10 cocktail bars for drinking outdoors in Milan
Drinking well in Milan is not just a matter of taste but a way of life, and doing so outdoors makes it all the better
When the warm weather arrives, Milan is transformed: the days grow longer, the clothes get lighter and the urge to sip something refreshing outdoors bursts out like a splash of soda! Whether you fancy a sunset spritz, chilled wine or signature drinks under the stars, the city offers countless spots for raising a toast in the open air: from hidden courtyards to panoramic terraces, by way of secret gardens and piazzas that feel like urban living rooms, every neighbourhood has its own charm. Here are 10 cocktail bars for drinking outdoors in Milan.
Mandarin Garden
Via Andegari, 9
At Mandarin Garden, the elegant heart of Mandarin Oriental Milano, aperitivo is an experience to savour slowly, in one of the most exclusive (and relaxing) spots in the city centre, amidst quality cocktails, soft music and a refined atmosphere. The bar is divided into three spaces: two indoors, warm and sophisticated, and an enchanting outdoor garden, perfect for enjoying a drink under the evening lights. The cocktail list is broad and meticulous, and the mixologists, front and centre from 6pm onwards, surprise with exotic flavours and unexpected combinations.
Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurants
Via Ceresio, 7
You can hardly get more al fresco than this… At Ceresio 7, the iconic rooftop in the Monumentale area, the view over Milan is spectacular: a 360-degree skyline, two pools, lush greenery and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay. Whether for lunch, aperitivo, dinner or a late-night cocktail, it is always a delight. The concept, dreamt up by Dean and Dan Caten – the Canadian twins behind Dsquared2 – was simple: to create a place where you feel at home, only with serious style. Mission undoubtedly accomplished!
Officina Milano
Via Giovenale, 7
Tucked away in a courtyard at 7 Via Giovenale, just moments from Porta Ticinese and Navigli, Officina Milano is one of those places you discover and never forget: a retro-style cocktail bar with an international soul, where the relaxed, elegant vibe carries outside onto a summer terrace bathed in the quiet of an urban courtyard, far from the city noise. An ideal setting for outdoor drinks in Milan, from aperitivo until late into the night, backed by a cocktail list that brings together craft, quality and a creative spirit.
MAG la Pusterla
Via Edmondo de Amicis, 22
MAG La Pusterla is a corner of old Milan where quality mixology meets open-air relaxation. A cocktail bar with food and a leafy terrace where you can sip creative drinks (crafted by the Mag family, naturally) as well as curated wines, paired with an equally thoughtful menu rooted in Italian tradition, with a few international twists. MAG La Pusterla is not merely a place to sit down for a drink: it is an invitation to enjoy Milan at an unhurried pace and in style, amid retro furnishings and carefree vibes.
Backdoor43
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43
On the Navigli, there is the perfect spot for anyone who loves pairing a quality cocktail with a stroll along the canals, whether at sunset or beneath the stars. It is BACKDOOR43, the smallest bar in the world: just 4 sq m and a takeaway cocktail service with drinks mixed down to the finest detail (crafted by the mixologists at Mag Navigli, just a doorway away) and served by a masked bartender, adding a playful touch of mystery. An ideal stop for anyone who wants a proper drink on the go!
Terrazza Palestro
Via Palestro, 2
Spring and summer are certainly the seasons when this sophisticated restaurant and cocktail bar shows off all its charm, but Terrazza Palestro is a great choice any month of the year. Featuring refined interiors and a splendid panoramic terrace overlooking the greenery of Parco Indro Montanelli, it is the perfect spot for a drink at sunset. This year there is one more reason to visit: it is celebrating its 50th anniversary! It marks the occasion with an unmissable cocktail list created for the milestone, which celebrates half a century with revisited iconic cocktails, bringing past and present together in a sensory journey through eras, trends and history of the legendary ‘Milan da bere’.
Viu Terrace
Via Aristotile Fioravanti, 6
Set on the top floor of Hotel VIU, this wonderful panoramic terrace – open to non-residents from 6.30pm to 11.30pm – looks out over a Milanese skyline defined by contrasts between historic Milan and its futuristic districts. At sunset, the setting turns into the perfect backdrop for aperitivo, sipping a poolside cocktail paired with savoury bites. The colours and evening lights reflected on the water of VIU Terrace add a romantic touch to your evening, making for an unforgettable toast.
Circolo Canottieri Milano
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 160
At Canottieri Milano, a historic sports club on the Navigli, post-work unwinding has a new open-air address. The clubhouse, run by Officina Milano and open also to non-members, is the perfect spot for enjoying a drink in peace, far from the city buzz. The real highlight? The spacious outdoor area, with a manicured, welcoming garden where you can sip a signature cocktail or an aperitivo among lush plants and a laid-back atmosphere. An unexpected green oasis, ideal for enjoying Milan under the sun or the soft evening lights. And yes, there is even a car park!
Milord Milano
Piazza Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Just a short walk from Corso Buenos Aires, between Piola and Loreto, lies a perfect spot for anyone looking for a quiet corner to drink well outdoors in Milan, away from the hectic nightlife. The terrace, facing the peaceful residential Piazza Bernini, is curated, relaxed and puts you instantly at ease. The cocktails? Classic or inventive, always expertly crafted. The atmosphere is informal, the staff warm without being intrusive, and the music sets an elegant tone, blending smooth jazz with lounge sounds.
Giacomo Arengario
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 1
From the heights of its terrace inside Palazzo del Novecento, Giacomo Arengario competes for the best Duomo view in Milan. In fine weather, besides dinner, you can treat yourself to an aperitivo or an open-air drink while admiring the spires of the cathedral. The pleasure of drinking outdoors becomes a complete experience, thanks to a cocktail list that ranges from timeless classics to original creations. The offer is rounded out by a discerning selection of spirits and liqueurs from all over the world, designed to satisfy the most demanding palates.
