“Milan is paradise!”: a Muscovite about a new life in Italy

Polina moved from Moscow to Milan to open her own business and start a new life. Today the girl talked about how Italy and the Italians accepted her and why she is not going to return home

My parents built BAM, so from childhood I changed cities at an incredible speed: I was born in Kyiv, two months later we moved to Chita, then to Surgut, but stopped in Moscow. In the capital, I graduated from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia with a degree in Humanitarian and Social Management. Then she worked for several years in international companies in the field of logistics.

The story of my move is simple: my husband was offered a job in Italy, and the whole family followed him. No one was particularly prepared and did not learn the language. In just three months, they decided all the cases in Russia and drove off to Milan.

Language difficulties

I spoke excellent English, but this did not make communication easier. Although English is considered an international language, this does not apply to Italy. Except for the emigrants, who were in the same predicament, no one else knew English here. At the same time, I was struck by how diligently the Italians listened to our first language steps. They received us kindly and did not try to fence themselves off. Although at that time it seemed to me that for them we are people from a third world country.

At first, we tried to join the Russian community. However, later it was noticed that the Russians kept themselves wary and apart from each other, which cannot be said about the citizens of Moldova or Ukraine.

My husband worked all the time, and I began to communicate with Italian mothers. Then I got a job, and I got colleagues - so we completely immersed ourselves in the Italian environment.

Now I communicate with the locals in Italian. Two years ago I passed the state exam in the language, which showed that my level is equal to mastery. I had a good base of English, and it helped me a lot in learning a second language. In addition, I am not a shy person: I often spoke to strangers. We took the kids to all the kids' parties and went to parenting events just to talk to someone in Italian.

Our children communicate in two languages. But at home we are forbidden to speak Italian, otherwise they will quickly forget Russian.

Photo: instagram.com/velopolina

Milan is heaven

I am delighted with Milan. We have traveled a lot in Italy, but we have not seen anything better. Rome is noisy and dirty with crowds of tourists. Milan is simpler, visitors crowd only in the center, and there are almost none in the sleeping areas. Despite the large population, Milan does not seem so chaotic after Moscow. And in general, after the Russian capital, this is a paradise.

Tourists believe that, apart from shopping, there is nothing to do here. In their view, there is nowhere to go further than the central square. Sometimes it hurts me, because this is a city with a thousand-year history and many attractions. After my stories, people are delighted. It turns out that you can spend a week quite brightly here, without even thinking about the shops.

We settled in a residential area and at first did not even realize that we live in the elite part of Milan - we took such luxury for granted. But I cannot say that there are some abandoned areas here. The whole city is very clean and green: I would give public services a solid five.

Everything suits me here: from infrastructure to weather conditions. For the first two years, I walked in euphoria at the sight of the sun and wondered why the Milanese always complain about dullness. I just couldn't believe that there could be so much sun at all. For 7 years, I have assimilated so much that I gradually accept the position of the locals and sometimes lament about the weather.

Winter lasts for two months, but by Russian standards, it's more like spring. And summer plus 35 is already perceived as the norm, not hot at all.

Emotional Italians

It is often said that Europeans live in their own shell and do not let anyone into their personal space. The Milanese seem to me quite open people. They are probably more progressive than Italians from small towns because they work for international companies and travel a lot.

It still surprises me that they are not at all shy about discussing intimate matters or health issues in companies. This is not accepted in the Russian mentality, so I try not to support such conversations. Such restraint only makes them laugh.

The Italians are easy to contact. The same question can be asked here once a week. It seems that they ask out of politeness or to support the conversation. If the Russians are not interested, they won't even ask.

In a conversation, Italians actively gesticulate, over time you begin to unconsciously repeat the same movements. Each gesture has its own explanation, and sometimes even if you don’t hear a person well, you understand what they are talking about by gesticulation. My three-year-old daughter is already adopting this manner of communication.

