From Porta Nuova to the Darsena aboard the historic tram.

One Itinerary a must-see for visiting Milan in just 45 minutes from a unique perspective: on board one of the old trams to a single carriage – the mythical Trolley– unmistakable postcard of the Madonnina.

So beautiful they could make even a metropolis on the other side of the world fall in love, like San Francisco, which a few years ago bought a stock of them from Milanese warehouses to run them up and down the tracks in Downtown, making them part of the metropolitan landscape. 

Take the Tram It can be a necessity, but it is above all a philosophy. The slow movement, punctuated by the clatter of wheels on the tracks, is the best way to enjoy the city, moving from one place to another.

Immersed in an atmosphere of yesteryear of wooden bench And surrounded by vintage furnishings and a diverse humanity of students, ‘sciure’ (middle-aged Milanese ladies), young tribes or businessmen, it’s easy to lose yourself contemplating the urban landscape as it flows past the windows.
The Tram number 10 offers a truly exciting journey in this regard: from Central Station a May 24th Square the landscape changes continuously, going from new city skyline all Neoclassical Milan, to get to the city of water of the Darsena.

A recommended route for those who want to reach the Navigli without haste, an inexpensive and picturesque alternative to taxis and the tube. Also for those who are only in Milan for a few hours.

Taking the 10th you can take advantage of a A tourist tour for the price of an urban ticket and maybe get to the Navigli just in time for happy hour. Then you can just get back on the metro at Porta Genova and be back at the central station in 15 minutes. Ready to set off again, carrying the beauty of The historic centre in Milan.
You start a few steps from the Central station: cross piazza Duca d’Aosta and you’ll reach the stop for tram 10 in via Filzi, a short walk from the entrance of the Pirellone, Milan's first historic skyscraper, designed in the 1930s by Gio’ Ponti. Here it comes, dressed in yellow on the 10th, or covered in advertising, the latest Milanese fashion.
Not even one stop and the first skyscraper in New City Peeking out from behind the Church of San Gioachimo, in a beautiful contrast of old and new, is the truest soul of Milan.

Continuing on, you soon catch sight of the flagpole of the tallest skyscraper ever built in the city, the Unicredit Tower which in 2014 broke the height record of the Madonnina of the Duomo.

At the next stop, we enter the heart of modern Milan. Simply get off the tram and you can ascend to the elevated square named after Gae Aulenti, in the shadow of the Unicredit tower, a piazza that has quickly become one of Milan's coolest destinations and the venue for numerous events.

Continuing, here appearing from afar is the Vertical Forest designed by Stefano Boeri, a skyscraper covered in trees that in 2015 won the title of the most beautiful vertical architecture in the world.
Let the images of the new city flow behind the tracks as we pass another of the city's most beautiful monuments: the Monumental Cemetery, a place of art and memory – here rest the greats who made the city's history, from Alessandro Manzoni to Enzo Jannacci -. Then take Viale Procaccini, which skirts to the left Chinatown – to visit it, get off here! – and to the right, the enormous multi-purpose space of the Fabbrica del Vapore, venue for alternative and underground events held in the city.

The tree-lined avenues feature a succession of cafes and shops, before reaching Corso Sempione where many other tram lines intersect.
Here we are at the Milan that smells of Paris. Not only because Corso Sempione was commissioned by Napoleon during the Kingdom of Italy, but for the many bistro-style venues that bring the pedestrian area to life in the shadow of the’Arch of Peace.
One of the most beautiful views of the city and one of the hottest spots of Milan's nightlife, highly frequented around aperitivo time.
Here we meet an enthusiastic group of Germans who have chosen the tram to visit Milan.
What a great idea,” comments Mark, who, along with his travel companions, was lucky enough to hit upon a warm and sunny October day. They too are heading to the Navigli, so I strike up a conversation. A chat in English and a recommendation for where to go for lunch. Trams are like that; it’s easy to strike up a conversation, unlike on the anonymous underground or crowded buses.
We reach Piazzale Baracca in front of Corso Vercelli, famous for its shopping, and further on, neoclassical and Art Nouveau Milan with its beautiful facades.
At the end of the street, the church can be seen. Santa Maria delle Grazie who guards the Leonardo's Last Supper. If you haven't booked your visit, avoid going down to reach it. It's impossible to enter without a booking.
And here we are at Porta Genova where my tram companions get off to reach the Naviglio Grande which is just a stone's throw away. Beyond the station, on the other hand, is the design district of via Tortona and via Savona. The choice is yours.
The tram then continues along Via Vigevano, which is full of bars, restaurants and fashionable shops. From Via Corsico, you can reach the Naviglio Grande in just a few seconds.

Just a few more metres and then an unexpected landscape of water opens up within the city, the Docks.
Until the last century, among the most important ports in Italy, where goods of all kinds flowed through the Canals, it is now one of the most popular evening entertainment destinations, with street food stalls at every turn, music, events. And lots of people.

The perspective closes with the Bell tower of Saint Eustorgio which stands out in the background from the park of the two basilicas, a reminder of Milan's ancient heart. We have arrived at the terminus in Piazza 24 Maggio.

Tram number 10 Via Filzi stop Terminus Piazza 24 Maggio

length: 45 minutes

For information on the Milan tram network: www.atm.it

You can buy the ticket on the tram by simply tapping your credit card.