Best neighborhoods in Milan
The fashion capital of Italy, Milan boasts a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Although primarily known for the fashion scene and commercial space, the city is home to some of the world’s iconic historical landmarks. Milan is also home to Italy’s biggest cathedral, Duomo, which took six centuries to construct.
To make the best of your trip to this metropolitan city, you must explore the vibrant neighborhood. In this post, we’ve mentioned the best neighborhoods in Milan that are worth your time. Some are known for their modern culture and lively nightlife scene, while others give a historical vibe.
Duomo
Featuring Gothic architecture, Duomo is an iconic cathedral, the construction of which dates back to 1386. The intricate details of the church, combined with some fascinating facts about the place, make it a wonderful place to visit in Milan. You can take the stairs or use the elevator to reach the cathedral rooftop and witness one of the most gorgeous views in town. There are over 3,400 statues and 700 figures, and the cathedral’s interiors can accommodate 40,000 people.
Duomo comprises five major areas — Museum, Archaeological Area, Cathedral, Terrace, and Church of St. Gottardo in Corte. You can buy a single ticket for a particular place, such as for the Cathedral only, or combined tickets that give you entry to all visiting points.
Navigli
Salamanca is one of the Madrid districts which best personifies the tenets of elegance, sophistication, and luWitness the beautiful blend of posh boutiques and canals with an old-world charm. Dating back to the 12th century, when these canals were used to transport people and goods, they’ve become a notable sight. Getting around Navigli is easy. The neighborhood is connected to Milan’s transport system and is accessible through metro, buses, trams, and taxis.
Brimming with clubs and restaurants, Navigli is famous for its amazing nightlife. When in Navigli, you should include Naviglio Grande on your must-visit-place list. It’s the oldest and most beautiful canal. Sample Italian cuisine in the Mercato Metropolitano market. Here, you will find street food stalls, Italian delicacies, and different cuisines.
Lago di Como
Also called Lake Como, this peaceful location is known for its crystal-clear water, picturesque mountains, lush green spaces, and natural scenery. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure junkies who want to try hiking and water activities.
Brera
The cobblestoned streets of Brera, which have picturesque views, art galleries, and some chic restaurants and boutiques, make Brera a must-visit neighborhood in Milan. If you are a fashionista, you will love the shopping scenes here. The SoHo of Milan is a compact village, yet it’s bustling with cafes and museums.
For art enthusiasts, this Milan neighborhood has Pinacoteca di Brera—a place filled with mesmerizing artwork by Raphael, Titian, and Botticelli. You can take a stroll on the streets to explore antique boutiques and colorful cafeterias. Brera is also home to the Sforza Castle, where you can find paintings and sculptures by the world’s famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci.
Porta Garibaldi
Porta Garibaldi is known for featuring the tallest and most gorgeous skyscraper in town, UniCredit Tower. The area holds historical significance, as it was named after the Porta Garibaldi gate in Milan. For a relaxing evening, you can take a walk to the Biblioteca degli Alberi, a famous green space. The area is also packed with many high-end retail stores and office buildings.
Isola
Isola is the most creative and artistic neighborhood in Milan. The area is connected to Milan through the metro line and is easily reachable. If you are interested in Graffiti art, Isola is a must-visit neighborhood you should try.
Biblioteca degli Alberi is a popular green space in the area, offering you a perfect place to spend some quality and relaxing time with your family. The neighborhood is located close to Porta Garibaldi. If you explore the underground tunnel that connects these two neighborhoods, you will see some amazing graffiti artwork.
San Siro
Located in the western part of Milan, San Siro is another popular residential neighborhood. What makes it special is the San Siro Football Stadium. If you ever wish to watch a live football match or a concert in Milan, head to this beautiful residential town and witness one of the largest and most beautiful football stadiums in Italy.
Another interesting fact about the neighborhood is that the 2026 Winter Olympics are supposed to be held in this stadium. Apart from the stadium, there is a San Siro Castle for history lovers. The surroundings have green spaces, especially parks, where you can take a stroll.