Guide to the trendiest and coolest neighborhoods in Milan

Milan is one of the cities offering the widest variety of events in Italy, ranging from fashion, gastronomy and beauty to musical entertainment.

September, in particular, is the month when Milan becomes most populated, its neighborhoods and streets come alive again with luxury, attention to detail and the artistic and modern spirit that characterizes every iconic art nouveau alley in the Milanese city.

But what to see in Milan and what are the coolest neighborhoods?

Visiting Milan: the city’s artistic and picturesque neighborhoods

One of the characteristics that make Milan one of Europe’s most thriving cultural centers is its ability to make streets, neighborhoods and areas of the city true open-air works of art.

Below are some of Milan’s trendiest neighborhoods:

• Quadrilatero della Moda: Milan’s most exclusive and fashionable district, it is one of the most sought-after and prestigious areas in the world, famous for luxury and high fashion. The iconic Italian fashion area is home to boutiques of international designers and high-end brands. Elegant historic buildings provide the backdrop for refined shop windows, where luxury and style come together. It is the beating heart of shopping, frequented by celebrities and fashionistas, and is a symbol of Milanese elegance, combining sartorial tradition and innovation in the world of fashion.
• Brera: one of Milan’s finest historic districts, is famous for its narrow, characteristically cobblestone-covered streets, capable of making one travel through time during a stroll. The bohemian atmosphere is enhanced by the Academy of Fine Arts and the famous Brera Art Gallery, which houses masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael. For this reason, the neighborhood becomes an open-air art gallery, becoming the meeting point of art, culture and fashion, with art galleries, design stores, boutiques and cafes.
• Isola: is a vibrant and rapidly changing area located north of the city center. Traditionally a working-class area, it has undergone a major urban renewal in recent years, while retaining its authentic soul. Characterized by a mixture of historic buildings and modern architecture such as the Bosco Verticale, Isola is now a hotspot for creatives, young professionals and artists. The neighborhood offers a wide choice of restaurants, clubs and independent boutiques, and is renowned for its alternative and dynamic atmosphere, while remaining well-connected to the rest of Milan.
• Porta Venezia: The city’s most vibrant and multicultural neighborhood is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and elegant historic buildings. It is home to the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, one of the city’s oldest parks, and the famous Corso Buenos Aires, full of stores and cafes. The neighborhood is an important center of the LGBTQIAP+ community and is home to many inclusive venues and spaces. Porta Venezia is also a hub for art and culture, thanks to museums such as the PAC (Padiglione D’Arte Contemporanea) and contemporary exhibitions, maintaining a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• CityLife: one of Milan’s most modern neighborhoods, it features iconic skyscrapers such as the Hadid Tower, Isozaki Tower, and Libeskind Tower, and has become a symbol of contemporary Milan. Large green spaces and pedestrian areas blend with cutting-edge urban design, making CityLife an example of sustainability and innovation, with a focus on green mobility and quality of urban life.

Staying in the Hotel in the center of Milan

Most of Milan’s artistic districts are located in the city’s historic center, easily visited on foot by getting lost among the Art Nouveau buildings that make up the Milanese metropolis.

To ensure that one’s trip is unforgettable, it is of essential importance to choose a hotel located in the historic center that pays the utmost attention to detail, luxury and all-Italian design.

Portrait Milano is Lungarno Collection’s signature five-star hotel located in the Fashion Quadrilateral, the city’s chicest district, just a short walk from the Duomo. The latter is just a stone’s throw from the PAC, precisely in the most refined and luxurious part of Corso Venezia.

The attention to detail and art that permeate Portrait Milano are reflected in the hotel’s furnishings characterized by fine materials and details that recall classic Italian and Milanese elegance. Each room is designed to offer maximum comfort, with tailored amenities designed to meet the needs of an exclusive clientele. These luxury suites also offer enchanting city views or garden views such as the Studio Deluxe Garden.

Portrait Milano is not only a place to stay, but also a landmark for those seeking refined and upscale dining experiences. Inside are gourmet restaurants offering refined cuisine based on fresh, quality ingredients, ranging from traditional Italian dishes to more international offerings, such as Restaurant 10_11 and Beefbar Milano, renowned for its selections of the world’s finest meats. For those who instead choose to end the day with a good drink accompanied by pleasant live music, Rumore is the cocktail bar that will know how to meet your expectations.

In addition, the presence of exclusive boutiques within the complex, such as Antonia and SO-LE Studio, make Portrait Milano a perfect destination for luxury shoppers.