Written by: Ché Maria Milani 

While the weather’s still summery, we’re taking advantage of seeing the city from a different angle. Rooftop bars are this month’s highlight, because why not? As we launch ourselves back into our daily routines and the rhythm of the city, take a break and savour refreshing drinks and enchanting views that only Milan can offer. Here are our favourite 7 rooftop bars in Milan. Which one will you try next?

1.  Terrazzo Duomo 21

Location: Piazza del Duomo, 21

Terrazza Duomo 21 is right in the heart of Piazza del Duomo - you can’t get more central than this! Its unbeatable location means you’re sipping your drink with one of the city’s most iconic views - the majestic Duomo itself.

By day, the lounge is a lively hub for both locals and visitors. It’s a great place to pause between shopping or sightseeing to recharge here, and is occasionally the gathering point for small meetings or brainstorming sessions.

While it’s not officially a co-working space, ordering something at the bar makes it perfectly acceptable to open your laptop for a quick work session.

The menu is broad and versatile, ranging from light bites to heartier meals, alongside refined options for those seeking something more elevated.

As evening falls, glamour is the key word. But essentially, it’s an unbeatable aperitivo spot with Duomo views, and a popular choice as a post-dinner cocktail spot too.

Insider tip: If you want the best of both worlds - fewer crowds and the most magical light - plan your visit around golden hour. Arrive just before sunset, order an aperitivo, and you’re good to go.

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2. Ceresio 7

Location: via Ceresio, 7

If you’re looking for a venue that offers more than just somewhere to sit and have a drink, this is one of them.

This chic rooftop bar boasts two stunning pools with panoramic views of Milan’s skyline. In summer, from 10.00 to 17.30, guests can soak up the sun for €110 per person, which includes pool access, a sun lounger, towel service, and food and drinks up to the value of the entry fee.

And as the day starts to wind down, the atmosphere shifts. After offering a full midday menu, the focus changes to the much-loved aperitivo time. Milan’s fashionable crowd begins to arrive, and come evening, dinner is served from 19.30, featuring a contemporary Italian menu with a strong emphasis on seafood.

Dress code is smart-casual, but being Milan, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up a touch more.

Live music events are sometimes hosted here, so it’s worth checking the schedule before your visit. If you’re thinking of coming on a weekend, reservations are essential.

Insider tip: The pools are gorgeous, but they do get busy. For a more relaxed experience, go on a weekday morning - by the time the late-afternoon crowd rolls in, you’ll already have enjoyed hours of rooftop poolside bliss in Milan.

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 3. I Mirador

Location: via Privata Fratelli Angelo e Mario Bettinelli, 3

Known primarily as one of Milan’s most popular co-working spaces, 21 House of Stories in Navigli also hides a little secret: a spacious rooftop bar with two panoramic terraces overlooking the southern side of the city.

This space is open only during the summer months and with its Mediterranean-inspired décor (blue hues, hand-painted ceramics, and plenty of charm), it’s one of the most photogenic rooftop bars in Milan. If you’re planning to go with a large group, booking ahead is essential.

Drinks are a highlight with cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Franco “Tucci” Ponti, who blends tiki and Caribbean influences with a European twist. It’s the kind of place where a smart-casual dress code feels just right - laid-back enough for comfort, stylish enough for Milan.

During the day, the rooftop serves lunch from midday until 15.00. From 19.00 onwards, it transforms into a lively skybar serving aperitivi until midnight, each drink paired with complimentary gluten-free savoury snacks.

While the property does have a pool, it’s reserved exclusively for hotel guests (yes, 21 House of Stories doubles as a boutique hotel in Milan). Still, with its atmosphere, views, and food-and-drink options, this rooftop is a standout in Navigli.

Insider tip: For the best experience, head up just before 19.00. You’ll catch the last of the daytime calm, then watch the terrace shift into full skybar mode as the aperitivo crowd arrives - perfect timing for golden-hour cocktails and sunset views over Navigli.

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4. Isola

Location: Piazza Cordusio, 2

Atop the prestigious Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá, Isola combines a stylish bar with an adjoining terrace that flows seamlessly into one another.It serves as a peaceful hideaway perched on the fifth floor, revealing a stunning panorama of the Duomo’s spires and Milan’s skyline.

With its combination of elegant design, soft lighting, and Mediterranean-inspired décor, it feels like an urban oasis - a great choice for a quiet lunch or a sophisticated evening aperitivo.

The bar, its terrace, as well as the restaurant alongside it are all inspired by the magic, beauty and taste sensations of the islands of southern Italy (hence the name Isola). Cocktails here celebrate southern Italian charm, marrying Mediterranean flair with modern classics. Think fresh regional ingredients and liqueurs.

This rooftop draws a refined mix of local Milanese and discerning visitors, all seeking a beautiful, yet unpretentious setting. But it’s still an opportunity to dress formally (house rules!). While it doesn’t feel overly touristy, the view and quality make it a popular choice.

As you can guess, quieter weekdays trump the busier weekend times. (Advance reservations are encouraged, especially at sunset or weekends, to secure the best seats).

Insider tip: Kick off your evening with a seasonal cocktail and settle down to watch the light and colours change as sunset approaches. If you’re planning dinner too, reserve a table at Isola Ristorante beforehand - you can easily drift from drinks to dinner without missing a beat.

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5.Torre (Prada)

Location: via Lorenzini, 14

We love a rooftop with a story, and Torre at Fondazione Prada delivers just that. While today it’s claimed to be one of the best rooftop bars in Milan, its setting has fascinating roots.

The Fondazione Prada complex was once a gin distillery dating back to the 1910s, before reopening in 2015 as a hub of modern art and culture.

Set on the 6th floor, Torre combines sleek contemporary design with touches of history. The interiors draw inspiration from the original Four Seasons Restaurant in New York, while artworks by masters like Lucio Fontana and Jeff Koons give the space an elevated edge.

And if you’re worried that this ex-industrial building might feel too stark, don’t be - Torre’s expansive windows frame the city beautifully, bringing Milan’s skyline right to you.

Evenings here are about more than cocktails. Torre is known for “JAM at Torre Rooftop,” a vibrant music series that mixes DJ sets across genres like house, hip hop, and techno with gastronomic experiences. Expect innovative cocktails crafted by expert bartenders, sometimes paired with special creations by Chef Lorenzo Lunghi for an unforgettable night out.

As you’d expect from one of Milan’s trendiest spots, the menu gives a modern twist to traditional Italian dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring natural labels and local grape varietals.

Insider tip: Torre is just as much about art as it is about grabbing an aperitivo. Plan your visit around an exhibition at Fondazione Prada, then head upstairs for a glass of wine or a cocktail. A perfect Milanese evening!

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6.Terrazza Triennale

Location: Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6

Terrazza Triennale is one of Milan’s most striking rooftop bars. Set on top of the Palazzo dell’Arte, its glasshouse-style terrace opens out to sweeping views of the city and Parco Sempione, making it a unique spot for a drink at any time of year.

The design is sleek and airy, with greenery to soften the sense of modernism and gives the space a relaxed, yet elegant vibe.

The bar offers a carefully curated list of wines, spirits, and cocktails that pair perfectly with the view. Seasonal bites are available too that reflect the same attention to quality as the restaurant. It’s a place where locals and visitors mingle, leaning more toward a refined evening out than a loud night on the town.

Music stays low, keeping the focus on conversation, the scenery, and your refreshing drink in hand. Smart-casual attire is advised, and because the terrace is a favourite for both aperitivo and dinner, booking is recommended if you plan to linger.

Insider tip: Time your visit to coincide with an exhibition at the Triennale below (depending on what’s available), then head upstairs for aperitivo. 

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7. Organics SkyGarden

Location: via Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 20

And last but not least, we have this stylish rooftop bar located on the 13th floor of the Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale. Often referred to as an urban jungle, it’s easy to see why: lush greenery, warm lighting, it's a refreshing break for the eyes from all the city concrete. The cosmopolitan vibe makes it ideal for casual gatherings and elegant evenings alike.

The drinks menu is a highlight, featuring handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, and excellent wines, with a focus on organic ingredients from ORGANICS by Red Bull. Small Mediterranean-inspired plates complement the cocktails perfectly.

It’s also a popular spot for a weekend brunch, served from 12.30 to 15.30, making it one of the few rooftop bars in Milan that blends brunch culture with a skyline view.

Evenings come alive with daily DJ sets from 19.30, featuring international artists curated by Glauco Di Mambro, known for his blend of indie dance and melodic techno. Occasionally, live performances include violinists, saxophonists, and tenors.

On special occasions, the rooftop has hosted eye-catching events such as Formula 1-themed installations, adding an extra wow factor.

Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset hours or the weekend brunch. The smart-casual dress code fits the elegant but relaxed vibe, and the terrace’s elevated location ensures one of the most memorable aperitivo experiences in Milan.

Insider tip: For a more relaxed experience and fewer crowds, visit on a weekday evening. You’ll have more space to explore the lush terrace, and soak in uninterrupted skyline views.

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Every rooftop bar in Milan offers a chance to see the city from a new and unforgettable perspective. Whether you’ve been here a while, or have just arrived in Milan and are looking for a fresh experience, discovering the perfect rooftop spot can turn any evening into a memorable adventure.

From elegant lounges to lively, energetic rooftops, these bars rank among Milan’s finest, each with its own personality and style. Choosing any of them allows you to enjoy the city’s fashion, culture, and cuisine - all from a stunning vantage point above the hustle and bustle of the city we love, Milan.

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