Lovers of Italy often find that Milan lacks the atmosphere of traditional Italy – those narrow streets lined with little houses featuring colourful wooden shutters, home to tiny cafés and ice-cream parlours. And it is precisely in the small Brera district that you’ll find just that.

Wander aimlessly through the narrow streets, admire the traditional Italian architecture and listen to the hum of the Vespa, so beloved in Italy.

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Cafés, little shops and peace and quiet

The central part of Brera, comprising several streets, is entirely designated as a pedestrian zone. It is therefore one of the few places in Milan where you can enjoy some peace and quiet away from the otherwise very heavy traffic; occasionally, a scooter or moped will whizz past.

The narrow streets are lined with cafés with outdoor seating and dozens of little shops selling all manner of goods.

On the main street, Via Brera, which leads to the centre of Milan, don’t forget to visit one of Europe’s most famous art galleries, the Pinacoteca di Brera.

The prettiest street in the Brera district

Which streets in Brera should you explore to soak up the best of old Italy’s atmosphere?

Brera has three main photogenic pedestrian streets, which are joined by a number of side streets:

• Via Fiori Chiari (see map)
• Via Madonnina (see map)
• Via Brera (see map)

Churches in the Brera district

Whilst strolling through the Brera district, you shouldn’t miss two beautiful churches:

• the Chiesa del Carmine, dating from 1446, in the southern part of the district
• the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Marco, dating from 1245, in the northern part of the district

Accommodation in Brera

If you’re a fan of private apartments in historic districts, then look no further than Brera for your accommodation.

You won’t find any traditional hotels here, but you’ll come across lovely guesthouses and apartments. We’d recommend, for example, the Mansarda Brera apartment, which has excellent reviews and is situated right on the main pedestrianised street.

How do you get to Brera?

The neighbourhood is situated about 1.5 km north of Milan Cathedral and about 300 metres east of Castello Sforzesco.

The nearest metro station, Lanza, is on the western edge of Brera and is served by the green M2 line.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Milan.