Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Milan

Milan, a vibrant city known for its fashion, design, and finance, is an exciting place for expats and digital nomads to call home. With its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of culture, nightlife, and community, there's a place for everyone to feel at home. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Milan.

Navigli

Navigli is famous for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal location for singles. The area is filled with aperitivo bars, restaurants, and clubs along the waterways. Expats can enjoy evening strolls, bike rides, or even boat tours. Art and photography classes are available at local studios. The Darsena, a historic dock, is a great spot for outdoor events and markets. The Mudec Museum of Cultures is nearby, offering a rich cultural experience.

Location: South of Milan's city center, near Porta Genova station.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around 800-1200 EUR. Purchase prices vary from 3000-5000 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Al Fresco for traditional Italian, La Prosciutteria Milano for charcuterie boards, and Mag Cafe for aperitivo.

Interesting History: The Navigli canals were designed by Leonardo da Vinci and were once used for trade and transportation.

Celeb sightings: Fashion designers and models often frequent the area during Milan Fashion Week.

Brera

Brera is Milan's artistic heart, home to the prestigious Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery. It's perfect for singles interested in art, culture, and a lively social scene. The neighborhood is filled with art galleries, design studios, bars, and restaurants. Expats can take art classes or enjoy performances at the nearby Teatro alla Scala.

Location: North of the city center, near the Moscova metro station.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment range from 1000-1500 EUR. Purchase prices start from 4000 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Obica Mozzarella Bar for Italian, Dry Milano for cocktails, and Pisacco for creative cuisine.

Interesting History: The name Brera comes from the medieval term "braida," which referred to a malaria-ridden area.

Celeb sightings: Fashion industry professionals and artists are often seen in the area.

Isola

Isola, once an isolated neighborhood, is now a hub for creativity and innovation. It's ideal for singles looking for a dynamic community with a mix of old and new. The area is filled with street art, independent boutiques, and a variety of dining options. Expats can enjoy events at the Frigoriferi Milanesi cultural center or take cooking classes at local schools.

Location: North of the city center, near the Zara metro station.

Real Estate: Studio or 1-bedroom apartments rent for around 800-1200 EUR. Purchase prices range from 3000-4500 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Berberè for pizza, Flower Burger for vegan options, and Frida for Mexican cuisine.

Interesting History: Isola was once surrounded by water, hence its name, which means "island."

Celeb sightings: Artists and designers often frequent the area for its creative atmosphere.

Porta Nuova

Porta Nuova is Milan's modern business district, featuring stunning skyscrapers and innovative architecture. It's perfect for single professionals looking for a contemporary lifestyle. The area is filled with high-end bars, restaurants, and fitness clubs. Expats can enjoy walks in the Biblioteca degli Alberi park or visit the Casa della Memoria museum.

Location: Northeast of the city center, near the Garibaldi train station.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment range from 1200-1800 EUR. Purchase prices start from 5000 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Feltrinelli RED for Italian, GUD for healthy options, and Nòe for sushi.

Interesting History: The area was once an industrial zone and has been completely redeveloped.

Celeb sightings: Business leaders and professionals are often seen in the area.

Ticinese

Ticinese is a lively neighborhood known for its vibrant markets and street life. It's ideal for singles who enjoy a dynamic atmosphere and socializing. The area is filled with vintage shops, bars, and live music venues. Expats can take language classes at local schools or enjoy events at the nearby Darsena.

Location: South of the city center, near the Porta Genova station.

Real Estate: Studio or 1-bedroom apartments rent for around 800-1200 EUR. Purchase prices range from 3000-4500 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Osteria del Binari for traditional Milanese, Piz for pizza, and Taglio for creative dishes.

Interesting History: The area is named after the Ticino River, which once flowed nearby.

Celeb sightings: Musicians and artists often perform in the area's live music venues.

Cinque Vie

Cinque Vie is one of Milan's oldest districts, known for its historic charm and artisan shops. It's perfect for singles interested in history, art, and a quieter pace of life. The area is filled with ancient Roman ruins, art galleries, and traditional trattorias. Expats can take photography classes or enjoy walks in the nearby Parco Sempione.

Location: Southwest of the city center, near the Cordusio metro station.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment range from 900-1300 EUR. Purchase prices start from 3500 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: La Libera for traditional Italian, Pane e Acqua for seafood, and Ristorante A Santa Lucia for Neapolitan cuisine.

Interesting History: The area is home to ancient Roman ruins and medieval towers.

Celeb sightings: Artists and intellectuals are often seen in the area.

Citta Studi

Citta Studi is Milan's university district, filled with students and young professionals. It's ideal for singles looking for an affordable and lively neighborhood. The area is filled with bars, cafes, and cultural events. Expats can take language classes at the university or enjoy performances at the nearby Teatro Puccini.

Location: Northeast of the city center, near the Piola metro station.

Real Estate: Studio or 1-bedroom apartments rent for around 600-1000 EUR. Purchase prices range from 2500-3500 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Piadineria Artigiana Pascoli for piadinas, Osteria dei Bastioni for traditional Italian, and Hambistro for burgers.

Interesting History: The area is named after the University of Milan, which was founded in 1924.

Celeb sightings: Professors and intellectuals are often seen in the area.

Lambrate

Lambrate is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its craft breweries and industrial architecture. It's perfect for singles who enjoy a vibrant nightlife and a creative atmosphere. The area is filled with live music venues, street art, and cultural spaces. Expats can take part in workshops at the local cultural center or enjoy events at the East Market.

Location: Northeast of the city center, near the Lambrate train station.

Real Estate: Studio or 1-bedroom apartments rent for around 700-1100 EUR. Purchase prices range from 2500-3500 EUR per square meter.

Where to Eat: Birrificio Lambrate for craft beer, Pizzeria di Giovanni for pizza, and El Tombon de San Marc for Mexican cuisine.

Interesting History: The area was once an important industrial zone and is home to the historic Innocenti factory.

Celeb sightings: Artists and musicians often frequent the area's live music venues.