Where historic Milan meets modern shopping – explore Porta Venezia’s elegant city gate and gardens, then stroll down Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest retail avenues.

Full description: Porta Venezia is an area that offers a bit of everything: history, architecture, green space, and shopping. The name comes from the old city gate – you can still see the two 19th-century neoclassical gatehouses at the end of Corso Buenos Aires, marking where the road to Venice began. The neighborhood around here is known for beautiful Art Nouveau (Liberty) architecture – keep an eye out for ornately decorated buildings like Casa Galimberti as you walk. Just beyond the gatehouses lies the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Milan’s beloved central gardens. These Porta Venezia Gardens are known for beautiful landscaping and a peaceful ambiance, offering a refreshing break from city streets. Within the park you can visit the Natural History Museum or the Planetarium, or simply relax by the pond and enjoy the tree-lined paths. It’s an excellent spot to unwind or have a picnic, and families will appreciate the playgrounds and puppet theater.

From the park, you can seamlessly transition into shopping mode on Corso Buenos Aires, which begins at Porta Venezia. This bustling avenue is one of Milan’s longest shopping streets, packed with local and international brands. With over 350 shops, it caters to all budgets – from familiar fashion chains to Italian shoe stores and department stores. Corso Buenos Aires runs for 1.5 km (about a mile) towards Piazzale Loreto (very close to Hotel Aurelia), so you can literally shop your way back to the hotel! In fact, Hotel Aurelia is only about a 10-minute walk from this shopping street, making it extremely convenient for guests to explore on foot. The vibe here is lively and down-to-earth, especially compared to the luxury Quadrilatero: it’s where many locals go for high-street fashion and daily needs. After a day of sightseeing, an evening passeggiata (stroll) down Corso Buenos Aires is enjoyable – the stores often stay open into the evening, and there are plenty of cafes and gelato shops when you need a break. Whether you’re admiring historical monuments at Porta Venezia or indulging in retail therapy, this area showcases the dynamic range of Milan, all within easy reach of your hotel