Milan is a vibrant and dynamic city, full of history, culture and opportunity.
Choosing where to live in this metropolis may seem like a challenge, but there are several areas that offer an ideal mix of comfort, accessibility and social life.
Here is a guide to the 5 best areas to live in Milan, each with its own unique highlights and attractions.
Why live in Milan
Milan is one of the best places to live in Italy as an expat. It’s renowned not only as the capital of fashion and design but also for its vibrant cultural and academic scene.
The city is home to some of Italy's most prestigious universities, such as the Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi University. This makes Milan a popular destination for students from all over the world.
The city offers a unique combination of ancient history and modern innovation, with a wide range of museums, theaters, restaurants and nightclubs.
In addition, its efficient public transportation network makes it easy to get from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Now, let's explore the best areas to live in Milan, with a special focus on those moving here to study.
1. Porta Genova / Navigli
The area of Porta Genova and Navigli, southwest of the Duomo, is one of the most picturesque and charming in Milan.
With its historic canals, the Navigli, this area offers a unique atmosphere, with cafes, bars, and restaurants along the banks of the canal creating a lively and relaxing environment.
Choose the Porta Genova / Navigli area if you love:
- Nightlife: Navigli is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The many bars and clubs offer fun-filled evenings, perfect for socializing and meeting new people.
- Culture and art: This area is home to numerous art galleries and vintage stores, making it ideal for those who love culture and creativity.
- Accessibility: Porta Genova is well connected to the rest of the city by the green subway line (M2) and several streetcar and bus lines.
To keep in mind
- The area can be a bit noisy, especially on weekends, but it offers a lively and stimulating environment that is perfect for those looking for a dynamic college life experience.
2. Bocconi / Bligny
The Bocconi area is that part of Milan that extends around the area of Bocconi University, a business school that is now an institution, both nationally and internationally.
This area is particularly suitable for students at this university, but also offers advantages to those studying at other universities due to its central location and the many services available.
Choose Bocconi area if you want:
- Proximity to the university: If you study at Bocconi, living here means you can walk to the university, saving time and money on transportation.
- Facilities: The area is full of services such as libraries, bookstores, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets, making daily life more convenient.
- Student life: Being an area frequented by many students, it is easy to make friends and find fellow students.
To keep in mind
- Rental costs can be higher than in other areas, given the proximity to the university. However, the investment may be worth it for the convenience and social opportunities it offers.
3. Città Studi
Città Studi is a neighborhood that, as the name suggests (meaning "city of studies"), is the academic heart of Milan, housing the Milan Polytechnic and the University of Milan.
This neighborhood is located in the northeastern part of Milan and belongs to City Hall 3 of the city. It is well served by public transportation: in addition to streetcars 19 and 33 and trolley buses 90/91, it can be reached via the Green Line 2 of the subway, with the two stops of Piola and Lambrate FS.
In addition, this area is ideal for those seeking an academic and quiet environment.
Choose Città Studi area if you want:
- University neighborhood: Being close to campuses such as the Politecnico and Università degli Studi makes commuting much easier and faster.
- Libraries and parks: The presence of numerous university libraries and green spaces, such as the Indro Montanelli Gardens, provides a great atmosphere for studying and relaxing.
- Quiet life: Città Studi is less chaotic than other areas of Milan, ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment.
To keep in mind
- While it is a convenient area for students, nightlife and recreational activities are less lively than areas such as the Navigli. However, with good transportation links, the city center is easily accessible.
4. Bicocca
The Bicocca area is known for the campus of the University of Milan-Bicocca.
Although Bicocca is located in a more suburban area, it nevertheless has excellent connections. In fact, the subway goes all the way to Sesto Marelli on the M1 line, while surface transportation goes directly to Porta Garibaldi station, from which the M2 and M5 subway lines also depart.
Choose Bicocca area if you want:
- Modern facilities: Bicocca is a relatively new neighborhood with modern buildings and well-designed infrastructure.
- Student life: The presence of many students creates a vibrant and supportive community, with many events and activities organized on campus.
- Transportation: The M5 subway line connects Bicocca with the rest of the city, making travel quick and easy.
???? To keep in mind
- Being farther from the center, Bicocca may not be the ideal choice for those who want to be in the beating heart of Milan. However, the excellent quality of university facilities and quiet environment may compensate for this.
5. Porta Romana
In the beating heart of Milan, between the ancient city walls and modern architectural lines, Porta Romana is becoming one of Milan's most popular neighborhoods.
Represented by its historic gateway, this area of Milan represents a fascinating blend of history and modernity.
This area offers a perfect mix of tranquility and social life, ideal for those seeking a high-quality environment.
Choose the Porta Romana area if you love:
- Elegance and history: Porta Romana is full of historic buildings and elegant streets, offering a refined and pleasant atmosphere.
- High quality services: Porta Romana is a livable and pleasant neighborhood at all hours of the day and evening, thanks to the many restaurants and bars that populate its main arteries.
- Connections: Porta Romana is well connected to the center and other parts of the city via the subway (yellow line M3) and the nearby Lodi TIBB station. Several bus and streetcar lines, such as the 9 and 16, also pass through here, providing quick connections to the rest of the city.
To keep in mind
- Rents in this area can be quite high, but the comfort and quality of life make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more exclusive and quiet environment than other student areas.
