When in Milan, don't miss il Naviglio, one of the last remaining canals in the city, surrounded by restaurants, bars and antique shops. The place is especially nice in summer evenings when bars cater to the locals who gather in the streets to have a drink with friends. Il Naviglio is known for its antique shops and the antique market held once a month is worth seeing. In addition to bric-à-bric, you can make rare finds. Other favorites include a bookstore with a very good second-hand section and a pizzeria at the end closest to Piaggio XXIV Marzo.

Brera is a great neighbourhood close to down town. You can find art galeries, the art academy, pinacotecas, etc... This used to be the meeting point for artists. It has lost a little bit of that, but it's still one of the greatest neighbourhoods in Milano. During the afternoon is a perfect place to run away from crowds, and at night it just gets full of people going out. It's said that this is the neighbourhood that looks more like Paris in Milano, because it has cafés with tables outside and great restaurants to have dinner at. But I don't think it needs to be compared to anything, it's a great place by itself.