Guide To The Best Areas To Stay In Milan, Part 1 – Top 3 Most Lively Districts

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If you’re the kind of person who likes to be surrounded by people, and doesn’t want to have to walk more than a few steps to find entertainment, then these are the neighborhoods for you.

One of Italy’s largest and most desirable cities to reside, Milan is continually changing, adding new creative spaces, galleries, cafes, and hip restaurants. Many neighborhoods are famous for their nightlife and culture.

Read here about the Top 3 Trendy Districts

Porta Venezia

The Porta Venezia district in Milan is well-connected to the city’s transportation network, making it one of the most accessible areas in the city. You’ll be able to find your way around very easily if you stay here. The neighborhood is lively during the day and has a thriving nightlife, with many restaurants and bars located nearby. It’s practically begging you to come out and have fun. Via Melzo and Via Lecco are the most popular areas, offering a variety of cuisines from all over the world and bars located within a few steps of each other. 

Porta Venezia is renowned for its large and vibrant LGBT+ community. The area is home to many LGBT+ friendly venues and is the site of the annual Pride parade. The Porta Venezia metro station is dedicated to the gay community and is decorated with the colors of the LGBT+ movement. The neighborhood also has a green side, with beautiful parks and gardens such as the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, the Villa Necchi Campiglio, and the Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte. 

And if you’re looking to spend all your money in one place, the Porta Venezia district is the place for you! The Porta Venezia district is also one of the top places to go shopping in Milan. Here you can find popular high street brands and exclusive designer boutiques, all located within easy walking distance of each other. This neighborhood is crossed by Corso Buenos Aires, one of the longest shopping streets in Europe, where you can really find everything; for this reason It is frequently referred to as an open-air shopping center. Furthermore, Corso Venezia, known as one of the most elegant streets in Milan, is located in this area. One of the renowned “Quadrilatero Della Moda” four sides, Corso Venezia alternates between showcasing known luxury labels and up-and-coming designers’ boutiques. Just because you can’t afford to buy anything in these stores doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy looking at all the pretty things you can’t have.

The Navigli district of Milan is a popular destination for its nightlife. It’s a great place to have drinks and make bad decisions, if you’re into that sort of thing. The district takes its name from the two artificial canals that run through it: the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese. Its bridges have become one of the symbols of the city. Make sure you take a picture of the bridges at sunset, like everyone else seems to do around here. The Darsena, located in Porta Ticinese, is a repurposed former port that has become the heart of Milanese nightlife. There’s nothing more Milanese than a night out in the Navigli area! You can find locals there every weekend night chugging spritz like it’s their job.

The Navigli district is adjacent to Ticinese, which gets its name from one of the ancient Milanese wall gates called “Porta Ticinese”. These areas are rich in trendy bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs, but they also host fairs and markets, such as the Antiques Market on weekends or the annual spring flower event. This neighborhood is always buzzing with activity.


The Navigli – Ticinese district of Milan is home to several prestigious higher education institutions, including the Catholic University of Milan, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the Luigi Bocconi Commercial University, one of the world’s top institutions for management, business, and marketing, but also IULM, and NABA. If you’re interested in attending one of these schools, the Navigli – Ticinese area may be a good choice for you.

Brera – Porta Garibaldi

Brera, which was historically built around the Academy of Fine Arts, is the most evocative and fascinating part of Milan’s historic center. It is spread out across a small area, almost exclusively pedestrian, and boasts a remarkable abundance of beautiful historical buildings. Even though it is one of the best connected neighborhoods, Brera should be explored on foot, because walking is the only way to discover its hidden gems, small green spaces, and shops with stunning windows, and experience Brera’s distinct vibe.

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There is no denying this neighborhood’s artistic spirit. Indeed, this is the home of the aforementioned Brera Academy of Fine Arts, which annually attracts hundreds of students from around the globe. The Pinacoteca di Brera, the first museum in Milan and one of the most prominent galleries in the world, is also located in this neighborhood. It is host to some of the most renowned antique and contemporary paintings as well as famous sculptures by Italian painters of the 20th century.

Frutello Garibaldi

This neighborhood is unique in its lovely blend of innovative and modern charm with the historic architectural background. And even though it is packed with restaurants, wine bars, and small shops, especially busy on weekends, the neighborhood is not as chaotic as one might assume. When compared to the cosmopolitan Porta Venezia and the young and loud Navigli areas, the vibe in Brera is more sophisticated.

featured photo by Siavash on Unsplash

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