Porta Venezia

Looking for a little shop, boutique, or off-the-beaten-path venue that’ll surprise you with something new? The Corso Buenos Aires area offers big-name stores, but also small artisan boutiques waiting to be discovered.

With this itinerary, entirely on foot, we’ll discover some of the vintage-chic corners of the Porta Venezia neighborhood.
We leave the Best Western Hotel City on foot and immediately begin our stroll along Corso Buenos Aires. We’ll be carried away by the cheerful shop windows and the pleasant bustle of the city and we’ll almost reach Porta Venezia. We’ll now turn left, making a U-turn onto Via Spallanzani, a pedestrian street lined with delightful restaurants and small leather and jewelry shops.

We stop in front of number 11, at the Petra, Oro e Gemme storefront, where you can find unique, entirely handcrafted jewelry. Simplicity, movement and refinement are the qualities that animate the creations of the two goldsmiths, who make sophisticated use of stones, in both cut and color, creating a special harmony between gold and gems. If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry, this is the place for you. Worth a visit, even if only to savor an ancient beauty transformed into precious jewels.

We continue our itinerary and take a short detour to Via Malpighi 3, where Casa Galimberti stands, a wonderful example of Art Nouveau, with a richly decorated façade that delights our gaze.

We now turn onto Via Melzo, where, amid gourmet pizzerias and organic restaurants, we encounter Tità Bijoux Lab at number 12, a jewelry shop offering original creations crafted by the skilled hands of two sisters. Here you’ll find both modern and vintage-inspired pieces, such as those inspired by 1920s Americana. This collection is called Gatsby, but there are many more to discover.

Taking Via Lambro, we now emerge into Piazza 8 Novembre and turn right onto Via Pisacane. Within these 500 meters, you’ll find some of Milan’s finest antique shops. More than ten galleries, one after another, house rare pieces, including sculptures, paintings, furniture, vases, chandeliers, exotic objects and much more. Worth a visit if you’re looking for a gem for your collection or if, as an antiques enthusiast, you’re eager to admire rare and precious objects.

It’s time for a well-deserved break. We can head down Via Stoppani and sip a craft beer with a charcuterie board, surrounded by books and modern antiques at Long Song Books & Café at number 11. Here, you can browse through one of the books on display and post photos of the day using the Wi-Fi, while you refuel.

Just across the street, at Via Stoppani 12, Michele Chiocciolini’s workshop is also worth a visit, offering high-quality bags in unique designs—one, the Duomo Bag, even features a picture of Milan’s Duomo—and Due di Due, a clothing store selling classic and alternative pieces by emerging designers.

A little further on, at Via Broggi 17, lies Potafiori, a green corner that blooms even in winter, where highly unique and carefully crafted floral arrangements are created. Continuing along the same street, let’s pause for a moment in front of number 22, a period building with a large first-floor terrace and a romantic pergola. On the opposite side of the street, in a contrast between ancient and modern that characterizes the area, stands the Dolce & Gabbana office building, with numerous glass windows segmented by vertical white lines through which some of the eclectic furnishings can be glimpsed.

If you’re craving something sweet, you can continue to Charlotte Dusart Belgian Chocolate Shop, located at Via Eustachi 47. Here, every chocolate is a work of art of finesse and flavor. From the most classic ingredients like hazelnuts, almonds, chili pepper, to the more unusual ones like matcha tea, amaretto, passion fruit—all paired with excellent chocolate.

To return to the hotel, pass by Via Jan 15, where you’ll find the Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano, a historic residence and museum housing numerous 20th-century works of art, including works by Boccioni, Sironi, De Chirico, Morandi, Fontana, and many others. A fascinating place with a unique atmosphere: if you haven’t already seen it, book your tickets and don’t miss out!

In a 5-minute walk we are back at the Best Western Hotel City for some well-deserved relaxation!

Hotel City is strategically located just 10 minutes from Central Station, in the heart of the Corso Buenos Aires shopping district and the vibrant Porta Venezia neighborhood. The red metro stop just steps from the hotel provides easy access to the Duomo, the Castle, the Fiera and the Last Supper. The Indro Montanelli Gardens, Corso Venezia and Porta Venezia, San Babila, the Porta Nuova district with its new skyscrapers, Casa Galimberti, Casa Boschi di Stefano, Villa Necchi Campiglio, and much more are all within easy walking distance!