8 best views in Milan: Rooftops, observation decks, and more

8 best views in Milan: Rooftops, observation decks, and more

Soak in stunning views of the Milan skyline from iconic spots like the Duomo Terraces, Branca Tower, and more.

Milan, a city of style and sophistication, offers more than fashion and art. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the city is home to breathtaking viewpoints that showcase its skyline dotted with skyscrapers and historic architecture. From the lush Parco Sempione to the vibrant Navigli District, here are the eight best views in Milan to add to your itinerary. Even if you only have 48 hours in Milan, plenty of unique viewpoints exist to explore and elevate your experience of Italy’s cultural capital.

Where to get the best views in Milan

Best observation deck in Milan: Duomo Terraces

Best free views in Milan: The Belvedere in the Lombardy Building

Best park with a view in Milan: Parco Sempione

Best rooftop and observation deck views in Milan

photo: AleksandarGeorgiev

Gothic spires and statues of Milan Cathedral's rooftop terrace frame Milan's historic center and modern skyline.

1. The Duomo Terraces

Milan Cathedral (the Duomo), Europe’s largest cathedral, took over six centuries to complete. This 108-meter-tall Gothic masterpiece offers a unique rooftop walk, where you can admire the golden Madonnina, the city’s guardian since 1774, along with countless statues and ornate spires. On clear days, you can even glimpse the silhouette of the Alps, providing some of the best views in Milan.

Highlights

  • The Central Terrace is the highest point, with impressive angles at every turn, making it one of the best Milan photography spots.
  • Admire the gilded Madonnina statue perched atop the highest spire.

Address and opening hours

P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano. Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

photo: ewg3D

You can see Milan Cathedral in all its glory from the Rinascente rooftop.

2. La Rinascente Rooftop

For a different perspective of the cathedral, head to La Rinascente Rooftop, a luxurious department store and a shopping haven in Milan. On the 7th floor, you can indulge in gourmet dishes while enjoying close-up views of the Duomo in all its glory. Shop the Food Hall or sip a Negroni or Spritz with the cathedral’s majestic spires as your backdrop.

Insider tip

For refined pizza with an elegant view (and fewer people), book a weekday lunch at the rooftop’s Obicà Mozzarella Bar.

Address and opening hours

P.za del Duomo, 20121 Milano. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-12:00 AM; Sunday and holidays, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM.

photo: Fred Romero

Rising 108 meters into Milan's skyline, the industrial Branca Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the distant Alps.

3. Branca Tower (Torre Branca)

Built-in 1933, the steel-framed Branca Tower may not be Milan’s prettiest building, but it has one of the best observation decks. A quick elevator ride to the top grants you unobstructed panoramic views of the Milan skyline and beyond, making it one of the city’s unmissable landmarks.

Insider tip

Don’t forget your camera for stunning shots of the city’s landmarks, visit at sunset for a breathtaking view of Milan bathed in golden light.

Address and opening hours

Viale Luigi Camoens, 2, 20121 Milano. Open Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM, 2:30 PM-7:00 PM, 8:30 PM-12:00 AM. Sunday, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM, 2:30 PM-7:00 PM. Hours may vary by season.

photo: Ricardo Gomez Angel

This modern wing of the Prado Museum brings natural light and space to one of Europe's finest art collections.

4. Prada Museum

Visit Fondazione Prada for its chic interiors, contemporary art, cinema, and library, but stay for the breathtaking views that captivate. Head to the Torre, where innovative cuisine meets panoramic views of Milan’s skyline, offering a perfect blend of art, culture, and romance.

Highlights

Address and opening hours

Prada Museum: L.go Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano. Exhibitions are open Wednesday-Monday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; closed Tuesday.

Torre Restaurant: Via Giovanni Lorenzini, 14, 20139 Milano. Open Wednesday-Friday, 6:00 PM-12:00 AM; Saturday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:00 AM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Best free views in Milan

photo: Fcarbonara

The views walking through the Lombardy skyscraper make just as great a photography spot as the views from the observation tower.

5. The Belvedere in the Lombardy Building (Palazzo Lombardia)

Soar to Milan’s highest public viewpoint at the Belvedere, perched 161 meters above the city streets on the 39th floor of Palazzo Lombardia. This sleek skyscraper's observation deck delivers spectacular 360-degree views that stretch from the Alps to the Apennines on clear days. Best of all? It’s free to visit on select Sundays.

Insider tip

Since reservations are required and it can get busy, checking the Belvedere schedule online before visiting is crucial.

Address and opening hours

Piazza Città di Lombardia, 20124 Milano. Open select days, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

photo: Mike Peel

Dine with a view at the Palazzo dell'Arte's rooftop restaurant, situated in the contemporary modern glass rooftop of this historic 1930s building.

6. Terrazza Triennale

Situated atop Milan’s design museum in the lush Parco Sempione, La Triennale di Milano serves up postcard-perfect views of Sforza Castle and Branca Tower rising above the park’s green canopy. While the terrace is free to visit, the stylish rooftop bar makes a perfect spot for an aperitivo with a view.

Best time to go

Visit the terrace at noon to capture photos before the crowd arrives.

Address and opening hours

Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121 Milano. Open daily, 12:00 PM-3:00 PM, 5:00 PM-1:00 AM.

photo: Claudia Salini

Milan's Arco della Pace stands as the city's answer to Paris's Arc de Triomphe. This impresssive neoclassical historical monument has great views and is a site to see alone.

7. Arco della Pace

Napoleon’s commission stands at Parco Sempione's northern gateway, where the majestic Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) frames picture-perfect views of Sforza Castle. This neoclassical masterpiece mirrors Paris' Arc de Triomphe but offers a uniquely Milanese perspective on history and architecture.

Insider tip

Position yourself along the tramway behind the arch for a symmetrical shot that captures both monuments in one frame - the arch’s elegant curves lead your eye directly to the castle’s medieval towers.

Address and opening hours

Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano. Open 24 hours.

photo: Emmanuel Cassar

Enjoy the views of the buzzing Navigli district from a canal-side restaurant at sunset while sipping an Aperol Spritz.

8. Naviglio Grande

Milan’s vibrant Navigli District comprises a series of canals, the oldest and largest of which is the Naviglio Grande. Enjoy the area’s charm by strolling along the canal, stopping for an aperitivo at one of its many bars, or unwinding with a scenic boat cruise on the water.

Best time to go

Come at sunset for the best lighting, and plan to stay for the evening. Navigli is a favorite area to enjoy Milan at night.

FAQs

Where are the best views in Milan?

The best views in Milan can be found at the top of the grandiose Milan Cathedral (the Duomo Terraces), the Branca Tower in Parco Sempione, and in the heart of the Navigli District. All provide a unique perspective of the city.

Where is the best view of the Milan Cathedral?

Head to Piazza del Duomo for free views or get an even more stunning view atop the cathedral itself. You can also head next door to La Rinascente’s rooftop for more striking perspectives.

Where are the best free views of Milan?

Free options include Parco Sempione’s Arco della Pace and Terrazza Triennale. On select days, the Belvedere observation deck at Palazzo Lombardia also opens its doors for free.

Where’s the best place to see the sunset in Milan?

Enjoy sunset views from La Rinascente’s rooftop, the Belvedere at Palazzo Lombardia, or at Arco della Pace.

What’s the best place to get a view of Milan at night?

The Navigli District offers the perfect mix of scenic views and fun things to do in Milan. As a top nightlife hub, it offers vibrant energy alongside picturesque views of the historic canals.

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