Around Milan: Exploring the Sempione/Arena district

Renowned for its stunning park, Sempione/Arena is a lively residential area in the heart of Milan and one of the city's most popular districts, thanks to its wide selection of bars and restaurants, as well as its numerous historical and cultural attractions.

Sempione/Arena is a residential neighbourhood with plenty to see and do, a corner of Milan that still carries the imprint of its Napoleonic past, reflecting the era when French influence helped shape the district’s character.

Today, it is one of the most sought-after areas for those seeking to buy a house in Milan. It combines the convenience of a central location with the greenery of Parco Sempione, a vast natural oasis ideal for sports and relaxation.

The surrounding areas are just as captivating: to the east you’ll find the distinctive Via Paolo Sarpi, the heart of Chinatown, and the elegant Moscova quarter; to the west, the futuristic CityLife with its vibrant shopping district.

History and fun facts

At the heart of the Sempione/Arena district lies Corso Sempione, a grand tree-lined avenue inaugurated in 1801. According to Napoleon’s plans, this was meant to be the first stretch of a monumental axis connecting to Paris.

Five years later, in 1806, a triumphal arch—the future Arco della Pace—rose at the start of the Corso to celebrate the wedding of Eugène de Beauharnais, the Viceroy of Italy and Napoleon's adopted son. The Arena Civica was inaugurated the following year, commissioned by Napoleon to host events and grand public celebrations.

The district’s current green and residential atmosphere is the result of the city’s first major urban plan, developed by engineer Cesare Beruto (1884–1889). This intervention ushered Milan into modernity and defined the boundaries of what would become Parco Sempione between 1890 and 1893.

What to see in the Sempione/Arena neighbourhood

Parco Sempione is the undisputed highlight of the neighborhood. Covering 386,000 square meters just behind the Sforza Castle, this beautiful park is Milan’s green heart. The grounds are home to numerous historic and cultural landmarks, including the Triennale di Milano, the Civic Aquarium, the Branca Tower with its panoramic deck, and the Palazzina Appiani, a true gem of Neoclassical architecture.

The park also hosts the Arena Civica, an impressive structure commissioned by Napoleon to evoke the atmosphere of Roman amphitheaters. It opened in 1807 with a spectacular staged naval battle and remains the oldest multi-purpose sports venue in Italy. It was here that Italy’s national football team played their very first match in 1910!

A short stroll away lies Piazza Sempione, the beating heart of Milan’s social scene, watched over by the Arco della Pace, one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. The neighborhood bustles with venues that light up at dusk, yet it still guards quiet treasures such as the Basilica del Corpus Domini, whose rough, unfinished exterior hides a beautiful ornate interior.

Finally, just steps from the square, you can see the historic Rai production center designed by Gio Ponti in 1939. This is where Italian television was born in 1952.

Take note of these addresses

Milan’s Sempione/Arena district is home to great food spots. Highlights include the seafood at Da Gino il Bonaparte, starred dining from Chef Cerveni at Terrazza Triennale-Osteria con Vista, and authentic Argentine flavours at El Porteño Arena. Additionally, just steps from the Arena, Cantina del Giannone serves traditional dishes with a modern twist.

For an aperitivo, Giangol has excellent cocktails and an outdoor space with views of the Arco della Pace. And for nature lovers, there’s Cascina Nascosta, a charming spot right in the park that evokes the calm of the countryside right in the middle of the city.

The neighborhood offers some interesting shopping spots. Highlights include the curated fashion and decor at Orangorilla, Restelli’s artisanal gloves, and the jewelry at Techne. Additionally, the Via Fauchè market is renowned throughout the city for its stalls selling designer goods and gourmet treats.

Transportation

This neighborhood is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach key parts of the city. Several metro stations are within easy walking distance: Gerusalemme and Domodossola on the M5 Lilac Line, and Lanza and Moscova on the M2 Green Line.

Ground transport includes buses 57 and 43 and trams 10, 12, and 14. And for nostalgic buffs, the historic Line 1, which still utilizes 1920s streetcars, also serves the area.

The real estate market in Milan's Sempione/Arena area

Sempione/Arena is a primarily residential area, complemented by is a vibrant network of local shops, bars, and restaurants that make it an extremely attractive area.

Streets here feature a mix of elegant modern apartment buildings and historic structures, alongside icons of Milanese architecture. Notable among them are Casa Rustici, a masterpiece of Rationalism by Terragni and Lingeri (1933–1935), and the famous INA Skyscraper, designed by Piero Bottoni (1953–1958).