The Isola
guide

• Why stay in Isola
• What to see
• Where to eat and drink
• Getting here
• Getting around the city
• Isola during big events

Why stay in Isola

Isola is where old Milan meets the Milan of skyscrapers. On one side there are traditional courtyard buildings, small shops and street art; on the other, the glass towers of Porta Nuova, the Vertical Forest and Piazza Gae Aulenti. The name, meaning "island", comes from its history: for decades the railway cut it off from the rest of the city, and it kept a village feel you can still sense today.

For visitors it's a very practical base. You're close to the centre without the centre's prices or tourist crowds, two metro lines and Porta Garibaldi station are a short walk away, and in the evening you don't need transport at all: bars and restaurants are right downstairs.

What to see

The Vertical Forest (Bosco Verticale)

Two residential towers covered in trees and plants, designed by Stefano Boeri and now one of the symbols of contemporary Milan. The best view is from the street, at sunset.

Piazza Gae Aulenti and Porta Nuova

A raised square with fountains, surrounded by the skyscrapers of the business district, including the UniCredit Tower. It's the perfect starting point for a walk towards Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi.

Biblioteca degli Alberi

The large public park between Isola and Porta Nuova: lawns, trees and walking paths, ideal for a break or for letting children play.

The neighbourhood streets

It's worth wandering Isola's side streets, with their courtyard buildings, murals and small galleries. On Saturdays there's the local market.

Where to eat and drink

Via Borsieri is the heart of Isola's nightlife: within a few hundred metres you'll find trattorias, pizzerias, cocktail bars and the Blue Note, Milan's best-known jazz club. Aperitivo here is a daily ritual.

A few of the places we recommend to our guests:

• Ceresio 7: rooftop with a pool and skyline views, for a special aperitivo
• Frida: aperitivo in a courtyard among the old buildings
• Fonderie Milano: a former foundry turned into a bar and garden
• Un Posto a Milano: a farmhouse with a kitchen garden and seasonal cooking
• Piccolo Cala: seafood in a relaxed setting
• Trippa: traditional Milanese cooking, book well ahead

Our guests get exclusive offers at partner bars and restaurants: ask us for the list when you book.

Getting to Isola

From Malpensa

The Malpensa Express stops at Milano Porta Garibaldi, a few minutes' walk from Isola. It's the simplest, most direct option.

From Linate

Take the M4 (blue) metro line to Sant'Ambrogio and change to the M2 (green) line to Garibaldi.

From Milano Centrale

Take the M3 (yellow) line to Zara or Sondrio, or the M2 to Garibaldi. It's also a pleasant walk of about twenty minutes.

From Bergamo Orio al Serio

Shuttle buses run to Milano Centrale; from there, follow the directions above.

Getting around the city

• M5 lilac (Isola and Garibaldi stops): San Siro, City Life
• M3 yellow (Zara and Sondrio stops): Central Station, Duomo
• M2 green (Garibaldi stop): Brera and Lanza, Cadorna, the Navigli
• Porta Garibaldi station: suburban and regional trains, including to the Rho trade fair

Isola during big events

During the Salone del Mobile and Design Week, Fashion Week, concerts at San Siro or fairs at Rho, Milan fills up and prices rise. Isola is a strategic choice: the M5 takes you to San Siro with no changes, and trains to the fairgrounds leave from Porta Garibaldi. For these dates it's worth booking well in advance.