Isola and Porta Nuova, the New Milan
A self-guided walk in Milan.
1h15. 1.0 miles. From 10 Corso Como to Blue Note Milano.
See the skyline Milan built this century, from Corso Como's concept store to the Vertical Forest, and end in the Isola neighbourhood.
The local move
Walk through the Biblioteca degli Alberi park rather than around it; the paths are part of the design.
Best time to go
Late afternoon into the evening
When to avoid it
Very hot afternoons: Porta Nuova has little shade
The stops
10 Corso Como
Carla Sozzani's concept store, bookshop and garden café, opened in 1990.
Tip: Climb to the gallery floor; the courtyard café is a good pause.
Piazza Gae Aulenti
A raised plaza ringed by towers, with fountains and the UniCredit spire.
Tip: Walk to the edge facing Corso Como for the best view of the old street.
Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano
A botanical park opened in 2018 between the new towers.
Tip: The circles of trees each hold a different species; read the markers.
Ratanà
A modern Milanese trattoria in a former railway building at the edge of the park.
Tip: Order the risotto alla milanese; book ahead for dinner.
Bosco Verticale
Stefano Boeri's twin towers, planted with hundreds of trees across their balconies.
Tip: Look from the park side, where the planting is easiest to see.
Blue Note Milano
End in Isola at the city's best-known jazz club.
Tip: Dinner tables sell out first; book for the early set.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
