Piazza Gae Aulenti Milan
A breathtaking modern piazza featuring the iconic Bosco Verticale skyscrapers and a mesmerizing water fountain.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Piazza Gae Aulenti Milan
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking modern piazza featuring the iconic Bosco Verticale skyscrapers and a mesmerizing water fountain.
"A stunning architectural marvel that showcases Milan's contemporary side."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore every corner of this expansive piazza and its surroundings.
Visit during golden hour :camera_with_flash:
The light is incredible for photos, especially with the Bosco Verticale.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bosco Verticale
Adjacent to Piazza Gae Aulenti
Iconic 'Vertical Forest' skyscrapers adorned with thousands of trees and plants.

The Piazza's Water Features
Center of Piazza Gae Aulenti
A mesmerizing circular fountain that comes alive with light and water shows.

Unicredit Tower
Dominating the skyline
Milan's tallest skyscraper, offering a glimpse into the city's modern business hub.
Planning Your Visit
Modern Milan's Architectural Marvel
Best Times to Experience the Piazza
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore every corner of this expansive piazza and its surroundings.
Visit during golden hour :camera_with_flash:
The light is incredible for photos, especially with the Bosco Verticale.
Explore the Isola neighborhood :world_map:
Piazza Gae Aulenti is part of a larger, vibrant modern district worth discovering.
Check out the water features :droplet:
The central fountain is a highlight, especially when illuminated at night.
Cool area for walking, Milan?
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore every corner of this expansive piazza and its surroundings.
Visit during golden hour :camera_with_flash:
The light is incredible for photos, especially with the Bosco Verticale.
Explore the Isola neighborhood :world_map:
Piazza Gae Aulenti is part of a larger, vibrant modern district worth discovering.
Check out the water features :droplet:
The central fountain is a highlight, especially when illuminated at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Piazza Gae Aulenti as a stunning example of modern Milanese architecture, particularly praising the iconic Bosco Verticale and the dynamic water features. It's seen as a refreshing contrast to historical sites, offering a vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset and evenings. Some find the surrounding area a bit commercial, but the overall experience is highly positive.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piazza Gae Aulenti is easily accessible via public transport. The Garibaldi FS metro station (M2 and M5 lines) is a short walk away, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Milan. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central areas.
Yes, there are several underground parking garages near Piazza Gae Aulenti, including those at the Garibaldi station and within the Porta Nuova district. However, driving in Milan can be challenging, and public transport is often recommended.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Duomo area, taking about 20-30 minutes. You'll pass through interesting streets and get a feel for the city.
From Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna Station or Milano Centrale. From there, you can connect to the metro (M2 or M5) to Garibaldi FS station, which is near the piazza.
Yes, Milan has a bike-sharing system (e.g., BikeMi) with stations often located near major transport hubs like Garibaldi, making it a great option for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Piazza Gae Aulenti itself is a public space and is completely free to enter and explore. You can wander around the piazza, admire the architecture, and enjoy the water features without any admission fee.
You cannot enter the residential apartments of the Bosco Verticale, but you can admire the buildings from the outside and walk around their base for free. The surrounding area is part of the public space.
As a public piazza, it is generally accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours. The water features might have specific times they are active.
While there aren't official 'tickets' for the piazza, you can find guided tours that include this modern architectural marvel as part of a broader Milan city tour, often focusing on contemporary design and urban development.
The Unicredit Tower is a private office building, and its interior is not open to the public for general visits. You can admire its impressive exterior from the piazza.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the center of the piazza, looking up at the Bosco Verticale and Unicredit Tower. The circular fountain also makes for dynamic shots, especially when it's active. Try different angles to capture the scale.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most beautiful light, casting a warm glow on the buildings. Evenings are also stunning with the city lights reflecting off the modern architecture.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around tall buildings due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before attempting to fly one.
Many visitors aim to capture the full scale of the Bosco Verticale, the reflection in the fountain, and the interplay of light and shadow on the modern structures. Wide-angle lenses are great for this.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the architecture. A tripod can be useful for evening shots to ensure sharpness. However, a smartphone camera can also capture excellent images.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area surrounding Piazza Gae Aulenti, particularly within the Porta Nuova district, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. You can find places to eat and drink within the modern complexes.
You'll find a mix of Italian cuisine, international options, and trendy cafes. Many establishments offer aperitivo, a popular Italian pre-dinner tradition.
While the immediate area can be a bit upscale, venturing slightly into the Isola neighborhood or looking for smaller cafes can offer more budget-friendly choices. Supermarkets are also an option for picnic supplies.
Absolutely! Milan is known for its excellent coffee culture. You'll find numerous cafes offering traditional Italian espresso and cappuccinos in the vicinity.
For popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy the piazza as the sun begins to set, creating beautiful light for photos. The surrounding modern buildings and the Bosco Verticale can spark children's imagination about futuristic living. It's a great place to combine a bit of sightseeing with some active playtime.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
From Piazza Gae Aulenti, you can embark on a walk towards the Navigli district or explore the charming streets of Brera. Many travelers suggest combining a visit to this modern marvel with a stroll through more traditional Milanese neighborhoods to experience the city's diverse character. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour for the best light, or visit in the evening to capture the piazza illuminated by city lights. Wide-angle lenses are highly recommended to do justice to the grandeur of the surroundings. Don't forget to explore different vantage points within the piazza and its immediate vicinity to find unique perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Piazza Gae Aulenti
One of the most striking elements of the piazza's surroundings is the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), designed by Boeri Studio. These two residential towers are famous for their facades covered in over 20,000 plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. This innovative approach to urban living aims to improve air quality, reduce CO2 emissions, and create a microclimate. Visitors are often captivated by the sheer scale and greenery of these buildings, which stand in stark contrast to traditional Milanese architecture.
The entire Porta Nuova district, including Piazza Gae Aulenti, represents a significant urban regeneration project that has transformed a former industrial area into a vibrant hub of business, residential living, and public spaces. It showcases Milan's commitment to innovation and sustainable urban development, making it a fascinating area to explore for those interested in modern architecture and city planning.
Experiencing the Piazza: Beyond the Architecture
Adjacent to the piazza, the Isola neighborhood offers a more bohemian and local vibe, providing a contrast to the sleek modernity of Porta Nuova. This area is known for its independent boutiques, artisan workshops, street art, and a plethora of trattorias and bars, making it a great place to explore after visiting the piazza. Many Redditors recommend exploring Isola for a more authentic Milanese experience.
For those interested in the broader Porta Nuova district, it's worth noting that it's a hub for business and innovation. The Unicredit Tower, Milan's tallest skyscraper, dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city's economic prowess. While you can't go inside the tower, its imposing presence is a key feature of the piazza's panorama.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit