The 9 best gardens in Milan for a perfect escape

Beyond shopping at fashion houses and seeing Gothic cathedrals, visiting mesmerizing gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Milan. From Renaissance vineyards once tended by Leonardo da Vinci to the man-made Monte Stella, these green spaces will show you a different side of Italy’s second-largest city.

When searching for things to do in Milan, taking a break from the city in one of these parks is a fantastic way to recharge amidst blooming flowers and shady trees. Whether you take a leisurely walk through Parco Nord or a relaxing picnic break at Boscoincittà, the best gardens in Milan are sure to delight.

1. Parco Sempione

Best garden in central Milan

The grounds of Parco Sempione cover 95 acres (38.6 hectares) in central Milan, connecting Sforza Castle with the Arch of Peace. As you enter, you’ll find old plane trees creating cooling shade over the garden’s winding paths that take you to decorative ponds. This English-style landscape garden gives you scenic views of architectural masterpieces and Milan’s skyline through strategically placed clearings. The park’s gentle hills and open lawns make it perfect for families looking for a green break from the city streets.

Address

20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:30 AM–9:00 PM

2. Brera Botanical Garden

A hidden scientific treasure in Milan’s art district

Right in the middle of Milan’s artsy Brera District, the Brera Botanical Garden is a pocket of biodiversity amidst art galleries and museums. Founded in 1774, this garden has over 300 plant species in a meticulously organized space. You’ll find medicinal plants in geometric beds and a 19th-century greenhouse with tropical plants. It’s the perfect place for outdoors enthusiasts looking to add some nature to their Milan itinerary.

Address

Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM from November to March

Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM from April to October

3. Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli

Best garden for families and culture

The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli is Milan’s oldest public park, established in 1784. It features a neoclassical design with curved pathways and gentle slopes to create a calming atmosphere. As you walk under its plane trees, you’ll find small ponds and two museums: the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium. This makes it a great option for families and anyone interested in seeing some of Milan’s best museums.

Address

Via Palestro, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM–midnight from April to September

Open daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM from October to March

4. Boscoincittà

Best garden for wilderness enthusiasts

Green wilderness extends through 270 acres (110 hectares) of reclaimed agricultural land at Boscoincittà. This urban forest on Milan’s western edge combines woodland areas and community vegetable plots within a carefully managed ecosystem. You’ll find small lakes connected by irrigation channels where ducks paddle quietly and shaded paths wind between native oak and maple trees that have been there since the 1970s.

Address

Via Novara, 390, 20153 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:30 AM–7:00 PM (hours can vary seasonally)

5. Leonardo’s Vineyard

Best garden for history

Hidden behind Casa degli Atellani lies Leonardo’s Vineyard, which was gifted to Leonardo da Vinci by Duke Ludovico Sforza in 1498. This intimate garden has rows of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, which is the same grape variety that Leonardo cultivated right here. You’ll walk the same paths where this genius came up with many of his ideas while tending to his vines in what is now one of the most famous gardens in Milan.

Address

Corso Magenta, 65, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

6. Monte Stella

Best garden for city views

The artificial hill of Monte Stella rises 150 feet (45 meters) above the surrounding landscape right next to San Siro Stadium. This unique park in Milan was created from the rubble of buildings bombed during World War II and now has exceptional panoramic views of the city and beyond. On clear days, you may even get a glimpse of the distant Alps!

Address

20148 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Parco Nord

Best garden for recreation

A green lung stretches across Milan’s northern periphery, turning this former industrial zone into Parco Nord’s thriving ecosystems. Native oak forests alternate with open meadows and artificial lakes, creating diverse habitats across 1,400 acres (600 hectares) of land. Cyclists and weekend joggers love the extensive network of paved and unpaved trails across the park, making it one of the best gardens in Milan for those looking to break a sweat.

Address

Via Gian Carlo Clerici, 150, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni MI, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Parco Forlanini

Best garden for plane spotters

Just east of central Milan lies the sprawling green space of Parco Forlanini, adjacent to Linate Airport. This park combines open lawns and a large artificial lake across its 235 acres (95 hectares). Aviation enthusiasts will be captivated by the unique opportunity to watch and photograph aircraft taking off from Milan’s regional airport as it shuttles passengers throughout Europe.

Address

Via Cavriana, 20134 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

9. Parco Lambro

Best riverside garden

The banks of the Lambro River host Parco Lambro, one of the best places to relax by the water in Milan since the 1930s. Couples and people looking for a serene place to meditate love finding solace in the more secluded northern sections, while southern areas buzz with picnicking families and casual soccer games on the weekends.

Address

20134 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours