9 of the Best Views in Milan and Where To Find Them

The panoramic Branca Tower, tucked into Sempione Park, was built at the request of Benito Mussolini, who wanted a structure to rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris. At the time, there was a rule that no building in Milan could be taller than the Madonnina statue atop Milan Cathedral, so the tower was limited in height to 356 feet (108 meters). While it is no longer among the very tallest buildings in the city, it remains a prime spot for Milan panoramic views; ascend via its elevator, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Alps, Apennines, and Po Valley.

Milan Cathedral—known as the Duomo in Italian—is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Its marathon construction spanned centuries, from 1386 through to 1965. Not only famed for its Gothic architecture, you can climb 256 steps (or take an elevator) to the Duomo Terraces, where you’ll be rewarded with views across the historic city center and the Piazza del Duomo. Visit the platforms on a guided tour of the cathedral with skip-the-line entry to learn more about the famous building.

On the terrace of the Palazzo dell’Arte in Sempione Park, you’ll find Terrazza Triennale, a restaurant run by an award-winning chef. After exploring the La Triennale Museum, which charts the history of Italian design, head upstairs to the rooftop eatery, which is built from glass panels like a greenhouse. Enjoy its menu of Italian classics paired with views of the city skyline; spot grand ancient buildings, such as the nearby Sforza Castle, plus modern skyscrapers and beyond.

If you’re in the mood for Milan Duomo views, head to the Museo del Novecento, located inside the Palazzo dell'Arengario next to the cathedral. This museum is home to an impressive collection of 20th-century Italian art, featuring pieces by Boccioni and Modigliani, plus a variety of artists with particular significance to the Milanese art scene. Some argue that the best part of the museum is its views; look out from its enormous glass-paneled walls to see the cathedral’s spires and observe the comings and goings in the piazza below.

The Palazzo Lombardia is one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the city and offers the highest Milan observation point from its 39th floor. From here, you get sweeping views of the Bosco Verticale—side-by-side skyscrapers covered in trees—plus Milan landmarks including the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and the Arch of Peace. If weather conditions are favorable, you may even see out to the Alps to the north.

Monte Stella Park, located just northwest of Milan city center, is home to a man-made hill that was built over debris from World War II bombings. Now, this hill offers a great place to relax and admire Milan while soaking up some time outdoors. Climb the 50 steps to the top of the hill to look out over the city, or bring a picnic like a local and catch the sunset.

While there is endless art to see in Milan, it’s worth adding the Fondazione Prada to your itinerary. This former distillery was renovated and turned into an art center to house work from the 20th and 21st centuries, but it's also one of the more unique art galleries in the city. The property is also home to a tower designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA, in which you’ll find both art exhibits and a restaurant, Torre, with a rooftop terrace that boasts views across the Milan skyline.

If you’re seeking where to see the best views in Milan, make your way to Sforza Castle. The city’s medieval fortress was once home to Francesco Sforza, the duke of Milan, and today houses a series of museums: the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Furniture and Wooden Sculptures, and the Pinacoteca art gallery. From its grand tower, you can see over its courtyard across to the surrounding park and the city. Visit on a guided tour to learn more about the 15th-century structure and to see the highlights of its complex today.

For the best views in Milan, you can brave the skies and take in the city from above on a hot-air balloon ride. As you float over Milan, you can admire the surrounding countryside of Piedmont, a hilly region striped with vineyards and hemmed in by the Alps. Fly 2,000 feet (609 meters) and spot ancient castles and verdant valleys fed by rivers. It’s an adventure and an unforgettable sightseeing experience wrapped in one.