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In short
- CityLife is Milan's modern district: three landmark towers, a large park and one of Italy's biggest urban shopping centres.
- It's on the lilac M5 (Tre Torri), next to Fiera Milano City and Allianz MiCo.
- Portello, right next door, is quieter and more residential, with supermarkets and the M1 at Lotto.
CityLife is the newest face of Milan: glass towers, wide lawns, cycle paths and a shopping district that’s busy at weekends. It’s also one of the most convenient bases for work and fairs. Here’s what to know about the area, and why staying just next to it can be even better.
What CityLife is
Built on the site of the old trade fair grounds, CityLife combines offices, homes and green space:
- The Three Towers: three skyscrapers by Arata Isozaki, Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind, nicknamed “the straight one”, “the twisted one” and “the curved one”.
- CityLife Park: one of the city’s largest parks, with lawns, playgrounds and paths.
- CityLife Shopping District: shops, restaurants and a cinema at the foot of the towers.
- Allianz MiCo, one of Europe’s largest congress centres, right next door.
How it’s connected
CityLife has its own metro station, Tre Torri, on the lilac M5. From here you reach Porta Garibaldi in about 10 minutes and San Siro in about 12. For the Duomo, the red M1 from Lotto or Amendola is the fastest route.
CityLife or next door?
Inside CityLife there are few places to stay and they’re expensive. In the evening, once the offices close, the shopping area gets quiet.
The neighbouring districts give you the same advantages with a more lived-in feel:
- Portello: residential and quiet, with supermarkets, cafés and the Portello shopping centre, with Lotto (M1 and M5) one metro stop away.
- Amendola and Buonarroti: elegant, on the M1, but pricier.
- Sempione: lots of restaurants, a bit further away.
Who it’s ideal for
- Business travellers working in the towers or at Allianz MiCo.
- Trade-fair visitors at Fiera Milano City, and at Rho Fiera via the M1.
- Couples who want green space and modern Milan, with the centre 15 minutes away.
- Families and pet owners who appreciate the park.
Teodorico Apartments Milano, next to CityLife
Our one-bedroom apartment at Viale Teodorico 7 is in Portello, a short walk from CityLife park and about 20 minutes on foot from the towers. You get:
- a quiet bedroom facing the inner garden;
- a full kitchen, fibre Wi-Fi and 24h self check-in;
- private courtyard parking at €15 per day, rare in this area;
- Portello (M5) about 10 minutes on foot, one stop from Lotto (M1).
Coming for an event? See our page on the apartment near Fiera Milano City.
Read also: CityLife and Portello with kids: parks and family ideas · Portello, Milan: what to see and do in the neighbourhood
Frequently asked questions
How far is Teodorico Apartments Milano from CityLife?
It's a short walk to the CityLife park and about 20 minutes on foot to the Three Towers and the shopping district.
Is CityLife a good area for tourists?
Yes, if you like modern architecture and green space. The historic centre is 15-20 minutes away by metro.
