Whether it is business or pleasure that takes you into Milan centre, hotels and restaurants have nothing on the shopping scene in the area. A shrine to retail therapy and high fashion, Milan is home to Versace, Armani and many more style sensations just waiting to welcome you and your credit card with open and fashionably dressed arms.

Quadrilatero d'Oro

As some of the best-dressed concierges you'll ever see can be found in Milan centre, hotel staff may well be the best people to ask about where to shop. One place they are bound to mention is the Quadrilatero d'Oro. Four adjoining streets that you will find north of the Duomo, the Via Montenapoleone, Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso and Via Sant'Andrea are hot property in the world of fashion. For big names such as Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and Prada this is the place to be; a trip to Versace's boutique which covers four whole floors of fashion is essential for anyone with an eye for clothes. If it's not so much clothes as accessories that take your fancy, you'll find plenty to get excited about with names such as Bulgari Jewellery taking pride of place. Whether you're simply window shopping or spending up big, just being in the Quadrilatero d'Oro is enough to make you feel stylish and suave.

Corso Buenos Aires

If you're not sure that the Golden Quad in Milan centre, hotel foyers, sightseeing and dining are your preferred options, then why not head to the Corso Buenos Aires instead? One of the longest streets in Europe, it links to roads such as Porta Venezia and Piazzale Loreto, where you'll find high street names such as Bennetton, H&M, Timberland, Zara and Kookai. For the slightly less extravagant shopper this area has plenty to offer in the way of retail therapy, but also in the way of photo opportunities thanks to its 19th Century style and neo-classical adornments.

Make the Most of the Markets

Milan is not just home to the masters of fashion, it's also the place to find some great markets. If you're shopping on a Saturday, take the Metro to San Agsotino and head to Viale Papiniano, one of the city's best markets. There you will find a labyrinth of stalls selling all manner of goods from clothes to shoes, from leather to cashmere, and from accessories to delicious food. A slightly less extravagant way of enjoying the Milanese fashion kingdom, Viale Papiniano has even more outfits to choose from than the four-floor fashion emporium Versace. If you're after some midweek market shopping, the Via Zivetti is open on a Wednesday morning with similar stalls for you to enjoy. However, before you head off to the markets be sure to check the size of the wardrobe at the Milan centre hotel you're staying at, or you may just end up with too much to take home with you.

So, if you're staying in a Milan centre hotel and have a few hours to spare and a few pennies to spend, a shopping trip is certainly the best way to do it.