Citylife

CityLife Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Comprehensive Tourist Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Why Visit CityLife Milan?

CityLife Milan is a showcase of Milan’s innovative spirit, where cutting-edge architecture, vast green spaces, and urban vibrancy converge on the historic grounds of the former Fiera Campionaria. This ambitious redevelopment stands as one of Europe’s most significant urban renewal projects, transforming a mono-functional trade fair site into a dynamic district celebrated for its sustainability, design, and cultural vitality. With its iconic “Tre Torri” (Three Towers), sprawling park, and lively shopping and dining scenes, CityLife offers an essential Milanese experience that beautifully bridges past and future (1000 Miglia, Domus, WikiArquitectura).

Historical Background
Urban Vision & Planning
Architectural Highlights
- The Three Towers
- Residential Complexes & CityWave
CityLife Park & Green Infrastructure
Sustainability & Innovation
Visitor Information
Nearby Historical Sites
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Background

From Trade Fair Grounds to Urban Landmark

CityLife Milan sits on land that was once the Fiera Campionaria, Milan’s premier exhibition center from 1920 to the early 2000s. The area hosted international fairs and was a symbol of Milan’s economic prowess. By the new millennium, the site had become outdated, and the trade fair relocated, leaving an unprecedented opportunity for large-scale urban regeneration within the city’s core (1000 Miglia, WikiArquitectura).

In 2005, an international competition awarded the CityLife redevelopment project to a consortium including Generali Real Estate and Allianz. The vision: transform more than 360,000 m² into a mixed-use, green, and accessible district.

Urban Vision & Planning

The CityLife masterplan emphasizes four pillars:

Architectural Excellence: Featuring world-class architects and innovative design.
Environmental Quality: Over 50% of the area is dedicated to green spaces.
Urban Integration: Opening the formerly closed-off site to surrounding neighborhoods with pedestrian and cyclist-prioritized infrastructure.
Phased Implementation: Ensuring sustainable, community-focused development (WikiArquitectura, Domus).

Architectural Highlights

The Three Towers

The district’s skyline is defined by the “Tre Torri,” each a distinctive landmark:

Allianz Tower (“Il Dritto”) by Arata Isozaki & Andrea Maffei: At 209 meters, it’s the tallest building in Milan, referencing infinite continuity in its modular design.
Generali Tower (“Lo Storto”) by Zaha Hadid: This 177-meter skyscraper features a fluid, spiraling twist, exemplifying dynamic movement.
PwC Tower (“Il Curvo”) by Daniel Libeskind: Its 175-meter curved form interacts with light and urban context, symbolizing dialogue and innovation (WikiArquitectura, Domus).

The towers cluster around Piazza Tre Torri, forming a unique urban composition visible throughout Milan.

Residential Complexes & CityWave

Hadid and Libeskind Residences: Luxury condominiums with flowing lines, glass façades, and lush landscaping, offering a contemporary take on Milanese living (YesMilano).
CityWave by Bjarke Ingels Group: A “lying skyscraper” with two elongated structures joined by a sweeping glass portico, set for completion in 2025, further enhancing CityLife’s architectural diversity (Domus, archdaily.com).

CityLife Park & Green Infrastructure

CityLife Park, at approximately 170,000 m², is the largest new green space in Milan since the 19th century (wikipedia.org). Designed by Gustafson Porter and collaborators, it features:

Natural Diversity: Landscapes inspired by the Lombard plains and Alps, supporting rich biodiversity.
Active Recreation: Walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and lawns for sports or picnics.
Art Integration: The ArtLine public art program brings contemporary sculptures and installations, especially during Milano Art Week (YesMilano).

Sustainability & Innovation

Sustainability is central to CityLife’s ethos:

Green Spaces: Over half the district is dedicated to parks and gardens.
Smart Urban Design: Car-free surface zones, underground parking for 7,000 vehicles, and extensive pedestrian and cycle paths (wikipedia.org).
Energy Efficiency: Buildings achieve LEED™ GOLD standards, utilize groundwater heat pumps, district heating, and photovoltaic systems (manens.com).
SmartCityLife App: Provides real-time info on events and services for residents and tourists (1000 Miglia).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Tickets

CityLife Park: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Shops: Typically open from 9:00/10:00 to 20:00/21:00.
Restaurants: Open every day from 9:00 to 23:00.
Tickets: Entry to the district, park, and most public spaces is free. Tickets are required for specific venues (cinema, guided tours) and can be booked online (CityLife Shopping District).

Getting There & Accessibility

Metro: M5 (Tre Torri station) places you at CityLife’s heart. M1 (Amendola, Domodossola) is also nearby.
Tram/Bus: Tram 19, Bus 68, and others serve the area.
By Car: Underground parking is accessible from Piazzale Arduino and Viale Boezio (first two hours free with store validation).
Cycling: BikeMi stations nearby, and extensive bike paths are available.
Accessibility: The district is wheelchair-friendly, with smooth paths, elevators, and accessible restrooms (adigrat.it).

Amenities & Events

Shopping: Over 100 stores, including Italian and international brands.
Dining: A range of casual and gourmet options, plus cafés and bars.
Entertainment: CityLife Anteo Cinema, events, and open-air markets.
Family Facilities: Playgrounds, baby-changing stations, stroller-friendly paths.
Public Wi-Fi: Free throughout shopping areas.

Nearby Historical Sites

Enhance your CityLife visit by exploring nearby Milanese landmarks:

Sforza Castle
Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
Brera District
Parco Sempione

All are easily accessible via public transit from CityLife (Domus).

Practical Tips

Tickets: Use integrated metro/tram/bus tickets (€2.20 for 90 minutes; day passes available).
Best Times to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. Weekdays are quieter.
Events: Check the official CityLife website and @SmartCityLifeMilano for updates.
Safety: The area is well-lit and patrolled. Standard city precautions apply.
Language: English is widely spoken, but basic Italian is appreciated.
Luggage Storage: Available at nearby train/metro stations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is CityLife Park free to enter?
Yes, entry is free for all visitors.

What are the opening hours for CityLife?
Park: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Shops: 9:00/10:00 – 20:00/21:00. Restaurants: 9:00 – 23:00.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome but must be leashed.

Is CityLife accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.

Are there guided tours?
Yes, focusing on architecture and design. Book in advance via the official website.

How do I get there by public transport?
Take Metro M5 to Tre Torri, or use tram/bus connections.

Is the area safe?
Yes, CityLife is considered one of Milan’s safest districts.

Conclusion

CityLife Milan exemplifies the city’s capacity for reinvention—melding heritage with innovation, sustainability with style. From the striking Tre Torri and lush CityLife Park to vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural events, it offers a multifaceted experience for every visitor. As a model of modern urban development, CityLife stands not only as a Milanese icon but also as a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow. Plan your visit for a unique blend of architecture, leisure, and culture, and make the most of Milan’s contemporary spirit.