Milan is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. Its center hosts some of the most emblematic streets and squares in Italy, each with its own story to tell. If you’re visiting Milan, you can’t miss the city’s most representative areas: Navigli, Duomo, Central Station, Porta Venezia, and Repubblica.
These areas not only offer a glimpse into Milan’s history but are also perfect for exploring the architectural and cultural beauty of the city.
Navigli: the historic soul of Milan
The Navigli area is famous for its historic canals, which were once crucial for transporting goods throughout the city. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are the two main canals, and along their banks, picturesque streets like Ripa di Porta Ticinese and Alzaia Naviglio Grande flourish, filled with bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Walking along these canals allows you to relive the atmosphere of Milan’s past when the city was an important commercial hub thanks to this canal system.
The main square in the area is Piazza XXIV Maggio, recently renovated, which serves as an important connection between the city center and Navigli. It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to explore the nightlife or take a peaceful stroll through a more authentic part of Milan.
Duomo: the beating heart of Milan
The Duomo of Milan is undoubtedly one of the city’s and the country’s most iconic monuments. Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s central hub, where every tourist and local ends up gathering. Here stands the majestic Milan Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Not far away, Via Torino is one of the city’s liveliest shopping streets. With its shops and boutiques, the street connects Piazza del Duomo to the Navigli area, becoming a sort of bridge between the old and the modern.
Another historic street is Via Dante, which links Piazza del Duomo to Sforzesco Castle. Walking along this pedestrian street, you can admire the elegant architecture of the surrounding buildings and stop at one of the many cafés for a relaxing break.
Central Station: the gateway to Milan
Central Station in Milan is not just a point of arrival and departure for travelers but also a remarkable example of rationalist and monumental architecture. Built between 1925 and 1931, the station is one of the city’s most imposing buildings.
Next to the station is Piazza Duca d’Aosta, a vast modern square that is always bustling with travelers and commuters. From here, several important streets emerge, such as Via Vittor Pisani, one of the main arteries connecting the station to the city center.
Another historic point of interest nearby is Via Fabio Filzi, home to administrative and governmental buildings. The station area today is a mix of modernity and tradition, with numerous hotels and restaurants making this part of the city dynamic and international.
Porta Venezia: elegance and history
The Porta Venezia area is one of the most fascinating parts of Milan, thanks to its combination of historic architecture and modern life. Corso Venezia, one of the city’s most elegant streets, connects the historic center to the Indro Montanelli Gardens, a large city park perfect for a stroll or a break in the shade of trees.
Continuing along Corso Venezia, you’ll reach Piazza Oberdan, one of the city’s historic squares. Here you can admire the historic Porta Venezia, from which the area takes its name, which was part of the ancient Spanish walls of Milan.
Moreover, Via Spallanzani and Via Malpighi host buildings in liberty style, characteristic of Milanese architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The facades of these streets tell the story of an era when Milan was transforming into a major industrial and cultural city.
Repubblica: modernity and prestige
The Repubblica area is a perfect mix of history and modernity. Piazza della Repubblica is one of the largest squares in Milan and an important hub for city traffic. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels, the square represents the city’s modern face.
One of the most important streets in the area is Viale Tunisia, which leads directly to Porta Venezia. Viale Tunisia is lined with shops and restaurants and is one of Milan’s busiest and most lively streets.
Another historic street in the area is Via Vittor Pisani, which stretches from Central Station to Piazza della Repubblica, crossing the heart of Milan’s business district. This street, with its modern buildings, symbolizes the city’s economic dynamism.