It's easy to just pass off
Milan as another major metropolis that's simply upscale and high-end. Glamorous, for sure, but is it exciting? Is the creativity in the city only found in the luxury fashion houses that have defined the city for decades? Isola begs to differ! With its graffiti-printed streets, hip indie boutiques, and edgier hotspots, Isola is an artistic and even slightly bohemian neighborhood in Milan. It's a great place to look at art, discover fashion beyond the mainstream names, and truly get to know the city as a whole. Sounds like a place worth discovering, doesn't it?
Where is Isola in Milan?
Isola is one of
Milan's central neighborhoods. Not only is it not too far from the city center, only 3.5 kilometers away from Centro Storico, but it's also near many of the city's main districts. For one thing, Isola is so near Stazione Centrale that it's fairly easy to confuse the two. Milan's main central station is in a neighborhood of the same name, but many people, including locals, think that the terminal is simply in Isola. Other nearby areas include Bullona, Chinatown, Turro, Porta Garibaldi, and Porta Romana, to name a few.
Is Isola, Milan Safe?
Don't worry! Isola is a safe neighborhood. Even when
Milan's crime rates tend to be high, with the current general rate as high a 60%, Isola remains safe overall. It helps that that the district has ample security, largely similar to Centro Storico, which is also one of the city's safest areas. There's also the fact that Isola is relatively affluent, which affords the residents tighter security and makes the place less sketchy compared to other areas. Hence, Isola is one of those neighborhoods where it's even safe to go out at night. Just make sure you're aware of your surroundings when you do!
What's The Vibe in Isola, Milan?
The vibe in Isola, Milan is as complex as the neighborhood itself. On one end, Isola boasts a bohemian atmosphere with hipster cafes, indie bookstores, and local shops. You'll also see some parts with street art and cool bars where people are drinking and chatting instead of dancing and partying. As already mentioned, Isola is also fairly affluent. There are some parts of the neighborhood, specifically the more residential corners, where well-off people reside, eat out in fancy restaurants, and the like. It's up to you which part of Isola you want to explore.
Is it Expensive in Isola, Milan?
Though Isola is a relatively affluent neighborhood, it's not necessarily that expensive to stay here.
Milan's living costs are generally high, so no matter where you stay, you'll still spend a lot in the city. With that said, however, Isola stands out as one of the more affordable parts of town. If you eat out here, for instance, it'll cost you about €12.00 to €28.00 per meal among the mid-range or inexpensive restaurants. The shopping in Isola is also a mix of high street brands, local indie labels, and a few high-end boutiques. There's a place for any budget here!
What to See in Isola, Milan
Isola is admittedly not a place for sightseeing. It's a great neighborhood for hanging out and having fun, but not for playing tourist. You can leave that to Centro Storico, Navigli, and the like. Nevertheless, the district does have one sight you simply should see: the Bosco Verticale. This unique residential complex features tall buildings covered in lush greenery. It almost looks fantastical with all the lovely plants that turn what would've been concrete skyscrapers into modern takes on the Gardens of Babylon. That alone should tell you how unique of a landmark it is compared to the rest of the city.
What to Do in Isola, Milan
If you're
moving to Milan, you'll want to live in Isola. Why? Because it's a great place to truly embrace the local Milanese lifestyle. Some parts, particularly the more affluent corners, are residential, allowing you to live a relatively peaceful life in the bustling metropolis. The rest of the district features amazing hotspots, ranging from hipster hubs to upscale attractions. You don't even have to choose one over the other. You can enjoy both to no end, which is not something you can do in other area, even other central districts.
The Best Restaurants in Isola, Milan
Isola is undoubtedly one of the best places to indulge your inner foodie in Milan. Much like Centro Storico and Navigli, the neighborhood has a diverse culinary scene. There are traditional trattorias, hipster cafes, humble diners, and even some of
Milan's best Michelin-starred restaurants here. No matter what you're craving, you're sure to find a place for you in Isola! Perhaps you want to eat traditional Milanese cuisine? Then you can go to Osteria dei Vecchi Sapori on Via Carmagnola, one of the best restaurants in the entire city that serves local dishes and delicacies. Some of the Isola's other amazing places to eat are listed below.
- Assaje Milano Segrino on Via Traù
- Bosco Verticale Restaurant on Via Federico Confalonieri
- Cantine MILANO on Via Traù
- PitBeef Milano on Via Gaetano de Castillia
- Porcobrado Milano on Via Jacopo dal Verme
- Osteria dei Vecchi Sapori on Via Carmagnola
- Ristorante Ratanà on Via Gaetano de Castillia
- Sapemare on Via Pastrengo
- Stravagario Bistrot on Via Garigliano
- Trattoria Il Cormorano on Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi
What to Know About Isola, Milan Apartments for Rent
Much like its culinary scene, Isola's real estate market is just as diverse. There are many types of properties here, ranging from fairly affordable micro apartments to some of the most
luxurious homes to rent in Milan. And the best part? The average rent is just as diverse. It will typically cost you about €1,750.00 to €2,500.00 per month to rent a place in Isola, Milan. How much your apartment ends up being will depend on how big it is, how many rooms it has, and where it's located within the neighborhood.
Get to know the complexities of Milan by discovering Isola, one of the city's hippest neighborhoods. It's glamorous, edgy, chic, bohemian, indie, and artsy all in one. Find out how one place can be all of that and more!
