15 Best Parks in Milan: A Local’s Guide to Green Spaces (2025)

Milan has a reputation as a concrete jungle—all business suits, fashion shows, and modern skyscrapers. But here’s what I know after years of living here: this city is greener than most people realize. Hidden between the designer boutiques and historic palazzos are parks where locals jog at sunrise, families gather for Sunday picnics, and tired office workers decompress after long days.

As someone who uses these parks in Milan almost daily—whether for my morning run, weekend bike rides, or just finding a quiet bench to read—I can tell you they’re essential to understanding how Milanese actually live. These aren’t just tourist photo ops; they’re where real city life happens. From the famous Parco Sempione to hidden neighborhood gems that guidebooks ignore, Milan’s green spaces reveal the city’s softer, more relaxed side. Let me show you the best parks Milan has to offer!

🗺️ Map of Milan’s Best Parks

Before diving into the details, here’s a map of Milan’s best parks and gardens. It’s how I usually plan my park days in Milan — starting with something central, then wandering out toward quieter green corners locals love.

How to Use the Map:

Zoom in, explore, and click each location to discover what makes it special:

🌳 Central Parks & Gardens

• Parco Sempione – The city’s grand central park behind Castello Sforzesco.
• Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli – Family-friendly with shady paths and museums.
• Giardini della Villa Reale – Elegant neoclassical gardens behind the Royal Villa.
• Giardini della Guastalla – Baroque beauty near Università Statale.

🏙️ Modern Green Spaces

• Biblioteca degli Alberi (BAM) – Milan’s futuristic park in Porta Nuova.
• Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale Gardens – Modern architecture meets green design.

🌾 Hidden & Local Escapes

• Parco delle Cave – Lakes, trails, and countryside vibes in western Milan.
• Parco Lambro – Sports, cycling, and weekend BBQs in eastern Milan.
• Monte Stella (Montagnetta) – The “little mountain” with panoramic sunset views.
• Parco Nord Milano – Vast green area for cycling and family picnics.
• Parco Forlanini – Near Linate Airport, great for nature walks before flights.

🌸 Secret Gardens & Historic Retreats

• Orto Botanico di Brera – Hidden botanical gem with medicinal plants.
• Villa Necchi Campiglio Gardens – Art Deco villa with serene private gardens.
• Cascina Cuccagna Garden – Urban farmhouse with a restaurant and local events.
• Cloisters of Santa Maria delle Grazie & Sant’Ambrogio – Peaceful courtyards perfect for quiet moments.

💡 My Tip:

Save this map to your phone before heading out — Milan’s parks are spread across neighborhoods, but they’re all connected by easy metro or tram rides. Try pairing Parco Sempione + Giardini Pubblici for a classic day, or BAM + Parco Nord Milano if you want a mix of design and open air.

Why Milan’s Parks Matter: A Local’s Take

People are always surprised when I tell them Milan has excellent parks. The city’s business-focused reputation overshadows its green spaces, but locals know better. We use our parks constantly—jogging before work, meeting friends for aperitivo on the grass, taking kids to playgrounds on weekends.

Parks in Milan serve as the city’s living rooms. During summer, when apartments get stuffy, entire neighborhoods migrate outdoors. You’ll see elderly couples on their evening passeggiata, teenagers playing guitar, cyclists zipping past, and families spreading picnic blankets. These spaces are free, accessible, and genuinely democratic—everyone uses them.

What I love most? Milan’s parks range from formal baroque gardens to wild nature reserves. You can choose your vibe: historic elegance at Giardini della Guastalla, modern design at BAM, or complete nature immersion at Parco delle Cave. The variety means there’s always a park that matches your mood. And unlike many Italian cities where “green space” means a small fountain surrounded by benches, Milan actually has proper parks with trees, grass, and room to breathe.

Parco Sempione: Milan’s Central Park

Location: Behind Castello Sforzesco | Size: 47 hectares | Best for: First-time visitors, families

Parco Sempione in Milan is the obvious starting point—the city’s most famous park and deservedly so. Designed in English garden style in the late 1800s, it stretches from Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace, creating a green corridor through central Milan.

