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You know that feeling, when you go up high and the city spreads out below you like an incredibly detailed model? Milan, with its hustle and bustle and understated elegance, seen from above gives unexpected emotions. It is not just a matter of “seeing it all,” but of grasping the soul of the metropolis, the dialogue between the ancient and the modern, between the Gothic spires and the new skyscrapers that continually reshape the city’s skyline.
Forget the traffic and the crowds for a moment: today we take you up, into the clouds, where the air is different and the perspective changes dramatically. Are you ready to discover the beautiful places in Milan from a vantage point? Here they are!
Milan Cathedral
You can’t talk about Milan as seen from above without starting with its beating heart: the Terraces of the Duomo, which cover an area of 8,000 sq. m. Climbing up here is an almost mystical experience. You will find yourself strolling among spires, statues and rampant arches, with the Madonnina standing vigil not far away. The 360-degree view encompasses the entire square below, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and, on a clear day, your gaze sweeps as far as the Alps. A true belvedere over history and architecture, a must to understand Milan from above.
What you can see: Piazza Duomo, Galleria, historic and modern skyline.
Cost: Access to the terraces has a variable cost (indicatively 16-32€) depending on whether you choose the stairs or the elevator, and whether you add other tourist attractions to your ticket. Always check the official website for updated rates and schedules.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122, Milan.
Branca Tower
Torre Branca is located in the beautiful Sempione Park. It was designed in 1932 by Gio Ponti and today is considered a true work of art. Erected for the V Triennale (1933), it was built in just two months. Torre Branca reaches a height of 108.60 m, and its extraordinary belvedere allows visitors to admire Milan from above. Visits can be booked online at the Branca Museum website.
What you can see: Sempione Park, Castello Sforzesco, Arco della Pace, Porta Nuova skyline.
Cost: The ticket for the ascent costs €6. On Wednesdays it is free for school groups and retirees.
Address: Viale Luigi Camoens, 2, 20121, Milan.
Lombardy Palace
Palazzo Lombardia, headquarters of the Lombardy Region, is a modern architectural complex that offers a treat: the Belvedere on the 39th floor. It is not always accessible, but it is usually open to the public for free on specific days (often Sundays, but it is best to check on the official Regione Lombardia website). From up there, the city from above takes on a futuristic look, dominated by Milan’s new skyscrapers. A great option to see Milan from above for free. A fast elevator will take you up to a height of 160 meters and you can take some unique photos. From here you can also see the mountains of the Alps.
What you can see: Porta Nuova skyline, Central Station, Pirellone, sweeping views of the modern city.
Cost: Free during special opening days, such as during the Salone del Mobile. We recommend checking the Regione Lombardia website for the updated calendar.
Address: Piazza Città di Lombardia, 1, 20124 Milan.
Highline Galleria – Rooftop of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Want a truly unique experience? The Highline Galleria allows you to literally walk on the roofs of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the “living room” of Milan. We also recommended it as an exclusive place from which to see a beautiful sunset in the city. The route offers unprecedented views of the iron and glass structure of the Galleria itself and a privileged view of Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala. Admiring Milan Cathedral from above from this side perspective is particularly fascinating, as is watching the towers of Milan pop up on the horizon.
What you can see: Galleria rooftops, Piazza Duomo, Duomo spires, Piazza della Scala, surrounding skyline.
Cost: The full ticket costs €13.50 but there is the Highline SUNSET PROMO that allows you to do a rooftop climb of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for €7.50. Check the official website for promotions, times and special events.
Museum of the Twentieth Century
On the top floor of the Museo del Novecento, housed in the Arengario in Piazza Duomo, a large stained-glass window offers a frontal and spectacular perspective on the Cathedral. You may not be very tall, but the location is so iconic and direct that it gives one of the most photographed views of Milan Cathedral from above (or almost!). It’s a way to combine a visit to a major modern art museum with a privileged look at the city’s symbol. One of Milan’s most cultural vantage points.
What you can see: Frontal and close-up views of the Duomo and Piazza Duomo.
Cost: Entrance ticket to the Museo del Novecento is required (full €5, check rates and reductions on the museum’s website).
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 20123 Milan.
Triennale Terrace
Located on the roof of the Palazzo dell’Arte, home of the Milan Triennale, this terrace houses the Terrazza Triennale Restaurant. In addition to eating, you can have a nice aperitif or an after-dinner drink here: the space offers a beautiful Milan view from above, with the greenery of Parco Sempione in the foreground and the Milan skyline silhouetted in the background, including the Three Towers of CityLife and the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova. A perfect combination of culture, design and cityscape.
What you can see: Sempione Park, Castello Sforzesco, CityLife skyline and Porta Nuova.
Cost: Access to the terrace is usually linked to consumption at the restaurant or entrance to the museum. Check the conditions of access on the Triennale website.
Address: Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121 Milan.
Prada Foundation (Tower)
Inside the Fondazione Prada complex, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is the Tower. On the top floor it houses a restaurant and bar from which there is an unusual and fascinating view of the southern part of Milan and the skyline in the distance. It is a way to combine an interest in contemporary art and architecture with the discovery of a Milan seen from above from a less central but very striking perspective, which includes several of Milan’s tall buildings in transformation.
What you can see: Panorama of southern Milan, skyline in the distance, Foundation complex.
Cost: Access tied to bar/restaurant consumption or Prada Foundation entrance fee. We recommend you check modalities and costs on the official website.
Address: Via Giovanni Lorenzini, 14, 20139 Milan.
Radio Rooftop Bar
Located on the top floor of Hotel ME Milan Il Duca, near Piazza della Repubblica and Porta Nuova, this rooftop bar offers spectacular views of Milan’s most modern skyscrapers. It is a sophisticated spot, perfect for admiring the illuminated Milan skyline, making it a great choice for viewing Milan from above at night. The perspective on the new skyscrapers is truly impressive.
What you can see: Porta Nuova skyline (Bosco Verticale, Unicredit Tower, etc.), Central Station.
Cost: Cost of consumption (cocktails from about €18-25). Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Dress code often required.
Monte Stella
Known to the Milanese as “La Montagnetta di San Siro,” Monte Stella is an artificial hill created from the rubble of World War II. It is one of the quintessential beautiful places in Milan if you are looking for a panoramic view surrounded by greenery and totally free. From its top (about 50 meters), there is a wide panorama of the city, ranging from the San Siro stadium to the center and the tallest buildings in Milan. Perfect for a picnic with a view or to see Milan from above for free.
What you can see: Wide views of the city, San Siro area, skyline in the distance.
Cost: Free. Free access during park opening hours.
Address: Via Enrico Terzaghi, 20148 Milan.
Unicredit Tower
We could not fail to mention the queen of Milan’s skyline, the Unicredit Tower, across from the Library of Trees Park. As the tallest skyscraper in Italy (spire included!), it dominates the view from many terraces in Milan, especially over Porta Nuova. However, going up to enjoy Milan seen from above from here is a rare privilege, not accessible to the public except for very special events (FAI days, openings, etc.). Admiring it from Piazza Gae Aulenti or the other vantage points is a sight that defines modern Milan.
What you can see: The tower itself dominates the Porta Nuova skyline (visible from many vantage points); from Piazza Gae Aulenti you can admire its imposing architecture and the modern square. The view from the top is of course breathtaking over the entire city.
Cost: There is no standard tourist ticket, as access is generally not allowed to the public. Any special openings have modalities and costs (or free) are to be checked on the Unicredit website.
Address: Piazza Gae Aulenti, 3, 20154, Milan.