Where to Be in Milan: Città Studi
Città Studi is located in the east of Milan and is centred around Politecnico di Milano and university campuses. The area is defined by student life, which makes it more affordable, informal, and functional compared to central districts.
Below is a practical breakdown of what to expect.
Area Overview
Location: East Milan (around Piola, Lambrate)
Main metro: M2 Piola, M2 Lambrate
Distance to Duomo: ~10–15 minutes by metro
Atmosphere: student-oriented, local, less curated
This is not a “destination” neighbourhood, but a place where everyday Milan life is very visible.
Where to Go (Coffee & Casual Spots)
Upcycle Milano Bike Café
Coffee €1.50–3 | Brunch €10–15
Relaxed, slightly alternative space. Good for working or slow mornings.
Torrefazione Caffè Ernani
Coffee €1–2
More traditional. Quick espresso at the bar, very local atmosphere.
Toast To Coast
€8–14 per dish
Casual and student-friendly. Simple menu, good for informal dates or quick lunches.
Bar Basso
Aperitivo €10–15
Historic bar, known for the Negroni Sbagliato. More classic Milan vibe compared to the rest of the area.
Everyday Food (Affordable & Simple)
Città Studi is one of the best areas in Milan for lower-cost meals.
Typical prices:
Pizza: €6–10
Pasta dishes: €8–12
Lunch menus: €10–15
You’ll find many small trattorias and takeaway spots around Piola and Lambrate.
Housing & Cost of Living
Città Studi is considered mid-range to affordable for Milan.
Average prices:
Room in shared apartment: €750–850/month
Studio apartment: €900–1350/month
Compared to areas like Brera or Porta Nuova, prices are noticeably lower.
Transport & Accessibility
M2 line connects directly to:
Centrale
Garibaldi
Porta Genova
Easy access to:
Politecnico
Università degli Studi
Overall, well connected without being central.
Safety & Atmosphere
Città Studi is generally considered:
Safe during the day
Mostly safe at night
More specifically:
Piola area: lively, student presence, generally safe
Lambrate: quieter, slightly less active at night
It doesn’t have the same level of nightlife or crowd density as Navigli, which often makes it feel calmer.
Who This Area Is Good For
Students
Young professionals
People looking for lower rent
Those who prefer local, everyday Milan over central aesthetics
Less suitable if you want:
nightlife
luxury environment
historic “postcard” Milan
Key Takeaway
Città Studi is not about landmarks or curated spaces.
It’s one of the most functional and livable areas in Milan, where you see how the city actually works on a daily basis.
