Milan offers numerous opportunities for street photographers, but it's easy to find oneself sticking to the same hyper-touristic spots and ending up with average shots. Of course, visiting the Duomo, Via Torino, and Corso Como are must-dos, but for photography, it's worth considering a couple of different neighborhoods.
Here, I cover two of my favorite spots where I used to go for shoots early in the morning and after work. They are very different; while the first one embodies what one would expect from Milan, with historical buildings and local shops, the second one is smaller, more modern, and is ideal for those who love minimal shots and modern architecture.
Porta Nuova, Brera and Moscova
Streets like Corso Garibaldi and lesser-known ones, such as the Porta Nuova district, are easily accessible by a 20-minute walk from Duomo or a 15-minute walk from Porta Garibaldi. The closest metro stations are Brera, Moscova, and Lanza.
Wandering through the small streets is a delightful experience, offering opportunities to capture daily life both during the day and at night. While it can be a bit crowded on weekends and in the afternoon, I recommend strolling from Moscova to Porta Nuova and back to Brera early in the morning when shops are opening, and people are heading to work.
Below are a couple of shots featuring two men at work, both taken around 7 am, near Moscova and Brera, respectively.
Citylife
Citylife is situated in the northwest area of Milan, slightly smaller than the previous district and a bit farther from the center. The easiest way to reach it is via metro to Portello or Tre Torri, taking about 10 minutes from Porta Garibaldi and 25 from the Duomo.
Similar to Gae Aulenti, Citylife is a relatively new neighborhood where modern architecture prevails over the typical historical one. The new skyscrapers – 'Tre Torri' means three towers in Italian – are part of a significant commercial and residential project initiated in 2007 and completed in 2020.
Due to its commercial nature, this area tends to be livelier during daylight hours. It's ideal for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking minimal, clean-looking shots. The pictures below were taken about a year ago in the morning.
I hope you find these insights into Milan's neighborhoods inspiring. Until next time!
Comments