7 of the best rooftop bars in Milan

Thought Milan’s aperitivo game couldn’t get any better? How about taking it up a notch – or several storeys? The city is brimming with brilliant rooftop bars, from sleek poolside terraces to Aperol-themed balconies. With so many to choose from, we’ve cherry-picked seven of the best rooftop bars in Milan for you to raise a glass.

Where are the best rooftop bars in Milan?

1. Terazza Triennale

Set on the third floor of La Triennale di Milano design museum, suspended over the Parco Sempione, this rooftop bar offers superb views of the Castello Sforzesco and the city skyline. Part of the rooftop is set in a transparent greenhouse, which means the views are available all year round. The kitchen, ‘Osteria con Vista’, is headed up by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Cerveni, so we highly recommend arriving hungry.

2. Ceresio 7

Owned by fashion house Dsquared2, Ceresio 7 is one of the most stylish rooftop spots in the city. The bar is set in the penthouse of the historic ENEL Palazzo in Garibaldi and boasts a luxurious bar, two rooftop swimming pools and an American bar and fine-dining restaurant. You’ll need to book ahead and get your glad rags on though: this is an exclusive and expensive location.

3. Terrazza Duomo 21

Terrazza Duomo 21 comes up trumps when it comes to stellar locations. The lounge, cocktail bar and restaurant is set on the third floor with front-row seats overlooking the Duomo and the adjoining piazza. Open from 11 am until late, it’s the perfect pitstop for a late morning cappuccino or al fresco afternoon drinks. Order a signature Martini, cocktail, beer or wine and kick back and enjoy the views. There’s a full food menu offering salads and pizzas too.

4. Terrazza Gallia at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia

Set seven storeys above the hustle and bustle of Porta Nuova in the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Terrazza Gallia is beloved by both locals and tourists. The rooftop spot is open all day and makes an excellent choice for a light lunch, cocktail or informal dinner. Our top tip? Time it right and get here for aperitivo time. As well as expertly-made cocktails, you can tuck into tiny versions of some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Or, for something a little more substantial, stay for dinner. The Cerea brothers have three Michelin stars between them.

5. Terrazza Aperol

Calling all Aperol aficionados, this is the rooftop bar you’ve been waiting for. Set in the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 1, this quirky rooftop bar and restaurant offers sweeping views over the Piazza del Duomo. As you might expect, the decor here is every bit as bold as the drink, with orange lamps, 1970s curved furniture and a plasma bar. There’s a large selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks on offer and, of course, plenty of Aperol and Aperol-based concoctions. The restaurant specializes in classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist and aperitivo hour kicks off at 6 pm.

6. Terraza 12

This rooftop perch sprawls across the 9th and 10th floor of The Brian & Barry Building in the beating heart of the city. With its sleek design and brilliant beats, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in New York — until you look out of the window. That’s all Milan, baby. The terrace itself is narrow, but inside the gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows offer superb views out over the city skyline. There are skillfully blended cocktails, champagnes and aperitifs on offer, paired with a sophisticated selection of finger foods. If you’re feeling peckish, The Gran Plateau Royal offers up a lip-smackingly good selection of Meditteranean seafood, including 10 different types of oysters.

7. SunEleven Rooftop at iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori

SunEleven is a charming and cheerful rooftop bar a stone’s throw from the Duomo. Perfect for sunset aperitivi and casual catch-ups, the rooftop offers 360-degree views over the Madonnina and Milan skyline and Insta-friendly decor. There’s an excellent menu of wines, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a small selection of tapas. The bar is open daily from noon until midnight.