Where to Swim in Milan: Our 5 Favourite Pools & Day Escapes
- milanwomennetwork
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Written by: Ché Maria Milani
If you’ve been dreaming of a day by the water, but the effort of going to the lakes or coast feels too much, we have some surprising swimming options tucked away in Milan.
While it doesn't necessarily have the same culture of outdoor public pools as many other European destinations, there are still a handful of excellent spots where you can swim, sunbathe, and sip on a cocktail without leaving town.
From rooftop pools to those in thermal spas complexes, to hidden urban oases, these are the places we love for a relaxing day in the sun.
*As always, we recommend checking sites for updates on opening hours and prices, and to find out whether booking is essential. All the information shared here is correct at time of publishing.
Bagni Misteriosi Via Carlo Botta 18/a Milan
Bagni Misteriosi
Location: via Carlo Botta 18/A
We open with one of our firm favourites, a place that we return to every summer for aperitivi evenings and pool days. Let’s say a little oasis in the hubbub of Milan. And though the coast and lakes might not be far too away, it’s a swimming spot closer to home when you need an instant cool off.
Bagni Misteriosi is an elegant public swimming pool offering changing rooms, a bar, and plenty of space to spread out and splash around. And its rich history makes it even more alluring.
Built between 1937 and 1939, it was once a hub for sports and swimming. After closing in 2007, it reopened in collaboration with Teatre Franco Parenti, now featuring small-scale theater productions, an open-air cinema, and workshops.
Get more information here.
Ceresio 7 Milan
Ceresio 7
Location: via Ceresio, 7
If Bagni Misteriosi is our elegant yet chilled place to be, Ceresio 7 is the splurge — and worth every cent. Perched on the rooftop of a historic building in the Porta Volta area, 2 magnificent pools offer 360° views of the Milan skyline.
It's a day escape from the city below, with the kind of atmosphere that makes any moment of the week feel luxurious.
At €125 per person (at time of publishing, and Monday to Sunday, 10.00 – 17.30), the entry includes a sunbed, towel, and an equal amount of credit to spend on food and drinks, so the day essentially pays for itself. This is an adults-only pool – peace guaranteed.
Reservations are essential. Book via email at: info@ceresio7.com or call them on +39 02 31039221.
Vertigo Via Tortona Milan
Vertigo at nhow Milano
Location: via Tortona, 35
For something a little more funky and unexpected, Vertigo at nhow Milano is a rooftop pool experience with some serious personality. A combination of New York rooftop energy and Miami spirit, with that laidback vibe, it’s a unique location from which to observe the ‘comings and goings’ of one of Milan's most iconic design districts.
The design is playful in layout and bold in colour with round shallow pools dotting the terrace, a central cocktail bar, and an infinity pool that runs the full length of the rooftop.
The day pass package for 2 (valid 10.00 – 18.00, from 1 May to 1 October) includes a private room for the day (until 18.00), access to the pool area, two sunbeds, towels, flip flops, welcome drinks, and a fruit platter. When hunger strikes, an eclectic fusion-style menu is available from burgers to lighter more Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Book the pool access + room package here.
Get more information here.
De Montel Terme Via Achille 6 Milan
De Montel Terme
Location: via Achille, 6
Let’s take it up a notch as we head into the realm of top spas in Milan. An absolutely stunning pool option that forms part of De Montel’s day pass.
Housed in the beautifully restored Scuderie De Montel, a former Art Nouveau horse stable built in 1920, De Montel is Italy's largest urban thermal wellness complex. And we do tend to be quite biased as it’s one of our valued partners.
There’s the option of full- or half-day access, with plenty of poolside space to relax and catch some sun.
While the pools are our focus, entry gives you access to the whole thermal circuit — saunas, hammam, relaxation areas, and plunge pools. Every ticket includes a bathrobe and towel to use, sandals, and a De Montel tote bag as a gift.
There are several ticket options depending on how long you want to stay, with prices from €49. Check the full breakdown here.
Food and drinks options are plentiful, with the Stables Bistro offering a seasonal lunch buffet, weekend brunch, and an evening aperitivo. And if you’re looking for even more of a vibe, Thursday nights feature a DJ set in the inner courtyard.
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 09.30 – 23.00, Friday and Saturday 08.30 – midnight, Sunday 08.30 – 22.00. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Being one of our partners, MWN members get discounted access to the De Montel Terme. This is one of many perks our valued members enjoy, and our way to thank them for their commitment to making Milan feel like home for so many other women.
Join us today and unlock many discounts like this one – but more than that, make friendships, connections and cultivate creative & professional collaborations that will completely change your experience of living in Milan.
La Viletta Idroscalo Milan
La Villetta (by Idrobeach)
Location: here in the Idroscalo complex
And to finish off, we break away completely from the chic, city centre pool spots to something with that touch of nature.
Tucked away on the west bank of the Idroscalo and surrounded by greenery, it's the kind of place where you arrive with a book and leave feeling reinvigorated after a day of sun, gazing at the lake ahead, and letting the sounds of activity at this popular green spot wash over you. Very casual and laidback, it features two pools and a large solarium.
Well-serviced with sunchairs, umbrellas, and a chiosco for drinks and snacks, it’s an easy morning or afternoon out to top up your Vitamin D levels. And then come evening, the pace slows down even more, perfect for a relaxed aperitivo as the sun sinks over Idroscalo.
Open daily 10.00 – 19.00 till the end of September.
Get more information here.
Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon cool-off, a leisurely day by the pool, or a full wellness escape, Milan has more options than what you imagine. So grab a book, call a friend, and carve out some time for yourself. Because summer in the city is far more enjoyable when there's a pool involved.
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