Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan - low angle photo of concrete building
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Piazza Gae Aulenti Milan

4.6
·491k reviews·Milano, Italy

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden Hour (late afternoon)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan - low angle photo of concrete building

Piazza Gae Aulenti Milan

Best Time

Golden Hour (late afternoon)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A stunning architectural marvel that showcases Milan's contemporary side."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bosco Verticale

Bosco Verticale

Adjacent to Piazza Gae Aulenti

Iconic 'Vertical Forest' skyscrapers adorned with thousands of trees and plants.

The Piazza's Water Features

The Piazza's Water Features

Center of Piazza Gae Aulenti

A mesmerizing circular fountain that comes alive with light and water shows.

Unicredit Tower

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

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a stunning example of modern Milanese architecture. Explore its unique design, water features, and the iconic Bosco Verticale skyscrapers. Best enjoyed on foot, so wear comfortable shoes!

Best Times to Experience the Piazza

Visit during golden hour for breathtaking sunset views and a vibrant atmosphere. Evenings offer a magical ambiance with the city lights. Weekends can be busier, so weekdays might offer a more relaxed experience.

Best Times

When
Golden Hour (late afternoon)
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
City lights create ambiance
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Milano, I do be missin you ❣️ #milan #travelguide #italy #fyp
@ac_ventures_
92.3K likes • 2.3M views

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.

Milan free rooftop with Duomo view #milan #italy #rooftop
@alessandrotofani_
28.8K likes • 403.9K views
Think you’ve seen all of Milan? 📍Discover these 5 hidden gems: 1. 🖼️ Brera The most artistic and bohemian district in Milan — full of charm, galleries and classic cafés. 2. 🏛️ Villa Mozart A 1930s i...
@marcoandflo
26K likes • 490.6K views

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.

reddit.com

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Modern architecture
Bosco Verticale
Water features

What People Dislike

Commercial feel
Can be crowded

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

You'll find a mix of Italian cuisine, international options, and trendy cafes. Many establishments offer aperitivo, a popular Italian pre-dinner tradition. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Milan is known for its excellent coffee culture. You'll find numerous cafes offering traditional Italian espresso and cappuccinos in the vicinity. Reddit

For popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a fantastic spot for families. The central water feature is a major draw for children, offering a fun and interactive experience, especially on warm days. The open space allows kids to run around safely, and the modern architecture provides a visually stimulating environment. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the piazza's steps or explore the nearby Isola neighborhood for more casual dining options. Reddit

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. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Explorers

For those who love to explore on foot, Piazza Gae Aulenti is an excellent starting point. It's part of the larger, pedestrian-friendly Porta Nuova district, which connects to the vibrant Isola neighborhood. You can easily spend hours wandering through the modern plazas, discovering hidden courtyards, and admiring the innovative architecture. Reddit

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! Reddit+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a photographer's dream, especially for those interested in modern architecture. The clean lines, geometric shapes, and the sheer scale of the Bosco Verticale and Unicredit Tower offer endless composition possibilities. The central fountain provides a dynamic element, and the reflections can create stunning visual effects. TikTok

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Vision of Piazza Gae Aulenti

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a testament to Milan's embrace of contemporary urban design. Designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, the piazza is a circular, multi-level space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova district. Its unique design features a large, central water feature that can be transformed into a stage or an ice-skating rink in winter, adding a dynamic element to the urban landscape. The piazza is named after Gae Aulenti, a renowned Italian architect and designer. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing the Piazza: Beyond the Architecture

Piazza Gae Aulenti is more than just impressive buildings; it's a lively public space that draws locals and tourists alike. During warmer months, the central fountain is a popular spot for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the refreshing water. Children often delight in playing around the water jets, making it a family-friendly destination. The piazza also serves as a venue for various events and installations throughout the year, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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