Rooftop bars in Milan: panoramic terraces to try for the warm season
Terraces in Milan to head up to this spring for aperitivo or dinner, with skylines, cocktails and iconic views
As spring arrives, Milan slowly begins looking up again: the days grow longer, the weather warms up and the urge for aperitivo and outdoor dinners returns, especially across the many terraces that dot the city. Keeping a rooftop bar truly secret in Milan is almost impossible, but there are still less obvious addresses beyond the usual classics. We have picked the rooftops to try over the coming weeks, taking in urban skylines, hanging gardens and cocktails sipped at sunset.
Calimala Rooftop
Via Melzo, 7
In the Porta Venezia neighbourhood, design hotel Calimala Milano opened last summer inside the historic palazzo Jannelli & Volpi. The hotel houses several spaces dedicated to drinks and socialising, including two terraces and a rooftop with a pool on the sixth floor. Here you will find the Pool Bar, open throughout the day for cocktails, wine by the glass and small plates to accompany an aperitivo. The view does not open onto the skyline like other Milanese rooftops, offering instead an intimate perspective over local rooftops, with a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere ideal for an afternoon break or a sunset drink.
Sali
Corso Italia, 29
On the seventh floor of the Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia sits Sali, a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar that takes the place of the former Issei by the Pool. The concept revolves around the idea of a contemporary izakaya, with sharing plates and cooking that looks to Japan while maintaining an international feel. The terrace offers an open view over the rooftops of central Milan, while the interiors blend the vibe of traditional Japanese taverns with that of a private club. The cocktail list focuses on sake-based mixology and a curated selection of international drinks, cementing this rooftop among the coolest in Milan.
Isola
Piazza Cordusio, 2
In the heart of the historic centre, inside the new hotel Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio, sits the terrace of Isola Restaurant. The rooftop overlooks the rooftops of the centre and offers an up-close view of the spires of the Duomo. The restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cooking inspired by southern Italian islands, while the bar serves classic and signature cocktails celebrating southern flavours and aromas. It is one of the latest additions to Milan’s rooftop scene and a great alternative for anyone looking for a drink overlooking the Duomo away from the crowds.
The District – Cocktails & Pool
Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, 14
In the CityLife neighbourhood, on the 13th floor of the NH Collection Milano CityLife, sits The District – Cocktails & Pool. The hotel was created by redeveloping the former church of Cristo Re, transformed into a hotel through a major urban redevelopment project completed in 2022. The rooftop sits alongside the panoramic pool, reserved for hotel guests during the day but visible from the cocktail bar, which is open to everyone. From here, views take in the CityLife towers and a sweeping stretch of the Milan skyline. The drinks list features signature cocktails alongside classics and a selection of sparkling wines, and DJ sets are hosted on selected evenings.
Mediterranea – Santa Marta
Via Santa Marta, 6
In the 5Vie neighbourhood, among art galleries and artisan workshops, Mediterranea Santa Marta is the second Milan address of the project dedicated to healthy Mediterranean cuisine. For aperitivo and after-dinner drinks, head up to Terrazza Experience, a small rooftop with views over the rooftops of the centre and glimpses reaching the Duomo and Torre Velasca: the atmosphere is intimate and rather quiet, ideal for an evening break far from city traffic. The menu follows the principles of the Mediterranean diet with seasonal dishes, simple ingredients and light preparations. Aperitivo includes a drink accompanied by vegetarian and vegan tapas, designed to maintain nutritional balance without sacrificing flavour.
Voya
Viale Achille Papa, 30
On the top floor of the WJC Tower in the Portello area, Voya is one of Milan’s newest rooftop addresses. Located on the 20th floor of the World Join Center, it offers expansive views stretching from the CityLife skyscrapers across the city skyline. The menu combines two identities: on one side sushi, and on the other contemporary European-inspired cuisine, while the drinks list alternates between signature serves and reinterpreted classics. People come at sunset for a cocktail with a view, and at the weekend the terrace comes alive with DJ sets and a lounge atmosphere.
Organics Sky Garden
Via Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 20
Head to the 13th floor of Hyatt Centric Milano Centrale, in the Stazione Centrale area, to find Organics Sky Garden, a rooftop some 40 metres up looking over the city from a prime vantage point. Contemporary furnishings mix with lush greenery, including a large vertical garden that turns the terrace into an urban jungle. Views stretch from the Alps to the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova, right across to Stazione Centrale and the Bosco Verticale. People visit above all for aperitivo: the drinks list offers signature cocktails, alongside wines and champagne, while the kitchen serves bar bites and DJ sets liven up the space.
