1st: The Duomo

At the heart of Milan’s historic center is its enormous Duomo, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Locals and tourists alike can be found strolling the main square, the Piazza del Duomo, as well as the adjacent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall and Palazzo Reale. The area is a hub for high-end designer shopping. Highlights of this neighborhood: Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Palazzo Reale, La Scala Opera House, Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, and shopping around Via Montenapoleone.

2nd: Navigli

Southwest of the Duomo are the charming streets of the Navigli/Ticinese canal district. Previously inhabited by artists, this area is now fashionable and attractive to visitors because of its interesting boutiques, quirky art studios, and funky cafes. The two remaining canals boast several floating bars and restaurants, and a popular Saturday flea market draws huge crowds.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Floating bars and restaurants, interesting boutiques, art studios, cafes, and the Saturday flea market.

3rd: Porta Garibaldi and Piazza della Repubblica

North of the Duomo is the busy Porta Garibaldi district. This area is characterized by the old Porta Comasina, the former city gate on the ancient road to Como, and Piazza della Repubblica, which is dominated by the Giuseppe Mazzini monument. It is a bustling area with many businesses.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Porta Comasina, Piazza della Repubblica, Giuseppe Mazzini monument, and the ‘Fiera Milano City’ International Trade Fair center.

4th: Stazione Centrale – Corso Buenos Aires – Porta Venezia

Northeast of the Duomo are the bustling Stazione Centrale, the fashionable Corso Buenos Aires, and the historic Porta Venezia. These popular areas are close to many of Milan’s tourist attractions as well as public transportation, making them ideal places from which to explore the city.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Stazione Centrale, Corso Buenos Aires, Porta Venezia, Villa Reale park, the Museum of Natural Science, Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens), and the Modern Art Gallery.

5th: Fiera Milano – San Siro

San Siro is a great choice for travelers interested in convenient public transportation and city walks. It is a highly residential area and home to the famous San Siro Stadium where soccer matches take place regularly. The district is full of activity with lively bars, and affordable pizzerias and restaurants. It is also very family friendly with many playgrounds.
Highlights of this neighborhood: San Siro Stadium, lively bars, affordable pizzerias, playgrounds, and the Fiera Milano exhibition venue.

6th: Sempione

Northwest of the Duomo is Milan’s largest park, Parco Sempione. This lively district has a number of good restaurants, leafy avenues, and cute cafes in a picturesque setting. It is a popular area for evening leisure, used by people to have a late night drink after a long day at the office. The area is also very green due to its proximity to the park.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Parco Sempione, Castello Sforzesco, Leonardo’s Last Supper, historic monuments, and leafy avenues.