10 Most Popular Neighborhoods in Milan

The San Siro district is a sprawl of districts, apartment blocks and swathes of greenery, situated just a short drive west of Milan's core. Its centerpiece is undoubtedly the imposing 80,000-seater San Siro Stadium, one of the largest in Europe and a venue for major soccer matches and musical concerts.

Nearby, you'll find the Ippodromo del Galoppo di San Siro. The sprawling site hosts horseracing as well as large-scale music concerts and festivals. One of the biggest annual events is the Milano Summer Festival, where some of the biggest names in rock ‘n' roll perform, from Iron Maiden to Marilyn Manson.

If you're visiting for a concert of event in the area, choose a hotel located in San Siro.

Southwest of the city center, Navigli is one of the more creative and trendy areas of Milan. Social life revolves around the canals, and their banks are lined with open-air cafes, quirky boutiques and vibrant galleries. A good way to explore the charms of its buzzing nightlife, as well as the district’s history, is to take one of the guided beer tours.

Navigli’s restaurants are varied and modern, with many offering fresh seafood or adventurous twists on international cuisine. Pop into laid-back eateries for fusion fare and grab a beer at a Parisian-style sidewalk café.

Porto Garibaldi, north of Milan’s city center, is an imposing neoclassical arch located on the site of one of the ancient city gates. Look towards the financial district to see the glass needles of Milan’s skyscrapers, or gaze towards the Maria Incoronata church for a view of the city’s more traditional past.

Porto Garibaldi station is a 5-minute walk from the Porto Garibaldi gate down trendy Corso Como, which is renowned for its nightlife. Stop at uber-hip arcade 10 Corso Como to browse avante-garde fashions or sip a handcrafted cocktail.

Northeast of the city center, Citta Studi is Milan’s academic district, and is home to the University of Milan’s world-renowned science faculty. Citta Studi was constructed in 1915, but has evolved with the university, and the 1960s saw the opening of the new biology facility, designed by world-renowned architect Vico Magistretti.

Citta Studi’s vibe is best described as scholarly rather than studenty. Its wide, leafy streets make a great place to wander away from the bustle of the center, while the sights of the city are just a short metro ride away, and the shops of Corso Buenos Aires are an 18-minute walk.

Porta Romana is a former city gate, and dates back to the 16th century. But this is far from an aristocratic area in thrall to its ancient origins – the Fondazione Prada features a bar designed by Wes Anderson, the Terme di Milano has converted a tram into a sauna, and hipsters crowd outside takeout-only bars.

Shoppers should make haste for Viale Monte Nero, the principal shopping street, and pop into Open, which showcases cutting-edge Italian design. For a nightcap, have a drink at a hip bar hidden among apartment blocks.

Centro Storico is the historic heart of Milan, brimming with elegant balconied townhouses, old stone monuments and sunny plazas flanked by centuries-old buildings that range from Gothic to Renaissance. The district's centerpiece is undoubtedly Milan Cathedral. It's known for its flamboyant stone façade, stained glass windows and trove of religious artworks.

For fashionistas, the swanky Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is unmissable. A glamorous glass-roofed shopping arcade, it features a buffet of lux label boutiques, as well as posh cafes and bars. If you're seeking a post-shop show, then the chandeliered Teatro alla Scala opera house is the place to go. Book a hotel near the opera house for a short walking distance after the show.

Bovisa is situated north of the city center, and the remnants of its working-class past are still evident in its low-slung industrial skyline and abandoned gas towers. Many of its buildings have been repurposed, and the architecture facility for the well-known Politecnico di Milano is located in a renovated factory.

Bosiva’s regeneration is still a work in progress, but there are plenty of affordable, studenty restaurants and bars. Eateries serve traditional Italian cuisine in a laid-back environment, while eclectic, airy venues offer everything from swing dancing to Baltic orchestras.

Porta Vittoria is a serene district southeast of Milan’s city center, filled with Art Nouveau and post-war buildings, and a hotspot for shoppers. Pop into the quaint shops and browse the handmade jewelry and knick-knacks for a unique souvenir.

Families will enjoy spending a nostalgic day at WOW Spazio Fumetto, a colorful, fun museum based around comic books and graphic novels. For a more emotional experience, pay a visit to Dialogo nel Buio – the Institute of Window shade People – where visitors are given a touching, immersive tour in total darkness.

If you intend on shopping, save your pennies elsewhere by booking budget-friendly accommodations near the Porta Vittoria district.

Porto Venezia is situated just a few minutes north of Miland's historic core and is centered on Corso Buenos Aires – the district's main artery. Ever abuzz, the pedestrian-packed street brims with a multicultural mix of budget-friendly clothing boutiques, shoe shops and large-scale department stores.

The district takes its name from the 19th-century Porto Venezia gate – an eye-catching example of Italian architecture, with its stately columns, balustraded parapet and intricate statues. Right beside it is the lush and leafy Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli park, which is home to Milan's Museum of Natural History and close to the palatial Galleria d'Arte Moderna.

Chinatown is situated just a few minutes' drive north of Milan's bustling city center. Established back in the 1920s, its focal point is Via Paolo Sarpi, a mostly pedestrianized area flanked by elegant buildings and often adorned with red Chinese lanterns.

In and around the street, you'll find everything from clothing boutiques and silk shops, to bookshops, medicine shops and hair salons. The main draw of course is the restaurants, which permeate the street with tantalizing scents. Many of them offer an authentic taste of Zhejiang cuisine, with dishes such as dongpo pork and hibiscus mud crab.