Rooftop Bars in Milan: 9 Places to Drink with a View
Milan is now known to the world as a city that never sleeps, and it’s easy to see why. Its lights, busy tourist spots, high-end shopping streets, and lively nightlife give locals and tourists plenty of opportunities to have fun and switch off from the workday. Thanks to the wide variety of discos, clubs, pubs, restaurants, and rooftop bars in Milan, partygoers can look forward to a perfect evening in the Lombardy capital.
Even if your only reason for visiting is to do shopping in Milan, (see the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II near Milano Centrale) you’ll be tempted to check out the nearest chic rooftop bar. Since it’s a compact city, many rooftop bars and terraced establishments are close to each other. No matter their services, you’ll be treated to delicious cocktails, a vibrant atmosphere, and a spectacular view of the city’s skyline and stunning buildings.
What better way to end your evening than watching the glorious sunset while sipping a glass of Italian wine? Once you’ve found a place to store your luggage in Milan, you can now go bar-hopping without burden.
Sky Terrace Bar
What’s it like:
Nestled on top of the eco-friendly and stylish Hotel Milano Scala, Sky Terrace Bar is a green oasis of the historic city. Lush greenery envelops the rooftop bar with comfy sofas, providing an inviting space for guests to wait for the sun to go down in the afternoon and chill and mingle at night.
Sky Terrace Bar is located in the historical Brera district, next to the Teatro alla Scala, and not far from the elegant boutiques via Montenapoleone, which you’ll see above. It also offers an exclusive opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree view of the remarkable Milanese skyline and the iconic Duomo di Milano. This vast Gothic-style cathedral has served as the symbol of Milan in the world.
Sky Terrace Bar serves well-crafted mixology cocktails accompanied by delicious gourmet dishes and Mediterranean-inspired bar bites. They also enjoy the delicious finger food accompanied by a selection of international cocktails and biological wines. But you might be surprised to know that the cocktails and dishes here are made using herbs and ingredients that grow at the urban vegetable rooftop garden.
Our recommendation:
The rooftop lounge bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 6 and 11 AM. Reservations are required if you want to spend the night here or plan to organize an event at the outdoor terrace.
Location:
Via dell’Orso, 7 20121 Milan
Radio Rooftop bar
What’s it like:
Enjoy the changing city color of Milan at Radio Rooftop Bar perched on the tenth floor of ME Milan il Duca hotel. It’s a modern rooftop bar with comfortable seating, lots of greenery, and pleasant music. It is located in the heart of the city, near several leading museums, trendy nightclubs, exclusive shops, and fashionable hot spots.
Available day-to-night, the chic and elegant lounge is the ideal setting for casual lunch in a refined yet relaxed environment or late-night parties. It is stylish and elegant but remains welcoming and unintimidating. It also has an international vibe, so it’s not surprising to find lots of tourists chilling over delicious cocktails and local Italian dishes.
It’s open from noon, so come early for sunny drinks. As the day ends, it becomes livelier with more guests and live music to bring more life and a party vibe to the place.
Our recommendation:
The cosmopolitan Radio Rooftop bar attracts a more glamorous crowd, so you’d want to dress neatly. Remember that reservations are necessary if you want to take advantage of a private table.
Location:
Piazza della Republica, 13, 20124 Milan
Terrazza Gallia
What’s it like:
Terrazza Gallia is a unique rooftop bar and restaurant in a versatile location in Milan, opposite the Milan Central Station. Head to Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a luxury hotel in the middle of the city, and go to the outdoor terrace to find Terrazza Gallia. Here, you can taste authentic Italian cuisine while admiring the panoramic view of the fashion capital from the hotel’s seventh floor.
Terrazza Gallia will allow you to dine in style by offering an impressive culinary experience through its menu crafted under the guidance of three Michelin-star Cerea brothers. This rooftop serves Italian cuisine with a modern twist to cater to every taste and preference.
A night at the trendy rooftop bar is a must whether you’re here for business or leisure. It is open from noon to late at night, so you have plenty of time to stop by and enjoy its offerings.
Our recommendation:
Try their pasta and risotto, but if you want to try their iconic ‘Da Vittorio’ dishes, the lukewarm steamed fish and shellfish salad are worth a trip. For dessert, you can pick from tiramisu and homemade sorbet.
Location:
Piazza Duca d'Aosta, 9, 20124 Milano
The Roof Milano
What’s it like:
The Roof Milano is a modern cocktail bar and restaurant with a stunning terrace overlooking the center of the Italian capital. It is nestled on the tenth floor of the prestigious historical building in piazza Giuseppe Missori, which also houses The Square Milano Duomo and Hotel Dei Cavalieri.
This chic rooftop lounge serves coffee, cocktails, and a fine selection of culinary delights in a picturesque setting with city views. It is open daily for lunch and dinner, offering dishes with a perfect blend of innovation and tradition with fresh and high-quality ingredients.
The ambiance at the balcony-like terrace is relaxed and inviting yet sophisticated. The food prices are a bit on the expensive side, but the overall setting and incredible view are worth the experience.
Our recommendation:
This dynamic Milano rooftop bar can be quite busy during rush dinner hours, especially in the summer. Therefore, arrive early or call to make reservations when planning to visit at the peak of summer.
