Italy-lovers may often miss the atmosphere of traditional Italy in Milan, with its small streets of houses with colourful wooden shutters and miniature cafes and ice-cream parlours. And it's in the small district of Brera that you'll find this.

Wander aimlessly through the narrow streets, take in the sight of traditional Italian architecture and listen to the buzzing sounds of the much-loved Vespa.

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Cafes, shops and tranquillity

Brera's central area of several streets is entirely pedestrianised. This makes it one of the few places in Milan where you can enjoy a respite from the sometimes very heavy traffic, with only the occasional scooter or moped whizzing by.

The streets are filled with cafes with front gardens and dozens of shops selling all kinds of goods.

On Via Brera, the main avenue leading into the centre of Milan, be sure to visit one of Europe's most famous galleries , the Pinacoteca di Brera.

Via Brera

The most beautiful streets in the Brera district

Which streets in Brera to head to in order to enjoy the best atmosphere of old Italy?

Brera has three main photogenic pedestrian streets, which are connected to other side streets:

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

Brera, via Fiori Chiari

Brera, via Madonnina

Via Brera

Churches in the Brera district

Two beautiful churches should not be missed while wandering around the Brera district:

Chiesa del Carmine from 1446 in the southern part of the district.
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Marco from 1245 in the northern part of the quarter

Chiesa San Marco

Chiesa del Carmine

Accommodation in Brera

If you are a lover of private apartments in historic districts, then look for your accommodation in Brera.

You'll be hard pressed to find classic hotels here, but you'll come across some lovely guesthouses and apartments. For example, we would recommend the highly rated Mansarda Brera apartment, which is located right on the main pedestrian area.