Sometimes from the outside it looks like people are quarreling. But despite all the emotionality, the Italians cannot be called aggressive. In Russia, I became scared when someone sorted things out in a raised voice. Here I am not afraid of it at all. Italians can shout all over the street, wave their arms, but after 10 minutes they calm down and continue a peaceful dialogue. All their aggression ends with conversations, not fights.

Photo: instagram.com/velopolina

Russian experiments

For all seven years here, I only once felt aggression against me: on the playground, an elderly woman heard Russian speech and proudly left with a disgruntled face. It didn't bother me at all, because it's just an exception. Here, all foreigners are treated calmly. Among the Italians we have many friends, we often have dinner with them or go somewhere for the weekend.

Italian friends often ask about Russia. The most common questions are about the weather and about Putin. Here the President of Russia is respected, I have not heard bad reviews. But in general, Italians are apolitical: they try not to talk about this topic at all, because they don’t understand it.

When asked about Russian cuisine, they are surprised that we know about the existence of pasta. Once we were preparing a Russian dinner for our friends. I carefully planned the menu to show the whole flavor of our national cuisine: sandwiches with caviar, Russian salad, dumplings with sour cream. They didn't like anything except Olivier. Caviar, in their opinion, is salty, and there is too much meat in dumplings - ravioli is better. I no longer dared to offer a herring under a fur coat, they would definitely not understand this.

The two biggest passions of Italians are cooking and style. Italians are very pedantic when it comes to food. Restaurants are only open for two hours at lunchtime and a few hours in the evening. No Italian will go to a restaurant unless it is lunch or dinner time. There are subtleties that tourists need to know about: coffee at the table will often be more expensive than at the bar, and the restaurant will include coperta on the bill - a fee for napkins, bread, butter on the table. Those are the rules.

Irresponsible drivers

In Milan, everything is divided into zones, on which the cost of apartments depends. Two-room apartments in a good area will cost 1000 euros per month. But this is far from the final price. The cost of the concierge, cleaning the entrance, the adjacent territory is added to the rent - 150-200 euros. Housing and communal services are also quite expensive: electricity - 20-30 euros, gas - 150-200 euros. Due to the high cost of gas in houses, the temperature does not exceed 18-19 degrees. Fortunately, such prices are only in winter.

The car is also expensive. Practical Italians have small and low-power cars, otherwise they will have to pay a huge tax on transport. Insurance is expensive anyway. It is calculated by class: the less driving experience, the lower the class. A driver with many years of driving experience from another country in Italy is considered a beginner, and for him the OSAGO insurance costs 1300 euros per year, after 7 years - 600 euros.

Italians drive very irresponsibly and often get into minor accidents. Even if they hit someone else's car, they will simply leave the scene. Many people prefer a scooter due to traffic jams, parking problems and paid entry into the city center. It’s easier to get on a scooter or an electric car than to give five euros a day.

Photo: instagram.com/velopolina

"Remember me? I already learned Italian

I managed to get a job in an international company only after a year and a half. But first I had to go through a whole quest. With combat readiness and complete self-confidence, already on the second day of my stay in Italy, I sent a resume to a company where there was an interesting position. The interview began in Italian, which I did not know, which shocked me. They had to communicate with me in English, although they knew it very poorly. Then I was told that I had a good experience, but without the language, nowhere.

A year and a half later, I again sent them a resume with the signature: “Remember me? I already learned Italian.” After two more interviews, I was offered a trainee position. Babysitting for children was paid more than my salary, but I wanted to try. They signed a contract with me for six months and four months later I was promoted to an ordinary employee.

After working for a year and a half, I quit and opened my own business - a small bike rental. I began to gather groups for bike rides around the city. Traveled with people to interesting places where tourists rarely reach. The company quickly gained momentum, and now I conduct tours in both English and Russian.

The husband had a fixed term contract for a limited time. There was no way to continue it. I had to choose: either return to Russia or look for a new job. We thought: we will always have time to return, we will try to stay. It is not easy to get a position in the banking sector right away. For almost a year, my husband was looking for a job and finally found it.

