Parks and buildings imbued with Milanese history are dotted through this busy neighbourhood, just waiting for you to discover them.

The Porta Vittoria neighbourhood, featuring a collection of buildings from the classical period to modernism, is perfect for a walking tour to examine Milan’s hidden gems. Porta Vittoria is known for its public architecture, displayed in the area’s many piazzas and public parks. Have a cappuccino and a generous slice of panettone before searching for some of the best of Milanese buildings.

On a nice day, spend a whole morning at Parco Marinai d’Italia, also called the Parco Vittoria Formentano, dedicated to Italian mariners. This amazingly serene oasis is just steps from the Corso XXII Marzo, one of Milan’s busiest intersections. Wander the park’s paths to the Palazzina Liberty, an art nouveau building once part of the Verziere, a fruit and vegetable market, but now hosting the House of Poetry. Learn about local history at the beautiful neoclassical Palazzo di Giustizia, the scene of corruption trials that shook the city and country in the 1990s.

Admire the joyful statue standing in the Piazza Giuseppe Grandi, the perfect place to stop for a snack. A few blocks away, browse an extensive collection of artefacts of the Italian comic book industry at WOW Spazio Fumetto, a unique museum proudly dedicated to cartoon illustration and animation. A little further away, the Piazza Cinque Giornate pays homage to the Milanese Risorgimento with an impressive obelisk, marking the spot where the neighbourhood gate once stood.

Porta Vittoria is located east of central Milan, a 25-minute train ride or 30-minute bus ride from Milan’s central station. The nearby subway station provides connections throughout the city, including to the Duomo and shopping districts in 20 minutes or less. Trams and buses run along the major arteries. Compared to other touristic areas of the city, Porta Vittoria is relatively friendly to cars, with parking available even on smaller streets.