Walking in Milan is always a good idea! A relaxing walk is ideal to explore the city and get to know the most picturesque corners of the city centre, while immersed in the typical Milanese mix of history, green areas and futuristic atmospheres. Beyond the clubs, shops and aperitif bars, here are three routes to take on foot to spend a memorable holiday in the Lombard Capital and discover all the secrets of Milan.
3 itineraries to discover Milan on foot
From the Milan Retreats flats you almost immediately find yourself in one of Milan’s largest green areas: Parco Sempione. To reach it, just take a few regenerating steps and head towards the imposing Castello Sforzesco, which once belonged to the Sforza family. Today, the Castle houses the Musei Civici, preserving works of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci and the splendid Tapestries of the Months by Bramantino.
Parco Sempione is just beyond the walls of the fortress, which are a real leap back in time. Here, in addition to a healthy walk, you can spend beautiful days having picnics, sipping tasteful aperitifs or playing sports. Crossing the park, you can reach the entrance where one of Milan’s most important symbols – the majestic Arco della Pace – stands.
With the Gothic spires of the Cathedral and the dome topped by the statue of the Madunina, the famous Piazza del Duomo offers one of the city’s most famous and evocative views. Trait d’union between Brera, Via Torino and Piazza San Babila, Piazza Duomo is also the ideal starting point for a walking itinerary to discover the fashion soul of Milan.
Heading east, it only takes a few steps to reach the so-called Fashion Quadrilateral and the famous Via Montenapoleone. From here, glittering shop windows, polished buildings, luxury shops and boutiques of Italian and international designers will accompany you as far as Porta Venezia. In this area, the organic and sinuous decorations of Art Nouveau buildings such as Casa Donzelli with its floral motifs, Casa Galimberti with its marvellous ceramics, the monumental Palazzo Castiglioni with its wrought-iron work and Villa Invernizzi on Via dei Cappuccini with its pink flamingos are a must-see.
Through art, culture and design, walking in Milan’s oldest and most radical-chic district will surprise you. It is a district nicknamed “delle 5 Vie” because five streets intersect: Via Santa Marta, Via Santa Maria Podone, Via Santa Maria Fulcorina, Via Bocchetto and Via del Bollo. In Roman and medieval times, these places were crossroads of trade and, today, they still retain this dynamic and mercantile character. A small district on a human scale where you can stroll in peace and quiet, far from the city traffic, and come across extraordinary galleries such as the Ambrosiana gallery and its beautiful library, craftsmen’s workshops, antique shops, ateliers and artists’ studios, as well as shops dedicated to the most contemporary clothing and design.
Taking a stroll in this area, you will go back in time, discovering the old-world charm of a Milan.
