The Ambrosian capital is littered with evidence of a past rich in history, art and tradition: from the majestic profile of the Duomo, symbol of Milan in the world, to the halls of the Castello Sforzesco, in which one can still breathe the Renaissance atmosphere of the Sforza family’s court and where one can still admire the Hall of the Axes, masterpiece painted by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Despite possessing ancient origins and a past rich in history, however, Milan is also a modern and ever-evolving city, a capital at the forefront of fashion and design, but not only: it is often said, in fact, that the Milanese city is “the most European in Italy,” mainly because of the technological and architectural innovations that have taken shape here in recent years, as well as thehighly international and stimulating (and even a bit frenetic!)environment that characterizes it. When deciding what to see among the enormous richness and variety of a city like Milan, even the more recently built areas, such as Citylife or Porta Nuova, are not to be missed.
Milan’s increasingly dizzying and ever-changing skyline is now iconic: the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova, in fact, are precisely the symbol of Milanese modernity.
Talking about Porta Nuova: today we want to introduce you to this neighborhood, one of the newest and most innovative in Milan, where you can admire unexpected glimpses of greenery among the imposing skyscrapers born from the inspiration of the most famous architects of our years, where you can stroll around peeking at the store windows of Piazza Gae Aulenti or relax in the shade of some flowering trees in the airy spaces of the Library of Trees, and much more. In fact, walking through the streets of the Porta Nuova district you will realize how much there is still to discover in the surrounding area, starting with the very close Isola neighborhood!
From the futuristic profile of the Unicredit Tower in Piazza Gae Aulenti to the lush flora of the Bosco Verticale, from the Lombardy Region Palace to the Library of Trees, Porta Nuova is a neighborhood that holds interesting surprises… What’s more, it is within easy reach of two well-known points of interest, the Monumental Cemetery – Where tombs and funerary sculptures are true works of art! – and the picturesque Chinatown district, absolutely not to be missed. In fact, with regard to the latter, we recommend that you immerse yourself in its vibrancy and be overwhelmed by the oriental taste of the delicacies of its street food… In this regard, you should definitely take the opportunity to try the fantastic dim sum made on the spot along Via Sarpi!
Having arrived at this point you’re surely wondering, “But, so, in Milan Porta Nuova what to see and not to miss at all?” Here are three unmissable guided tours (one of which is streaming!) organized by the Neiade Tour & Events team , perfect for getting to know Porta Nuova and its magnetic skyline.
The three routes to discover Milan Porta Nuova that are impossible to pass up: here’s what to see
1. Walk among the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova.
Some call them “giants” and some call them “cathedrals” of glass, but in both cases the reference goes to the protagonists of the Milan skyline: skyscrapers. As dizzying as they are fascinating, those of Porta Nuova can be admired in their beauty and majesty during a pleasant walk in the open air. Reach the iconic Piazza Gae Aulenti, raise your head and you will discover the profile of the Unicredit Tower, as well as that of the Diamantone and the Bosco Verticale. The latter remains one of the most photographed architectures in the city, world-famous and designed by Italian Stefano Boeri.
Next to these “cathedrals of hi-tech” there is also room for a sinuously shaped auditorium, the IBM Studio ex Unicredit Pavillon, as well as for a bit of greenery: we are talking about the Library of Trees and its verdant space, an ideal place to relax reading a book or sipping a spritz! Also not to be missed is a stop at Alberto Garutti’s Egg: this is an installation that the little ones really like, 23 chrome-plated brass metal trumpets, gold in color, that connect the various floors of the central building in Piazza Gae Aulenti, transmitting every sound.
2. Virtual Encounter: the Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri
If you are not in Milan or you are unable to take a walk in the city, the best way to learn something new and enjoy a guided tour to discover the beautiful skyscraper in the Porta Nuova neighborhood, the Bosco Verticale, is a virtual meeting held online, to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home! Join this video lecture to learn what inspired the genius of architect Boeri: first and foremost, the theme of biodiversity, combined with that of environmental and energy sustainability. The Wood, in fact, is a testimony to how living in a large metropolis of the future does not mean giving up green and the well-being of the natural ecosystem.
3. The Porta Nuova skyline as seen at sunset
This is it: the sun is going down and the aperitivo hour (a must for all Milanese and a mandatory appointment for tourists during a stay in Milan) is approaching… But before you take a seat in one of the delicious aperibars in Corso Como, we invite you to breathe in the evening breeze of Milan and enjoy a beautiful walk among the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova under the rosy sunset sky. Behold the brainchild of great archistars, such as César Pelli-designer of the Unicredit Tower-and Kohn Pedersen Fox, architect of the Diamante Tower. The latter, also known as Diamantone, belongs to the so-called Varesine Business District, while the aperitif awaits you in Corso Como, a landmark for the Milanese nightlife. From the pink color of the sunset over Milan to the rosé of a glass to toast the apericena… it’s a moment!
If after reading this article you felt even more like discovering every corner of Milan in depth, we also recommend this reading that might interest you: Milan walking tours: here are the 10 most beautiful routes.