Location:
Piazza Giuseppe Missori, 3, 20123 Milan
Terrazza 12
What’s it like:
One of the best rooftop bars in Milan you should visit is Terrazza 12. It draws in visitors and locals due to its modern and homely feel with cool décor, large windows, and a captivating view of the gorgeous Milan skyline. It’s also an exclusive lounge bar for after dinner or an aperitif with friends after a long work day.
The stylish outdoor terrace is a breath of fresh air after being in the office all day or inside museums or cultural attractions. It’s in an easy-to-spot location on the tenth floor of The Brian & Barry Building in the city center. So after a retail therapy at the upscale department store, take the lift to the glamorous rooftop restaurant and bar.
New and returning guests love to come here due to its excellent choices of beers and wine. But don’t miss the chance to taste its signature mixology cocktails that go well with its lovely Italian delicacies and other sought-after flavors.
Our recommendation:
Stop by for lunch after shopping. But if you want to maximize its sophisticated atmosphere, sit on one of the comfortable poufs or little sofas, try one of their well-crafted cocktails, and wait until the sun goes down. You’ll be amazed at the changing color of the sky above and the twinkling city lights below.
Location:
Via Durini, 28, 20122 Milano
Ceresio 7
What’s it like:
When unsure which rooftop bar in Milan to discover, Ceresio 7 should be on your priority list. It’s one of the city’s most stylish locations featuring everything you need for a relaxing vacation. It has a warm and elegant American bar where you can pick from a prestigious collection of drinks and spirits, a restaurant, and a pool area – what else can you ask for?
Ceresio 7 is a venue where you’ll feel good even without doing anything. This sunny rooftop bar is refreshing, modern, and extremely inviting. Plus, it is conveniently located on the fourth floor of the ENEL building in Milan’s Garibaldi district. It offers views of the impressive architectural structures around the area and features two lounges and swimming pools.
If you get hungry, the rooftop restaurant is open for hearty lunches and dinner. It serves mouthwatering Italian classics with a contemporary twist, as well as a selection of some of the best European wines.
Our recommendation:
The best time to come here is during the summer months when you can enjoy dipping at the pool while sipping a glass of your favorite cocktail. The pool area provides an intimate space for relaxation and a perfect escape from your hectic day.
Location:
Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano
Il Bar
What’s it like:
Experience new levels of luxury and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the city at Il Bar. It is located in the Food Hall on the seventh floor of the Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo, providing guests with an exclusive location with a rooftop terrace, lounge area, and panoramic windows.
Il Bar is a sophisticated cocktail bar and café in the city capital. You can sit inside in front of huge windows overlooking a verdant garden or head to the terrace area for an unbeatable atmosphere.
The coffee, food, and drinks here are perfect for breakfast, light lunch, afternoon snack, or pre-dinner. It welcomes guests every day from 9 AM to 12 midnight, so you have plenty of time to soak in the environment and enjoy its services.
Our recommendation:
If you want to experience Milan’s colorful nightlife, wait until around 6 or 7 PM for the cocktail hour at the bar. It’s when they bring out small tapas-sized dishes to sample with your drinks. Try a local cocktail, and you’ll taste how perfectly balanced each of their drink is, with just the perfect amount of alcohol with a little kick.
Location:
Rinascente, Food Hall 7th Floor, Plaza del Duomo, 20121 Milan
Terrazza Martini
What’s it like:
Terrazza Martini is probably one of the highest rooftop bars in Milan you should explore. It sits atop the Piazza Diaz skyscraper, right in the center of the country’s fashion capital. It’s only a short walk from the Royal Palace of Milan, making it an ideal stop after touring the city’s famous attractions and sights.
As you stand on the rooftop bar Terrazza Martini on the 16th floor, you’ll witness remarkable views of the spires of the Duomo di Milano. It’s so close that it seems like you can reach it by hand.
You can book tickets for different Martini experiences, including a discovery tour, a Martini cocktail experience, a Vermouth class, and more. There’s also a Martini Observatory, which is an extraordinary way to enjoy an aperitif on one of Milan’s highest roofs.
Our recommendation:
Although the outdoor terrace is open to the public, you need to make reservations for any rooftop experiences. With its chic, elegant, and modern atmosphere, it’s definitely worth booking your visit.
Location:
Piazza Armando Diaz, 7, 20123 Milan
Terrazza Duomo 21
What's it like:
Another must-visit elegant outdoor terrace and rooftop bar in Milan is Terrazza Duomo 21 Terrace. It’s an all-season destination that takes pride in its signature martinis, cocktails, beer, and wine. It is open from midday to late night, offering changing, colorful skyline views.
Terrazza Duomo 21 serves as a cocktail bar, restaurant, and lounge. Although the outdoor terrace is small, its services and views are the real highlights. Apart from the wide selection of cocktails and drinks, it also serves a full menu, from healthy salads and burgers to fine dining entrees.
Our recommendation:
You can come any time from 11 AM. But if you want to maximize the view and entire experience, wait until the sunset to enjoy on the rooftop and get ready for live DJ sets after dinner until late.
Location:
Piazza del Duomo, 21 - Milan
Sensational Rooftop Bars
Milan's bar scene won't leave you disappointed, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor. From high-class and fancy rooftop bars and restaurants for romantic dinners to trendy terraces and rooftop lounges, there’s an outdoor venue to match your style and interest. Each offers a fantastic atmosphere and unmatched views you don’t want to miss during your visit.
