13. Affori, Bovisa

An area north of Milan that started as a major industrial center in the country and then turned into a meeting point for different cultures, creating a lively atmosphere which can be found for example at the Politecnico, one of the top universities in Italy and internationally.

This area offers an efficient public transportation system which connects it to both the city center and the hinterland. It’s like exploring little villages, that still preserve local shops, ancient trattorias and bowls courts. The redevelopment of the entire area, thanks to the presence of the university, has attracted also trendy bars.

This area is idead for those who love the neighbourhood dimension, with its with liveliness and contradictions, but without being too far from the city center. You can easily park close to home and travel around with your car, although there are many public transport connections available.

This area is not meant for those who love contemporary buildings. big brands and important museums. It can’t be appreciated by those who don’t care for the multicultural mix and the street art pieces which enhance big parts of the buildings.

The area is mainly residential, with Liberty-style buildings, postwar working-class apartment buildings, detached houses and big industrial spaces partly already redeveloped. Some former industrial areas are being converted into new apartment buildings

You will love the wonderful Villas (Litta, Affori and Scheibler), the clubs with a stronng social engagement, and the imposing gasholders which represent a precious testimony of the area’s industrial vocation.

The neighbourhood is close to the former Expo Area and the current Milano Rho-Pero exhibition center. Not too far away are also the Niguarda Hospital and the lively Isola district with its trendy bars and the Branca Museum. The vast green spaces of the Parco Nord can be easily accessed both by car and public transportation.