Introduction

Milan is divided into 20 distinct zones that are identified numerically by the local council, but which also have names. Although every area is not listed here, each plays its own special role in the history of Milan; from the importantissimo historical center to the modern "dormitory quarters" of San Siro.

Centro Storico

The Historical Center, incorporates the fashion district, and Castello Sforzesco, the glorious Piazza della Scala and other areas of historical interest. Many people actually live in the city center, but they find that there are some disadvantages involved in living there, e.g. lack of parking spaces, supermarkets and dry cleaner's, the rent can also be incredibly high. On the upside, there is always plenty to do; there are many excellent restaurants and bars within walking distance, and a summer's evening stroll through this area is absolute bliss.

Corso Buenos Aires

North of the center are some well-known streets, which are popular with residents, businessmen and visitors: Corso Venezia and its intersecting roads are lined with noble families' palaces; in some cases these are still used as residences, in others, they have been converted into luxury offices. The gardens of Porta Venezia make up a small, enclosed park, which is one of the most beautiful in Milan. Further north, is Corso Buenos Aires, one of the largest commercial main roads, which is easy to reach and is well served by the metro; it has a cosmopolitan feel, many immigrants live here, and because of this, there are many different ethnic restaurants.

Magenta

Corso Magenta is in the Magenta district and leads into the center; this corso is "healthy and wealthy", one half has hardly any shops, but many gorgeous palazzi with exquisite, hidden gardens while the other half has a multitude of shops, some of which are very prestigious. The corsois well served by public transport; it has lots of traffic and few parking spaces during the day, but becomes a great deal more peaceful at night-time.

Ticinese-Navigli

Southwest of Milan stands the Ticinese-Navigli area, this quarter is a mixture of old and new. Many of the original residents (or their descendants) still live in Ticinese and there are many case di ringhiera - apartments with wrought-iron balconies that face inwards. Blue-collar workers lived here at the beginning of the 20th Century. The apartments have undergone renovation and some now house architects, artists, fashion designers et al. This area is full of bars and shops selling clothes and basic necessities to meet the needs of employees and residents. Via Chiesa Rossa, (which is on the Naviglio, the city's canal system), is characterized by the wave of immigration which took place here in the 50s and 60s. The area by il Naviglio teems with nightclubs, which means that it is always lively and chaotic. The Naviglio leads to the autostrada for Genova. The Assago complex, where the Datchforum is situated, can be seen on the A7 highway.

Amendola-Fiera & San Siro

Another district that is famous for its exhibitions and Trade Fairs is Amendola-Fiera; this is a residential area as well, with many tree-lined streets and tall palazzi, most of these palazzi were constructed after 1930, and so they are still in good condition. Vittoria is also a popular residential area that has a working/middle-class feel; Viale Lazio (one of the streets in this area) is predominantly made up of residential, leafy avenues; Corso Lodi reverberates with the hum of commercial activity; Viale Umbria is residential and Corso XXII Marzo is filled with shops. Some fashion houses have their headquarters in Vittoria, between Viale Umbri and Corso Lodi. Further east, between Forlanini's verdant park and Taliedo, (heading towards Linate Airport) is the Idroscalo, a large dock filled with water where you can swim, sunbathe, and sail. There is still some industrial activity further east on Viale Mugello and towards Viale Molise (the large complex of Macello Comunale) and further out, beyond the station of Porta Vittoria, is the famous wholesale market, Mercato Ortofrutticolo. San Siro is famous for its Stadio San Siro football ground. This area sums up Milan as it combines a love for music, media, glamor and football!

Città Studi

Città Studi is located in the east of Milan and as the name suggests, is the University district, home to the Polytechnic and several chemistry, biology and pharmaceuticals departments. Many of the buildings here were constructed in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s and the overall feel is that of a charming residential area with trees on every street.

Isola

To the north of the city lies Isola, located just behind the Stazione Centrale, other zones in the vicinity are home to large hospital complexes, such as Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico and CTO.