Photo: instagram.com/velopolina

Sky-high taxes

After starting my own business, I know almost everything about taxes. Italy has a progressive tax: the more you earn, the more you pay. The minimum tax rate for start-up entrepreneurs is 3,900 euros per year. This amount goes to the pension fund, and you have to pay in any case. No one cares whether you have earned so much or not. It is also necessary to pay a percentage of income: the initial rate is 15 percent, you go beyond the limits of 30 thousand euros per year - 24 percent, more than 50 thousand euros - about 35 percent, more than 70 thousand euros - 44 percent.

The taxes are huge, but at least I know what they're doing: clean roads, good lighting, trimmed bushes. Perhaps I reason this way, because so far I pay only 15 percent.

State health insurance, no extra charge. It is provided by the pension fund. If an appointment with a private doctor costs 120-150 euros, then with state insurance you pay only 15-20 euros. But even this money and the cost of prescribed drugs is deductible from your tax base. In Italy, the medical system is quite convenient: you are not attached to any of the clinics. The family doctor writes out a referral, after which you can choose absolutely any clinic and make an appointment.

I gave birth to my third child here. Although I am a citizen of another country, I was provided with an individual room free of charge.

The moment is gone

Relatives easily accepted our move, because they thought it was only a year and a half. They were sure that we would return after the expiration of the contract. But even after our final decision to stay here, they supported us forever. After all, we did not go to the ends of the world - we are separated by only three hours by plane and 150 euros for a ticket.

My husband often flies to Russia on business trips, and in five years I have been there only a few times. More often it doesn't work. In winter, in such weather, I don’t want to go, and in summer there is too much work, so we host relatives. We are not going to return, as the moment has already been lost. In Russia, everything would have to start again from scratch.

Experienced tourists say that there is nothing more beautiful and at the same time more disgusting than Milan. Many do not like the world capital of fashion at first glance, however, at the second glance, they fall in love completely and irrevocably. Look closely, and you will never be able to stop loving her. Such an ambiguous impression is caused, among other things, by the districts of Milan, rich in the center and poor on the outskirts. Where is the best place to settle in order to fall in love with the city sooner?

From the point of view of historical and cultural heritage, as well as the concentration of boutiques per 1 square meter, the most interesting, of course, is the historical center. One glance at the map of Milan is enough and it becomes clear that you will live within walking distance from the main attractions, and life around will boil until the morning. In general, as it should be in the center of a large city. Of the shortcomings - the traditional high cost of hotels. The average price for a room in a 3* hotel will be more than 100 euros. In the case of Milan, another minus is added - the almost complete absence of grocery stores and small household offices: dry cleaners, laundries, shoe repair.

In addition to the center, there are other prestigious areas. Housing prices there are about the same, but they are quieter and more peaceful, and the center is easily reached on foot. One of these areas is Corso Venezia, which is based on: gardens, parks, expensive shops and old noble mansions. To get to this area, you need to go from the center a little to the right on the map.

Useful links for organizing your trip to Milan

Use the search for cheap air tickets from aviasales.ru. To do this, you can use the search form directly on our website:

In order to find a place to stay in a suitable area of ​​Milan, use the convenient search for cheap hotels.

Another prestigious and noble area is Magenta. It is partly part of the historical center and here is one of the main attractions of Milan - the Church of St. Mary delle Grazie, where the "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci is kept. In the afternoon, life stops in the evening, the streets are empty, and if you want a relaxing holiday close to the city center, then Magenta is the perfect place. On the map of Milan, this area is located a little west of the central one.

Another elite area is located around the Vercelli quarter, which is popular among shoppers. A little further there is a park around which the elite Sempione district of the same name was formed. In this part of the city is the famous Arch of Peace and the Sforza Castle.

Duomo in central Milan

A pleasant, but more economical option would be to choose a hotel in the Isola area. It is located just behind the central station and seems to be separated from the rest of the city by the old railway. Once it was an industrial area, now everything is changing and many modern museums, showrooms and bars have appeared here. The atmosphere is very creative and unusual.

Another colorful area is the Ticinese District. They say that the spirit of real old Italy reigns here. It is preserved by a huge number of old shops, craft workshops and taverns. Closer to the night, the face of the area changes and the doors of modern bars and clubs swing open. Of the attractions: old churches and an arch in honor of Napoleon's victory in the battle of Marengo.

View of the city from the roof of the Milan Cathedral

Colorful and creative - the district of Brera (Brera). No wonder it is called Milan's Montmartre (see section). The atmosphere is created by numerous shops and shops, cafes and bars. The Pinacoteca Brera gallery is also located here.

There are many economy class hotels in the areas of Vittoria, Citta Studi and Loreto.

You can live very cheaply, for example, in the Corvetto area, although this is an industrial zone of Milan. Areas where it is better not to choose a hotel include Corso Buenos Aires. This is a booming low-cost shopping area, but there are a lot of migrants living here. Accordingly, being here at night is not at all safe. The same goes for the area around Via Padova. Numerous migrants from Africa and Morocco inspire fear even among the locals. Also, because of the neighbors, it is better to beware of the areas around the quarters: Quarto Oggiaro, Barona, Baggio. You should not walk late at night and in the area of ​​​​the central station.

Great hostel! Many hotels need to learn from this hostel in terms of value for money. Everything is working! The rooms are very clean! On the ground floor there is a 24-hour bar with friendly staff! There is such a service as a wi-fi router with you to the city! In general, I recommend!

First time staying at a hostel. There was a daily connection in Milan, so I decided to see the city. Among the hotels, the price was high, so it rose to Ostello Bello Grande. For 38 euros, I got a bed in a clean room for 5 people with a private shower and toilet, free Wi-Fi, personal lighting for reading books, a personal phone and gadget charging stand, breakfast, dinner, unlimited...

Cool hostel, clean, bright rooms, friendly people. Free tea/coffee/cookies all day long. A lot of entertainment.

Fantastic experience. The hotel staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful, and available. The free welcome drink and free dinner was a great way to start my experience. Dinner was not fancy, but the pasta, vegetables and bread were very nice after a day of exploring Milan. Many guests hang out at the bar, so if you're not shy you'll meet some very interesting people from all over...

Nice place with good prices. The aperitif is very cheap (5€) but not as good as the others (10€). This is the atmosphere of young people on trips who want to meet new people and have a good time. If you want one of the brst places to go!. Maybe a little more tables would be nice.

By the emergency I had to find the hostel very late at night and it was great to find it just next to the train station. Felt very comfortable inside and the place was clean. Plus there is a nice seating area. It's not cheap, but the service is very good and for everyone.

Perfect place! Feels pricey, but they give out a lot of free food and other things. Super friendly staff. They make you feel at home. Highlights for me were the hammocks on the terrace of the living room. Highly recommend this place.

I was at the event and I really enjoyed it! In a festive atmosphere, you will plunge into this world where, like travelers who are staying at a hostel, if visitors gather to drink and eat together, and socialize, and have fun. I will definitely be back!

Hostel Well located, a stone's throw from the main train station, offers the best value for money hotels in the area and is the perfect place for teenagers who want to visit the city. Every day offers an aperitif of 5€. There is also a very pretty covered terrace.

A bit pricey but lots of free food and entertainment. Amazing atmosphere and great, friendly staff. Good location close to the train station.

When planning a trip, a place to rent housing for the duration of your studies, or even to buy foreign real estate, there is often not enough information about a particular area of ​​the city. In this article, we will talk about 10 unfavorable areas in Milan, in our subjective opinion, based, however, on personal experience of residence and established public opinion.

Despite the fact that Milan often ranks first in the lists of the most criminal cities in Italy (in the source, the data is in percentage per capita), we traditionally consider Naples, Palermo and Turin to be the centers of crime. Of course, local mafia clans “contributed” to this, but, as can be seen from the statistics, even such cities as Rimini, Rome and Lucca (the cutest town in Tuscany) overtook the “mafia capitals”. And yet, we believe that Milan is a safe city! There is organized crime here, a lot of migrants and beggars, pickpockets and scammers, however, for a person who has lived in South Butovo (Moscow), at Uralmash (Yekaterinburg) or at Zhilka (Kazan), these 10 places will definitely seem like corners of calm.

10. Centro (Duomo, via Torino, Cadorna, Porta Venezia-Repubblica)

We started from the city center, because, as in any tourist place, here is dominated by the accumulation of tourists, and hence the “hunters” for them. These can range from almost harmless junk vendors (selfie sticks, flowers, "free" woven bracelets) to extortionists and robbers. Examples are known when armed robberies were committed in the alleys from via Torino. Of course, where there are a lot of tourists, there are a lot of police. In addition to stately carabinieri, serious policemen, omniscient municipal policemen, military men and the searching financial guards, there will certainly be plainclothes agents in the center. It is safe to live and keep property in this area, to walk too. However, it doesn't hurt to be on the lookout - during the day in crowds of tourists, and in the evening on relatively deserted streets, since the main centers of evening life are away from the Duomo.

9 Colonne San Lorenzo

This central part of the city was once a picturesque place with canals, partly designed by the genius Da Vinci himself. Now many monuments of history and architecture have been preserved here, among the main of which are the ancient Roman columns of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of the same name. The columns make up a pedestrian square with a basilica, behind which there is a cozy park. During the day it is absolutely safe. However, with the onset of twilight, much changes. The entire area around the columns is filled with cheerful youth. The smell of marijuana and abundant alcohol have become an inseparable association of the place "Colonne". We strongly do not recommend staying here for the night, especially if the windows overlook the square. They have fun here sometimes until the morning and not only on weekends. The atmosphere of some kind of freedom and anarchy is reinforced by deranged representatives of the "free life".

8 Station Centrale

Like most stations in the world, these are clusters of almost all segments of the population. The quarters around the stations, along with the ports, have historically not been the most attractive places. Milan Central Station, the second largest railway junction in Italy after Rome, is no exception. A beautiful example of Mussolini's architecture receives about 320,000 passengers daily. It is not surprising that the station and the surrounding area live their own life and not always the most attractive one. Crowds of gypsies, migrants and homeless people - this is what the main railway gates of the city can meet when they come to Milan. The area around the station is completely heterogeneous: to the west, right behind the Excelsior and Hilton hotels, a modern business district begins, and to the east, an area of ​​​​kebabs, hostels and Thai massage parlors. Please note that the station itself is closed for the night and you can only wait for your train in a small waiting room with a ticket in hand.

7 Lambrate

This historically working-class district was formed on the outskirts of Milan in the post-war years - the beginning of the industrial boom in Italy. A large manufacturer Innocenti opens its factory here and produces, among other things, the famous Lambretta scooters. The area is associated with the railway station of the same name. The area around the station was settled mainly by migrants and…. students. After all, one of the largest university campuses Politecnico di Milano (Città Studi - P.za Da Vinci) is located nearby. The streets around the station and the most picturesque park (Parco Lambro) to the north of the station in the evenings become jobs for girls of easy virtue. Part of the area is separated from the main Milan by the railway and is connected only through a few tunnels. It is noteworthy that one of the design clusters has formed here, and during the design week (Salone Mobile-Fuorisalone), a small part of this area is saturated with a very positive atmosphere. In this part of the city there are two new student residences Martinit and Rubattino. Therefore, if you want to go out and walk around Milan in the evening, choose hostels closer to the center.

6. Bonola - Lampugnano - QT8

These peripheral areas are located in the northwest of Milan after the San Siro stadium area. The ideas of modernist architects (including Aldo Rossi) are reflected in the complex development of this area. Huge open spaces with greenery between residential complexes eventually became a meeting place for gangs and a space for illegal activities. The relatively inexpensive price of housing has attracted many migrants from disadvantaged countries. All of them organized the centers of their "social" life. For a long time, there was a Bonola market that sold everything from drugs and weapons to stolen sneakers and televisions. After a tragic example of such development (districts turned into ghettos) for social housing in Naples (Scampia quarter), it was decided to abandon such a large scale in solving urban problems. Today these are very green areas, relatively safe during the day, but still with a high crime rate.

5. Giambellino - Lorenteggio (Piazza Tirana)

This is another peripheral area, but arose in an older quarter in the west of Milan. On the one hand, the territory borders on the most fashionable quarter of showrooms, galleries and shops - Tortona. However, the farther from the center you move along via Giambellino, the less representatives of the “creative class” will be noticeable. Tirana Square is considered the criminal center of the area with the adjacent San Christoforo railway station. In recent years, the process of gentrification has been actively spreading to this part of the city, and perhaps soon this area will be included in the list of the most creative places, but for now we are vigilant.

4. Via Padova (Cascina Gobba)

Although there is an official Chinatown in Milan (via Paolo Sarpi area), we can safely say that most representatives of this and many Arab and African countries settled on the segment from Piazza Loreto to the Cascina Gobba metro station. The street itself, consisting of small bars, shops and dry cleaners, does not evoke a sense of security even during the day. Real estate here is inexpensive and often occupied by large families of visitors. It is noteworthy that the area near the Cascina Gobba metro station was famous for its semi-legal Slavic market. In addition to products “from the Motherland”, it was possible to buy bus tickets to Eastern Europe, get a haircut, find a job and sell something there.

3. Bovisa

Oddly enough, this area of ​​Milan is most associated with the Polytechnic University (Politecnico di Milano). Here is the second largest campus of this university. Historically, it was an industrial district (the idle gasometer tower still remains an unofficial symbol of the district), although with a hint of creativity - the first film studio in Italy (Armenia Film) was founded here. Already in our time, the authorities have tried to breathe new life into the area by locating here the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Engineering, the M.Negri Research Institute and even the second Museum of the Triennale (TBVS), which was later closed due to a small number of visitors. Another feature of the area is the presence of several railway lines and a commuter train station. This is what, on the one hand, connects the district with the rest of the city, but also serves as the main separator of the territory. During the day, these places are safe, but at night it is better not to walk here. Housing here is inexpensive, although there is a demand for rent from students. This part of the city is subject to transformation, but the process of gentrification has not finally gained momentum here.

2. Barona

This name is familiar to many Milanese. The peripheral area in the south of Milan was one of the most popular with drug dealers and other criminal actors. The social center of Barrios has become the epicenter of criminal life here. A huge structure with a flying saucer roof has long been a place for the sale of drugs, parties and showdowns, the heyday of prostitution and robbery. Over the past few years, the authorities have been trying to improve the situation, and they have succeeded. The crime rate is falling, and the social center now hosts clubs for children, performances and sports competitions. However, drug trafficking continues here, and people stay at home at night. The area is changing for the better, but the "rich" historical past still associates it with danger.

1. Quarto Oggiaro (il Bronx Milanese)

If you ask a Milanese which area is the most dangerous in his city, then in 8 out of 10 cases you will be answered "Cuarto". The area on the border of Milan, which grew out of cascina (cascina - a farm or estate traditional for the north of Italy), is commonly called the "Milanese Bronx". As in other peripheral areas of Milan, during the industrial boom, migrants poured in from southern Italy. To provide them with housing, social housing blocks were built, which contributed to internal tension and the development of crime. The epicenter of crime in the area was Capuana Square (Piazza Capuana). This square and several places in other areas became the scenery for the cult film "Hunger for Chemistry" (Fame chimica). It tells about the life of young people in the peripheral areas, when Milan was the capital of the drug industry in Italy.

Today Quarto Oggiaro, rather just as a name, has retained its association with the most dangerous place in Milan. Life here is getting better and local activists have activity centers and social functions for everyone on Capuana Square.

Each of these areas has its own peculiarity and charm. It is not only in these areas that violence and non-compliance with laws can be encountered. Be that as it may, we consider Milan a safe city and only share our life observations.

This is not a district, but just one house, but this address in Milan is known to many. People do not go here to see apartments, ambulances and other services have a recommendation not to visit this address, unless accompanied by the police. And the most interesting thing is that it is located very close to the center, in one of the prestigious areas, very close to Bocconi University! This house is occupied by migrants and illegal residents, unsanitary conditions reign inside and crime flourishes. Do not rent here and do not approach this house! Take care of yourself.

If you are not a motorist and are going to travel by public transport, the best solution would be to settle near the metro. It works from 5.40 to 00.30 and is least likely to strike. In addition, you will not waste extra time waiting for transport and tiresome trips to the city center.

Be careful, some stations go outside of Milan (this is marked with a red line on the map) and the ticket price will be higher than usual.

Where to stay in Milan?

At the end stations, there are traditionally sleeping areas, not all of them are friendly and equipped with infrastructure. We recommend staying closer to the historic city center.

Area De Angeli

Take a closer look at the zone (De Angeli) metro Wagner, De Andeli, Gambara). This cute area near the center is filled with many cafes, shops and workshops. There are taxi stops and tram 16 that will take you to the Duomo, Navigli or San Siro. For more information on housing in the area, please follow the link below.

Sant'Agostino metro station

Located between Sant "Ambrogio, where the Catholic University is located, and Porta Genova - a cluster of bars and cafes, a noisy area for an evening aperitif. Any of these places, as well as Colonne di San Lorenzo are within walking distance. However, like the city center! This area has restaurants, supermarkets and plenty of public transport. Find a hotel near this metro station.

Porta Romana metro station

Twenty minutes from Cathedral Square on foot through the beautiful center and we are in front of the arch - Porta Romana . Nearby, in the old tram depot, thermal baths were equipped - fans of relaxation and spa will definitely like it! You will be pleased with cafes and bars with generous tables for aperitifs, many nail salons, squares and transport accessibility. Follow this link to find all accommodation options near Porta Romana.

Loreto metro station

Loreto metro station stands at the beginning of the shopping street Corso Buenos Aires . Such an arrangement will allow you not to miss a single store, always find where to have a bite and a cup of coffee. If you get carried away with shop windows, you may not notice how you approach the arches Porta Venezia , the park and the Museum of Natural History, and further to the Duomo is within easy reach. On the other side of Loreto is the student district with the historic building of the Politecnico di Milano. Choose a hotel near Loreto metro station.

Sempione

It is better to avoid proximity to the park Sempione . The opportunity to take a walk near the hotel in a free moment really sounds great, but, unfortunately, Sempione Park attracts not only athletes, but also visiting illegal immigrants engaged in robbery and drug trafficking. It is better to admire the park during the day, and after dusk go around it. It is better not to enter into a dialogue with immigrants.

centrale

The area in front of the central station is teeming with immigrants, they live there, spend the night, rob, distribute and use drugs. Despite the presence of prestigious hotels, restaurants, taxis and carabinieri nearby, walking near Centrale can often be an unpleasant experience. We recommend admiring the grandiose building of the station during the day, but not close, or stick to the shops of the station, try to go down to the metro as soon as possible or make the necessary transfer. Transfers to the airport depart from Centrale, if you decide to use them, just in case, be vigilant, watch your luggage.

If you are going to travel around Milan by car, then do not be afraid to settle in the suburbs. After all, the city center will still be close, the distances are short, and the price-quality ratio is noticeably better. The only exception will be fashion and design weeks, when all hotels are booked and prices are inflated.

We wish you a great stay in Milan!