Porta Nuova District Milan
Milan's futuristic heart, featuring the iconic Bosco Verticale and the stunning Piazza Gae Aulenti.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the buzz of business
Porta Nuova District Milan
Best Time
Experience the buzz of business

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milan's futuristic heart, featuring the iconic Bosco Verticale and the stunning Piazza Gae Aulenti.
"A breathtaking modern piazza surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers."
🚶♀️ Walkable & Explore
This district is perfect for walking. Explore the interconnected plazas and admire the unique architecture.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of modern skyscrapers and the Bosco Verticale. Great for urban photography enthusiasts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bosco Verticale
Porta Nuova
Iconic 'Vertical Forest' skyscrapers adorned with thousands of trees and plants. A stunning blend of nature and architecture.

Piazza Gae Aulenti
Porta Nuova
A breathtaking modern piazza surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers, featuring a mesmerizing fountain and vibrant atmosphere.

Unicredit Tower
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Milan's tallest skyscraper, crowned with a dynamic LED spire that lights up the night sky. A symbol of the city's modern ambition.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Milan's Modern Heartbeat
Navigating the New Milan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable & Explore
This district is perfect for walking. Explore the interconnected plazas and admire the unique architecture.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of modern skyscrapers and the Bosco Verticale. Great for urban photography enthusiasts.
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Utilize Milan's efficient metro system to reach Porta Nuova. Consider a day pass for easy travel.
☕️ Relax & Recharge
Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes in Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable & Explore
This district is perfect for walking. Explore the interconnected plazas and admire the unique architecture.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of modern skyscrapers and the Bosco Verticale. Great for urban photography enthusiasts.
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Utilize Milan's efficient metro system to reach Porta Nuova. Consider a day pass for easy travel.
☕️ Relax & Recharge
Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes in Piazza Gae Aulenti.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Porta Nuova for its stunning modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, particularly Piazza Gae Aulenti. It's seen as a refreshing, contemporary contrast to Milan's historic sites. Some find it lacks the traditional charm of older districts, but appreciate its innovative design and urban energy.
"The area is full of shops, business offices, places to eat. Pretty, modern apartment buildings all around the area also some glass office buildings. If you have been to other places of interest in Milan, this could be something extra to explore."
Tadas Malinauskas
"It has like small square with variety small shops and caffe and at the end of the street a wide green park
Great if you want to escape tourists and busy area and just chill"
Joury Alotaibi
"New area has various shops and green spaces everywhere, positive vibes energetic people, you will see some groups dancing another group riding bikes and skating, the cutest thing is a shallow water park in the middle of the area and the kids are in playing trying to have some breeze in the hot weather love it."
Setuz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta Nuova is easily accessible via Milan's public transportation. The Garibaldi FS metro station (M2 and M5 lines) is a major hub, and several tram lines also serve the area. Many visitors find it convenient to use the metro for its speed and efficiency, especially if coming from other parts of the city.
Absolutely! Porta Nuova is designed for pedestrians, with wide walkways, plazas, and elevated paths. It's a fantastic area to explore on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the modern architecture and urban design. Comfortable shoes are a must!
It's generally not recommended to rent a car for exploring Milan, including Porta Nuova. Parking can be difficult and expensive, and Milan has an excellent public transport system. A 3-day metro pass is a cost-effective option.
The metro is your best bet. The M2 and M5 lines at Garibaldi FS station connect you to many key areas, including the Duomo and Brera district. Trams are also a scenic option for shorter distances.
Yes, Porta Nuova is considered a very safe and modern district, well-lit and with a constant flow of people, especially during business hours and evenings. Standard precautions apply, but it's generally a secure area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Porta Nuova District itself, including Piazza Gae Aulenti and the exterior of the Bosco Verticale, is a public area and does not require tickets for entry or exploration. You can freely wander and admire the architecture.
The public parks and plazas within Porta Nuova, such as Piazza Gae Aulenti, are free to access. Enjoy the open spaces and modern design without any admission fees.
The Unicredit Tower is primarily an office building. While you can admire its exterior and the impressive LED spire, public access to the upper floors for viewing is generally not available. However, the ground floor lobby might be accessible.
As a public urban district, Porta Nuova is generally accessible at all times. However, individual businesses, restaurants, and shops within the district will have their own operating hours. It's always a good idea to check specific venue times if you plan to visit them.
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Evenings and weekends tend to be more popular as locals and tourists gather in the plazas and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Piazza Gae Aulenti offers incredible perspectives of the surrounding skyscrapers, especially the Unicredit Tower. The Bosco Verticale itself is a unique subject. Look for reflections in the glass buildings and the dynamic light on the Unicredit spire at dusk.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. The Unicredit Tower's LED spire also creates a stunning visual spectacle at night, making evening photography very rewarding.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or videography might require permits, especially if it involves extensive equipment or blocking public access. Always be mindful of others and private property.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the scale of the architecture and the expansive plazas. A versatile zoom lens is also useful. For night shots, a tripod can help achieve sharper images.
Drone usage in urban areas like Porta Nuova is often restricted due to safety regulations and privacy concerns. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization. Check local drone laws before attempting to fly.
🍽️ ☕️ Food & Dining
Porta Nuova offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes in Piazza Gae Aulenti to more upscale restaurants within the modern buildings. You can find international cuisine, Italian specialties, and trendy spots for aperitivo.
Yes, the area around Piazza Gae Aulenti and the surrounding streets have several stylish bars and restaurants that are popular for aperitivo, especially in the early evening. It's a great way to experience the local social scene.
Dining hours are typical for Milan. Lunch is usually served from around 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 7:30 PM onwards. Be aware that some smaller establishments might close for a few hours in the afternoon (siesta), though this is less common in this modern business district.
While Porta Nuova is a modern and somewhat upscale district, you can find more affordable options by looking for cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, or quick bites. Exploring slightly outside the immediate piazza might also reveal more budget-friendly trattorias.
Many modern restaurants in Milan are increasingly catering to diverse dietary needs. You'll likely find vegetarian options on most menus, and many places can accommodate vegan requests if you inquire. It's always best to check the menu or ask your server.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Urban Explorers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvels of Porta Nuova
Dominating the skyline is the Unicredit Tower, Milan's tallest skyscraper, distinguished by its dynamic, illuminated spire that changes color. Adjacent to it, Piazza Gae Aulenti serves as the district's vibrant heart. This elevated circular piazza features a spectacular fountain and is surrounded by sleek, contemporary buildings, creating a futuristic urban landscape that's a photographer's dream. The area embodies Milan's ambition to be a global leader in design and innovation.
Experiencing Porta Nuova's Urban Lifestyle
For those looking to experience the local scene, Porta Nuova is an excellent place for aperitivo, Milan's beloved pre-dinner ritual. Numerous bars and restaurants offer creative cocktails and delicious snacks. The area also boasts high-end shops and boutiques, reflecting Milan's status as a fashion capital. Exploring the interconnected walkways and public spaces reveals a modern, sophisticated side of Milan that's distinct from its historic center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit