3 Secret Spots in Milan You Can Best Explore On Two Wheels 

Milan, the fashion capital, is experiencing a renaissance in tourism. Italy has currently outdone France with a record-high 458.4 million overnight stays. 

Statista records that a single month (September 2024, to be precise) witnessed 14.6 million tourist arrivals across Italy’s various accommodations. Tourists are not only accessing Milan’s public transport but also renting two-wheelers to explore the city’s nooks and crannies. 

It turns out that some spots in Milan yield their beauty in dazzling detail only when explored using a two-wheeler. This article discusses three such hidden gems that you need to check out. 

You can use a bicycle, but it’s better to get a motorcycle or scooter. Such two-wheelers will make each location more accessible from the others.

Via Lincoln: Milan’s Rainbow Street 

If you wish to see a Wes Anderson film come to life, Via Lincoln in Milan is your best spot to visit. Tucked away in the Porta Vittoria district, this narrow residential street is lined with colorful houses on both sides.

You can find houses painted in vibrant shades of chrome yellow, pleasant turquoise, and even bright pink. Nicknamed the Milanese Burano, this spot was featured among the most colorful places to visit in Milan. 

What’s even better is the fact that every home is framed by creeping vines and potted plants with colorful flowers. Via Lincoln is a humble and whimsical contrast when compared to the grandiose architecture characteristic of the city. 

The street that runs through the middle of the houses was developed in the late 19th century. Who would have thought at the time that an experimental garden suburb would turn into a photo-worthy lane a century later? 

However, few tourists get to experience this place in all its glory due to its discreet location. The lane is too narrow for cars to pass through. You can explore Via Lincoln best on a motorcycle or scooter. 

Enjoy the beautiful sensory break from Milan’s heavily populated areas. You can easily pause along the side of the lane to snap a couple of pictures without obstructing anyone.  

Via Bagnera: Milan’s Shortest and Darkest Street 

In the historical heart of Milan, there sits the eerily narrow and short street of Via Bagnera. It is a blink-and-you-miss-it alley that stretches only about 50 meters. 

At first glance, it will appear to be a forgotten street squeezed between tall, ancient buildings. The colossal edifices tend to block out natural light, which keeps Via Bagnera dark even in the middle of the day. 

Many visitors describe feeling a chilling sensation while there, which adds to the allure of this spot. It’s not recommended to visit Via Bagnera in a car since the connecting lanes are also pretty narrow. 

Moreover, remember that this is a ride-to spot, not a ride-through example. In other words, you can ride your two-wheeler up to the street, then park it nearby to explore the stretch. Many tourists using navigation apps do not realize they’re entering a restricted zone. 

This either leads to hefty fines or, worse yet, an accident liability in the dark alley. Given the pedestrian traffic and restrictions, most people walking in the alley do not expect to encounter two-wheelers. 

If an accident happens, you could be in big trouble. The Italian law is based on presumed fault, which means it’s assumed that the rider is at fault (especially when a pedestrian is involved). 

This is different from the law of places like Colorado Springs in the US, where the state’s comparative fault rule applies. According to the Springs Law Group, the court here will determine negligence by calculating the percentage of fault for each party involved.

Since this holds even for restricted or pedestrian-priority areas, a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer can help victims navigate the legal challenges. However, Milan’s legal recourse is far less flexible. This means there is no room for any lapses in judgment (especially on streets like Via Bagnera). 

Cascina Cuccagna: A Rural Oasis in the City 

Would you believe if someone shared that amid Milan’s urban sprawl, there lies a rural oasis? Welcome to Cascina Cuccagna, which feels like a secret from another era. Located in the Quinto Romano district, this peaceful agricultural site seems to be untouched by time. 

A lot of tourists explore this place so they can trade urban noise for bird songs and concrete buildings for open fields. Also, there’s an educational aspect to this spot. Time Out shares that one can find classes on many things, from yoga to carpentry and sustainability initiatives. 

While driving a car to Cascina Cuccagna is possible, it’s not practical. Moreover, Milan’s metro is not that well connected to reach Cascina Cuccagna. In most cases, you will have to walk nearly an hour from the station since even buses are sparse around this area. 

Furthermore, roads to this location are unmarked rural lanes that narrow progressively. You will not be able to discover Cuccagna in its full splendor if you travel by car. 

A two-wheeler will help you access the old canal routes, coast past sleepy intersections, and even stop right next to the farmstead. While here, you get a different taste of Milan, one that is far detached from its reputation as the fashion capital. 

At Milan’s rural oasis, be ready to discover: 

• Rustic barns, which are still used by local farmers 
• Seasonal produce markets and the occasional weekend fair 
• Expansive wheat fields and breathtaking views of cows peacefully grazing 

In all truth, a lot of Milan’s tourist attractions are accessible via a two-wheeler or on foot. This shouldn’t come as a surprise for a city that was ranked as the most walkable in the world. 

Exploring Milan’s hidden gems on two wheels becomes an adventure that blends the city’s rich history with modern vibrancy. Since Milan’s Metro Line 4 is expanding, even cyclists can navigate the city more easily. So, are you ready to get a unique perspective and an immersive experience on two wheels?