11 of the Most Beautiful Views in Milan

The Duomo is Milan’s most famous monument, with its bright white facade and numerous spires. It’s an amazing experience to walk around the roof, especially if you are afraid of heights. The Duomo’s iconic shape doesn’t appear in your background when you are on the top, so everyone will know that the photo was taken in Milan.

This is when you will need this list with the top views of Milan, many of them including the Duomo.

These places don’t all have to be high above the street. However, it usually means that you have a spectacular view. Sometimes, a stunning view can mean finding a beautiful spot to observe people.

Sometimes, you can even have both in Milan.

What are you favorite views of Milan?

La Rinascente Rooftop Terrace Cafe

The multi-storey department store La Rinascente is located right next to the Duomo. It offers the best alternative to walking on the Duomo’s roof – a rooftop terrace. The cathedral’s roof can be seen almost from the top of the table. It makes for a stunning backdrop for lunch or an aperitivo.

Piazza del Duomo

The view from the Duomo may be worth the price, even though you will have to pay for a drink or snack. You can find a restaurant or bar that overlooks the Piazza del Duomo, the most famous square in Milan. Enjoy some of the best people-watching in Milan. You can also take a picture of your cocktail with the Duomo as background. It’s very chic.

Pirelli Tower

The thin Pirelli Tower can be found near Milano Centrale’s main train station. It has a public observation deck at the 31st level. At 416 feet, it was Milan’s tallest building. The building was originally built to house the Pirelli tire manufacturing plant headquarters. However, it is no longer used by Pirelli offices and is still called “Pirellone” in Milanese.

Ristorante Giacomo Arengario

After you’ve finished appreciating art, plan your visit to Museo del Novecento (20th century art museum), to take place before dinner. The museum is open from 9 p.m. to midnight every day. It’s located right next the Duomo, so you have a second view of the iconic landmark.

Torre Velasca

Although the Velasca Tower‘s odd shape is considered a eyesore by many, it almost doesn’t matter if it’s inside you and (therefore), can’t be seen. For views of Milan’s skyline, including the Duomo, head up to the observation deck. It’s also free.

Torre Branca

The Torre Branca is another unattractive spot with stunning views, but it’s hard to overlook the ugly tower. It is a large metal structure in Parco Sempione and looks almost like a utility tower. For a few euros, you can ride the elevator up to the top and enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city. It costs less than half the price of the Duomo roof.

Boscolo Hotel Rooftop Terrace

The luxury Boscolo Hotel has a rooftop terrace that offers a beautiful view and is perfect for an aperitivo. As you enjoy the stunning view from the Duomo spires, relax on one of the comfy sofas and sip a cocktail or some appetizers. Even though it is beautiful during the day, night views are even better.

Terrazza 12 Bar

The 10th floor lounge at the Brian&Barry Building offers a 360-degree view of the city, including a close-up look at the Duomo roof. Terrazza 12 is a bar that isn’t completely outside. There is outdoor seating but large windows allow you to enjoy the view in comfort, even in cold or wet weather.

Terrazza Martini

The Terrazza Martini is located atop the Martini & Rossi headquarters. This means that you can be sure they are familiar with the drink menu. The view from the top of the Duomo is also spectacular.

Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is the perfect place to relax, people-watch, or sit back on a sunny Milan day. You can bring a blanket and a picnic to relax on the Castello Sforzesco side of the park. There is a great view to the Arco della Pace to the other side. I love watching the famously more-businessy-than-the-average-Italian Milanese at play in the park.

Duomo Roof

Although you won’t see the entire Duomo in the background if you take a photo from the cathedral’s roof it is impossible to get any closer to the spires, especially the Madonnina at its very top. You can also see the Alps if you look up on a clear day. It’s a great thrill to walk around the cathedral’s roof. You can either take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top of the church’s roof.