolitan. Buy yourself a new pair of shoes and if you have extra time there’s always Leonardo da Vinci’s last supper, the Opera L’Escala and of course Il Doumo, the second largest gothic cathedral in the world. I hope you enjoy your stay.

Next time, I’m off to yet another European city. See you soon, I’m Manjit and this is City by City.