Unwind and admire nature at the parks in Milan

Enjoy the green parks in Milan

There are no really big parks in Milan comparable to the world-renowned ones like Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. Instead, Milan boasts numerous beautiful smaller gardens which both locals and visitors adore. These lush parks and green spaces are thoughtfully landscaped and each one contains drinking fountains colloquially known as vedovelle, or "young widows", as they never stop crying. These water points are especially refreshing during the hot summer months. The city gardens and parks are accessible to the public free of charge.

Visit the best parks in Milan

There are simply too many parks in Milan to cover adequately in one list, but several key highlights should certainly not be missed if you are in the vicinity. The Giardini della Villa BelgiojosoBonaparte feature charming, 19th century-style gardens with a tiny temple, ponds, caves and bridges. There is a simple yet adorable rule when it comes to admission to this park: adults can theoretically only enter the premises if accompanied by children.
Parco Sempione is one of the most beautiful parks in Milan, located near the magnificent Sforza castle and extending towards the Arco della Pace ("Arch of Peace"). Established in 1888, it consists of networks of pathways and cute bridges. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sun with a simple stroll through beautifully-manicured lawns. Parco Sempione has its main entrances at the castle and the Triennale Design Museum.

Parks for relaxation and solitude

Located near Porta Venezia, the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli are a lovely green expanse established in 1786. This oasis of relaxation features perfectly symmetrical flower beds with spacious pathways and benches scattered around for visitors to enjoy the views from. The garden houses an extensive collection of botanical species including both flowering and non-flowering plants. Distinguished journalist Indro Montanelli was a frequent visitor to the park. Admission is between 6:30 and 23:30 during summertime.
The Giardino della Guastalla is a relatively small garden located between the Statale University and the Ospedale Maggiore. It more than makes up for its modest size with its superb architecture, which includes a fine, Baroque-style swimming pool and an ornate chapel. Mature trees dot the property, providing a pretty backdrop for relaxation and contemplation. 
Parco del Portello is a modern park completed in 2015. The 70,000 m2 space was designed by Andreas Kipar and Charles Jencks and dedicated to the rhythms of time. Three artificial hills represent different cultural periods in Milan and the garden also conceptually depicts the four seasons and the human heartbeat. 
Parco Papa Giovanni Paolo II is conveniently sandwiched between the basilicas of San Lorenzo and Sant'Eustorgio. Roman remnants can be seen inside the grounds of the park, as well as the ruins of an amphitheatre. The park is dotted with mulberry, elm, oak, birch, maple and plum trees. Well-equipped playgrounds, volleyball facilities and enclosed pens for dogs are available on site. The park was also once the setting of a movie called Il volatore di aquiloni, or "The Flier of Kites". It is a popular meeting place for the youth because it is so near the Porta Ticinese shopping area. 

The parks are open all year round and hours vary depending on the season.

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