by Davide Mura
Milan is a city that can be experienced in many ways, but one of the most practical and fascinating is definitely by tram. These iconic vehicles offer a unique perspective where modernity and tradition blend in a journey suspended between past and present. In this city, trams are not just means of transport but a window into the urban fabric, revealing hidden corners, lesser-known attractions, and stories that have unfolded over centuries. Travelling by tram in Milan is not only an efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable way (a 90-minute ticket only costs €2.20, and a day pass €7.60) to get around the metropolis, but also an experience that allows you to discover the city through a different lens — one of history, monumental art, and hidden curiosities that are off the typical tourist path. Milanese trams are not just vehicles; they are witnesses to the city’s glorious past and its continuous evolution. With over 180 kilometres of track, Milan’s tram network is one of the oldest in Europe, in operation since 1876. Initially horse-drawn, today, historic wooden trams coexist with modern ones. One of the most iconic trams is the “Carrelli” model, recognisable for its wooden structure and yellow-orange colour. These vintage trams, in service since 1928, are a symbol of the city and continue to run, giving passengers the thrill of travelling through time.
The origins of Milanese trams
To discover the role trams have played in Milan, a visit to the Railway Pavilion at the Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica (Museum of Science and Technology, Via San Vittore 21) is a must. This wing of the museum chronicles the evolution of Milan’s tram network through an extensive collection of original models and historical photographs. Visitors can learn how the tram contributed to the city’s development and explore its social and cultural impact.
Milan’s attractions seen from the tram: must-take routes
Which tram lines are best for discovering some of Milan’s well-known and lesser-known attractions, even on a short visit? Here’s a guide to exploring the city by tram.
Line 1
Line 1 crosses Milan’s cultural and historical heart. Passing through Piazza della Scala, travellers can admire the renowned Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, and the statue of Leonardo da Vinci dominating the square. As the tram continues towards Corso Sempione, there’s an opportunity to glimpse the Arco della Pace, a neoclassical monument built to celebrate peace in Europe after the Napoleonic wars. The Cairoli stop, located in the heart of Milan, offers direct access to the majestic Castello Sforzesco (also reachable via Line 4) and its gardens. Line 1 also takes to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. From here, it is possible to take a break at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, hailed as the world’s most beautiful Starbucks, housed in the old Italian Post Office building, or visit Palazzo Mezzanotte, the headquarters of the Milan Stock Exchange. This area is a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Line 10
Line 10 passes through some of Milan’s most fascinating neighbourhoods, including the Navigli district (Darsena stop). One of the stops along the route is the Church of San Cristoforo on the Naviglio, a small and charming church located along the Naviglio Grande. Built in the 13th century, the church is an architectural gem with a gothic brick façade and a Romanesque bell tower. If travellers alight at Via Solari, they can take a stroll and relax at Parco Solari, with its outdoor bars perfect for an aperitivo, or explore the Tortona Design District, a true design hub with offices and showrooms frequented by creatives from around the world. The Via Bramante stop offers a gateway to the Sarpi district – Milan’s Chinatown, known for its Asian furniture shops and street food spots.
Line 12
Line 12 travels along Corso Venezia, one of Milan’s most elegant avenues. Here, travellers can reach the Indro Montanelli public gardens or the private gardens of Villa Invernizzi, home to a colony of pink flamingos. These exotic birds have become a unique curiosity for the city, visible only to those strolling or passing by on the tram. Continuing along the route, the tram passes through the Brera district, famous for its art gallery and bohemian atmosphere.
Line 19
This line takes you to a lesser-known side of Milan, the Maggiolina district, renowned for its quirky Igloo Houses. Built in the 1940s, these circular houses are an architectural rarity and represent a post-war urban planning experiment. It’s a small corner of eccentricity that few people know about but one that fascinates architecture enthusiasts.
Line 16
On this line, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Milan’s Duomo. As the tram crosses Piazza del Duomo, the majesty of the gothic cathedral unfolds before citizens and travellers. The Duomo, which began construction in 1386 and was only completed in 1965, is one of the largest churches in the world and an undisputed symbol of Milan. Admiring it from the tram is a unique experience that combines the beauty of the cathedral with the vibrancy of Milanese daily life.
Line 5
Line 5 leads to the Monumental Cemetery, an open-air museum. Inaugurated in 1866, the cemetery is home to monumental tombs, mausoleums, and sculptures created by renowned artists, paying homage to the lives of eminent figures who lived and worked in the city. Visiting the site offers the chance to discover artistic and architectural masterpieces, in a place where art and memory blend. Line 5 also stops in front of Milan’s Central Station, one of the city’s most imposing buildings. Constructed in 1931 in a monumental style, the station is an architectural marvel. The main hall, with its high ceilings and elaborate decorations, symbolises power and grandeur. Below the station, at Platform 21, is the Memorial of the Shoah, one of Milan’s most poignant historical sites. From this platform, between 1943 and 1945, hundreds of Jews and political prisoners were deported to concentration camps. The memorial is a place of reflection, offering a path to contemplate the horrors of history and the necessity of remembering, so that such atrocities are never repeated. Visiting this site, even just passing nearby on the tram, leaves a profound mark.
Dining on the ATMosfera tram
It’s also possible to dine on a tram, specifically the ATMosfera tram. Guests can savour a refined menu prepared by expert chefs while travelling through Milan’s most iconic streets. The tram departs every evening from Piazza Castello, 2 (corner of Via Luca Beltrami) and passes by all the city’s main tourist attractions, including Teatro alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Porta Nuova, Bosco Verticale, Arco della Pace, Duomo, Darsena, and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Where to stay
The new Matilde Boutique Hotel (Via Spadari, 1 – www.matildeboutiquehotel.it) reinterprets industrial style, offering guests a taste of the city’s iron tracks. The hotel is ideally located, just steps from the Duomo and Line 5. The staff provide useful tips to help tourists navigate Milan’s extensive tram network.
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