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FROM the Italian Grand Prix to Fashion Week, the city of Milan is popular with the rich and famous.

Yet it has a much more affordable side, such as three-night easyJet city break packages from £220pp.

Here’s how to easily spend a long weekend in the Italian hotspot . . . 

WHY SHOULD I GO?

Milan is set to be even more popular in 2026 as it is co-hosting the Winter Olympics from February 6-22.

A new 16,000-seat multi-use arena has been built in the Santa Giulia district to host the ice hockey, and Mariah Carey will entertain at the opening ceremony in the San Siro Stadium, home of Inter Milan.

But whatever time of year, it is one of the most affordable destinations to jet to from the UK, with flights often found for less than £17.

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Foodies can rejoice too — it’s hard to find somewhere bad to eat, especially with its famous dishes such as Milanese risotto and panettone.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

With its blend of Gothic architecture and modern, cosmopolitan design, the city is one of Europe’s most walkable and the streets are worth a relaxed stroll even with no aim in sight.

The cobblestone ones of the Brera neighbourhood are particularly charming.

Of course, if you want to get around there are trams as well as a vast metro system.

Skip the taxis as you can expect to pay high costs for short journeys.

Instead, hop on one of the many bikes and scooters you can rent, found on most corners — if you’re brave enough to join the road with Italian drivers.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping centres.

Dating back to 1877, the stunning piece of history is now lined with designer stores and well worth walking through.

If you want some good luck, legend has it you should find the bull on the floor and spin around on it three times.

Just outside is the Gothic masterpiece, Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest Catholic churches.

Built of white-pink marble, it features 135 spires and more than 4,000 statues.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

Despite being the home of the Milanese saffron risotto, you can barely walk for pizza joints.

Head to Pizza AM for crazy artwork and massive spicy pizzas that come with a free prosecco.

You’ll have to squeeze in as it’s loved by both families and groups of friends, but the bustle just makes it all that more of a vibe.

For something fun to go, try Ghe Sem Monti right by the main train station.

With a fusion of Asian dim sum and classic Italian flavours, I couldn’t pick my favourite from the cacio e pepe dumplings to the ­carbonara buns.

I FANCY A DRINK!

One of the best, local-loved bars is on a side street off the Navigli canal, a popular neighbourhood for dining.

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find mismatching pieces of artwork along with bottles of alcohol towering up the walls and a rude lucky cat.

The staff are happy to help you choose a wine with tasters, from reds and whites to rosés and oranges from all across Spain.

Interior fans should try Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Grab a glass of Prosecco while taking in the pastel pink and blue interiors, before a game on one of the retro pinball machines.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

A short tram ride from the city centre, Hotel Nasco feels pure Italian: Faux ­marble bathrooms, tiny lifts to the top floor and complimentary Aperol in the room.

Its location in relation to both the attractions and the train station makes it a great base.

Breakfast, in the basement of the building, is a simple affair, but has all of the hot and cold classics, from pastries and fruit to a selection of English Breakfast options.

Just remember to bring ear plugs — like lots of Italian buildings, the walls are slightly thin.

THE oldest rollercoaster in the UK is officially closing down after more than 100 years – and as an ex-local, I’m gutted.

The Scenic Railway at Dreamland in Margate first opened back in 1920.

However, it was forced to shut back in 2024 due to damage to the famous wooden track, with parts of it breaking off.

Not only that, but due to its age and design, it was advised that it would need a daily inspection.

With these estimated to take around five hours, it has since been deemed not viable to stay open.

The theme park has said that it will remain at the park as a feature, but will no longer be open.

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Thanet Council called the news “disappointing” for the park which has undergone a major revamp in the past decade.

In a statement, the theme park said: “The Scenic Railway has completed its journey as a roller coaster and will now take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride.

“This is not the end but a new beginning.

“We are committed to developing a new long-term vision that will not only showcase this remarkable Grade II listed structure, but reimagine its purpose so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh and meaningful way.

“This summer we will be hosting a pop-up exhibit celebrating the history of The Scenic Railway.

“In the longer term, it will be re-invented for people to enjoy in a different way.”

The ride has certainly had a difficult history, being destroyed by a fire in both 1948 and 2008.

Another fire in 2014 also broke out on the ride although this caused less damage.

As someone who used to live in Margate, visiting the theme park was always one of my favourite things to do.

Free to visit, it means you can just wander around and take in the atmosphere without paying a penny.

But the thrill of the Scenic Railway – which still had a rather terrifying manual brake operated by a person – still beats other rollercoasters in my eyes.

Where else can you be thrown about a rickety track, with a few life-fearing drops before coming up to views of the ocean?

Thankfully there are other rides at the theme park that will still be open this summer.

This includes the Pirate Ship, Big Wheel and Rock ‘N Rollercoaster.

New last year was a water flume ride, which left the park back in 2016 only to have been rebuilt.

And Dreamland also attracts huge live music acts every year, with this year’s line up including Tom Grennan, Kesha, Fatboy Slim and Nile Rodgers.