What is the best walking tour in modern Milan for architecture lovers?

A self-guided walk through Porta Nuova is the best way to see Milan's modern architecture. This route includes the Unicredit Tower, the Vertical Forest, and the Library of Trees, which are the city's most significant contemporary landmarks.

Is the Bosco Verticale worth visiting?

Yes, the Bosco Verticale is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in sustainable design. It is located right next to the BAM park and offers a unique view of how nature and urban density can coexist.

Can I go inside the Bosco Verticale?

The Bosco Verticale is a private residential building, so the interior apartments and balconies are not open to the public. However, the best views are from the surrounding BAM park and the public streets below.

When is the best time for photography on this route?

The best time is during the 'golden hour' shortly before sunset. The low sun creates stunning reflections on the glass skyscrapers of Piazza Gae Aulenti and highlights the textures of the trees on the Vertical Forest towers.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The BAM park has plenty of open space and a playground, and Piazza Gae Aulenti features fountains that children often enjoy watching.

How do I get to the start of the Porta Nuova walk?

The easiest way to reach the start is by taking the Metro (M2 or M5) to the Garibaldi FS station. From there, it is a short 2-minute walk to the entrance of Corso Como.

Are there places to eat along the walking route?

Absolutely. Corso Como is famous for its trendy cafes and restaurants, while Piazza Gae Aulenti offers modern eateries and quick-service options. There are also many dining choices near Milano Centrale at the end of the walk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Milan is often synonymous with the Gothic Duomo and the Renaissance Sforza Castle, but a new skyline has risen to redefine the city's identity. This self-guided walk through the Porta Nuova district invites you to explore the intersection of cutting-edge design and sustainable urban living. Starting at the fashionable Corso Como, you will transition from the charm of historic Milan into the futuristic heart of Italy's financial capital. The route showcases how the city has transformed industrial brownfields into a masterclass of contemporary architecture. Along this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter the soaring Unicredit Tower and the award-winning Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, which has become a global symbol of green architecture. This walking route is perfect for those who want to see a different side of Milan—one that looks toward the future without forgetting its roots. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in the glass reflections of Piazza Gae Aulenti and the organic textures of the Biblioteca degli Alberi park. Discover at your own pace how Milan has balanced density with nature. Whether you are interested in the engineering of the Lombardy Building or the monumental grandeur of Milano Centrale, this independent exploration offers a comprehensive view of Milan's vertical evolution. Start exploring with Zigway to uncover the stories behind these steel and glass giants. This audio walk provides the flexibility to linger at a cafe or stop for the perfect photo whenever you choose. Unlike a traditional walking tour Milan, this experience allows you to control the rhythm of your adventure through the city's most modern district. This route demonstrates that Milan is not just a museum of the past, but a living laboratory for the architecture of tomorrow.

Highlights

The high-fashion atmosphere of Corso Como

Panoramic views of the Unicredit Tower in Piazza Gae Aulenti

The award-winning sustainable design of Bosco Verticale

A peaceful walk through the Biblioteca degli Alberi (BAM)

The sleek curves of the Palazzo Lombardia

The monumental architecture of Milano Centrale

Tour Stops (6)

Corso Como

Begin your self-guided adventure on Corso Como, one of Milan’s most stylish pedestrian streets. Originally a traditional Milanese thoroughfare, it was transformed in the 1990s into a hub of fashion and design, largely thanks to the opening of 10 Corso Como by Carla Sozzani. As you walk, notice the blend of traditional 'case di ringhiera' (tenement houses with communal balconies) and high-end boutiques. This street serves as the gateway between the old city and the new Porta Nuova district. It is a place where Milan’s reputation for style is palpable. Observe the iron gates and hidden courtyards that house some of the world's most influential fashion galleries. This transition point perfectly illustrates Milan's ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its sophisticated flair.

Piazza Gae Aulenti

Step into the future at Piazza Gae Aulenti, a circular podium raised six meters above street level. Designed by architect César Pelli and opened in 2012, this plaza is the heart of modern Milan. Look up at the Unicredit Tower, Italy's tallest building, recognizable by its distinctive spiraling spire. The square is designed to be a social hub, featuring solar-powered 'tree' sculptures and infinity fountains that reflect the surrounding glass giants. The circular shape of the piazza symbolizes the city’s continuity. Take a moment to capture the symmetry and reflections in the glass facades. This space has won numerous awards for urban regeneration, successfully turning a former industrial wasteland into a vibrant public square that feels both intimate and grand.

Bosco Verticale

Face the Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, a pair of residential towers that have redefined sustainable urban living. Designed by Stefano Boeri, these buildings host more than 800 trees, 4,500 shrubs, and 15,000 plants. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; the vegetation acts as a biological filter, absorbing CO2 and dust while regulating the internal temperature. The towers change appearance with the seasons—vibrant green in spring, lush in summer, and fiery red in autumn. This project has inspired similar 'forest' buildings worldwide, from China to the Netherlands. Notice how the balconies are specifically engineered to support the weight of mature trees. It is a stunning example of how nature can be integrated into high-density urban environments to improve biodiversity and resident well-being.

BAM - Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano

Explore the Biblioteca degli Alberi, which translates to the 'Library of Trees.' This contemporary botanical garden serves as the green lungs of the Porta Nuova district. Unlike traditional European parks with winding paths, BAM is designed with geometric 'rooms' of different plant species and intersecting pedestrian paths. It covers nearly 10 hectares and features over 100 species of trees. The park serves as a bridge, connecting the different architectural styles of the surrounding neighborhoods. As you wander through, you will find circular forests and meadows designed for relaxation and community events. It is the perfect vantage point for photographers, offering a clear view of the skyscrapers framed by wildflowers and birch trees. This space emphasizes the city's commitment to public green areas in its modern expansion.

Lombardy Building

Arrive at Palazzo Lombardia, the seat of the regional government. Completed in 2010, this complex is famous for its sinuous, curved glass facades that mimic the movement of the Lombardy landscape. The central covered piazza, Piazza Città di Lombardia, is the largest covered square in Europe and features a spectacular transparent roof. The building's design was a collaborative effort involving several international firms, aiming to create a transparent and accessible government hub. If you visit on specific open days, the 39th-floor Belvedere offers one of the best views of Milan and the Alps. Even from the ground, the interplay of light and shadow on the curved glass is a testament to modern engineering and the city's administrative ambition.

Milano Centrale

Conclude your walking route at Milano Centrale, one of Europe's most monumental railway stations. Opened in 1931, the station is a fascinating mix of styles, including Liberty, Art Deco, and the monumental Fascist architecture of the era. Its sheer scale was intended to project power and efficiency. Look up at the massive steel and glass vaults covering the platforms, which were once the largest in the world. The facade is decorated with sculptures of winged horses, lions, and Roman symbols. This building provides a stark, heavy contrast to the light glass structures you explored earlier in Porta Nuova. It serves as a reminder of Milan’s long-standing role as a vital European transit hub, blending the grand ambitions of the early 20th century with the bustling energy of modern travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. The distance between the start at Corso Como and the end at Milano Centrale is roughly 2.5 kilometers, but you will want extra time to admire the architecture and the BAM park.