Article by contributor AV
You can read this article in Italian here
With the arrival of the warmer season, Milan embraces the joy of open-air aperitivo once again. Rooftops and terraces come to life with stunning views and expertly crafted cocktails, offering experiences that blend flavour and skyline. Here are 5 must-visit spots – from iconic venues to new openings – for a panoramic aperitivo with a view.
Terrazza Palestro: Aperitivo with a view in Porta Venezia
A true Milanese aperitivo classic, this elegant lounge bar overlooks the Indro Montanelli Gardens and serves up cocktails and wines accompanied by dry snacks and refined finger food. The tempting kitchen nibbles elevate the experience and often convince guests to stay for dinner. Ideal for a relaxed weekend lunch too, the space is also perfect for private events thanks to the versatility of its indoor and outdoor areas.
Terrazza Palestro
Via Palestro, 2 (M1 Palestro, M3 Turati)
I Mirador: Poolside drinks in the Navigli district
A new arrival in 2023. Located on the top floor of the second 21 House of Stories venue, two suspended terraces offer stunning views over south Milan, where you can soak up the summer vibe with a poolside cocktail. Alongside classic offerings, you’ll find signature drinks paired with two specially curated tasting boxes: the Cassetta Mirador (a savoury selection of sandwiches, pies, and pastries) and Dolce Italia, a dessert box perfect for after-dinner indulgence, all prepared by the chefs at the Domenica bistro downstairs.
I Mirador
Via Ascanio Sforza, 7 (Tram 3, 9, 10)
Horto: A Michelin-starred, green oasis in Piazza Cordusio
From here, gaze out at the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and even the towers of City Life and Piazza Gae Aulenti. The lush rooftop garden, inspired by medieval greenery and in tune with the seasons, is as beautiful as it is sustainable. Ethics and eco-consciousness underpin both the renovation of the space and the culinary experience, which runs from breakfast through to dinner. Come aperitivo hour, don’t miss the Horto Spritz or a pick from the Forbidden Cocktails list.
Horto
Via San Protaso, 5 (M1 Cordusio)
Organics SkyGarden: Drinks with a skyline view
Perched on the 13th floor of the Hyatt hotel, this rooftop bar sits 40 metres high between Repubblica and Centrale, offering breathtaking views of Milan’s skyline, including the Bosco Verticale. Tramonto (sunset) isn’t just the name of a mocktail here – it’s the perfect time to arrive, as the DJ set kicks off around 7:30 pm. Trendy and cosmopolitan, the urban jungle décor sets the scene for an aperitivo featuring flavourful small bites, with a strong focus on seafood.
Organics SkyGarden
Via Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 20 (M2 Gioia, M3 Repubblica/FS Centrale)
Mediterranea: Healthy dishes and sunset views in Missori and Tre Torri
Modern Mediterranean cuisine meets rooftop charm. On Via Santa Marta 6 (Missori area), this bistro offers deliciously healthy fare. A spiral staircase leads to a small, pergola-covered terrace with a unique perspective of both Milan’s historic centre and its skyscrapers – the perfect setting for an early evening drink. Not a fan of heights? Head to their CityLife location, where you can enjoy a Mediterranean-style picnic in the park – available for takeaway or delivery, with entirely sustainable packaging.
Mediterranea
Via Santa Marta, 6 (M3 Missori) e Piazza Tre Torri, 1 (M5 Tre Torri)
Top Rooftop Bars and Terraces in Milan: Quick List
Still looking? Here’s a handy list of 10 more rooftops in Milan, perfect not just for aperitivo, but often for breakfast, lunch, or dinner too:
- BASE Milano – Via Bergognone, 34 (Bus 68, M2 Porta Genova)
- CERESIO 7 – Via Ceresio, 7 (Tram 2, 4, M5 Monumentale)
- CLÈR – Via Bressanone, 8 (Tram 14)
- GIACOMO ARENGARIO – Via Marconi, 1 (M2, M3 Duomo)
- RISTORANTE TORRE – Via Lorenzini, 14 (Tram 24, M3 Lodi)
- RADIO ROOFTOP BAR – Via Marco Polo, 18 (Tram 9, 10, 33, M3 Repubblica)
- SKY TERRACE – Via dell’Orso, 7 (Tram 1, 2, 12, 14)
- TERRAZZA TRIENNALE – Via Alemagna, 6 (Tram 1, 10)
- THE DOME – Via Mazzini, 2 (M2, M3 Duomo)
- VERTIGO COCKTAILS & POOL – Via Tortona, 35 (Bus 68, M2 Porta Genova)
Article by contributor AV
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Looking for more? Check out our guides for unique cafés in Munich, what to do in the Navigli area and where to find cheap eats in Milan.