I run here most mornings, and what strikes me every time is how the park balances tourist appeal with local use. Yes, you’ll see visitors photographing the Arco della Pace. But you’ll also see Milanese doing tai chi at dawn, elderly men playing bocce, and office workers eating lunch on benches.

What Makes It Special

The park was created on the former Sforza family parade grounds, commissioned by Napoleon (who had grand plans for Milan). The layout follows English landscape principles—winding paths, strategic tree placement, artificial lakes—creating that “natural” look that actually requires careful planning.

Key Features You Shouldn’t Miss

The Arco della Pace (Peace Arch) anchors the park’s northwest corner—a massive neoclassical triumphal arch that’s spectacular at sunset. Climb Torre Branca, the observation tower designed by Gio Ponti, for 360-degree city views (€6, totally worth it). The Triennale Design Museum sits on the park’s edge, worth visiting for contemporary design exhibitions.

My favorite spot? The small lake near the center. Ducks paddle around, willows droop over the water, and there are always empty benches. It’s the perfect place to relax.

Local Insights

Best times: Early morning (before 8 AM) for runners and dog walkers, or late afternoon (after 5 PM) when the light turns golden. Avoid Saturday and Sunday afternoons in summer—it gets crowded with families and tourists.

Where locals hang out: The area behind Castello, away from the Arco della Pace tourist crowds. We claim spots under big trees, bring takeaway coffee, and actually relax rather than pose for photos.

Aperitivo spots: Bar Bianco (inside the park) has decent drinks and outdoor seating, though it’s pricey. I prefer grabbing wine from a nearby shop and finding my own spot on the grass—perfectly legal and much cheaper!

Events: Summer brings open-air concerts at the Arena Civica and outdoor cinema screenings. Check the Triennale schedule for design events that spill into the park.

Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli & Villa Reale: The Family Favorite

Location: Porta Venezia | Size: 17 hectares | Best for: Families, morning walks

The Giardini Pubblici hold a special place in my heart—Milan’s oldest public park and still one of the most charming. Created in 1784, these gardens have that lived-in feeling that comes from centuries of local use. This is where Milanese families come on Sunday mornings without fail.

What I Love About It

The park connects to the Giardini della Villa Reale (Royal Villa gardens), creating a network of green spaces that feel distinctly different from each other. The main public gardens have a relaxed, neighborhood vibe—playgrounds, ice cream vendors, people reading newspapers on benches. The Villa Reale section is more refined and formal, with manicured paths and elegant landscaping.

Features That Make It Special

The park houses Milan’s Planetarium and Natural History Museum—both excellent for kids and surprisingly interesting for adults. The museum’s dinosaur skeletons are genuinely impressive, and admission is cheap (€5).

Duck ponds attract families with bread-wielding toddlers (though please don’t feed the ducks bread). Beautiful tree-lined paths offer shade in summer, and there are plenty of benches for elderly Milanese who treat the park as their outdoor living room.

Villa Reale Gardens

The Giardini della Villa Reale, behind the Royal Villa (now GAM – Gallery of Modern Art), maintains more formal English-style landscaping. These gardens feel quieter and less crowded—perfect when you want peace without leaving the city center.

Access is through the Villa or from the main gardens. The atmosphere is more refined, the landscaping more deliberate. I come here when I want to read without distraction—the main gardens can get noisy with kids, but the Villa gardens stay contemplative.

Local Tips

Sunday morning is the classic time—arrive around 10 AM to see Milan family life in action. Kids play, grandparents supervise, parents chat. It’s wholesome and very Milanese.

The park sits between two metro stops (Porta Venezia and Palestro), making it super accessible. I bike here from other neighborhoods, lock up at the BikeMi station, and spend an hour wandering before moving on.

Less touristy than Sempione despite being just as central. You’ll hear more Italian than English, which tells you everything about who actually uses this space.

Biblioteca degli Alberi (BAM): Milan’s Modern Green Space

Location: Porta Nuova district | Size: 10 hectares | Best for: Design lovers, modern Milan

BAM Milan represents everything new about Milan—contemporary, design-focused, and modernity. Opened in 2018 as part of the massive Porta Nuova redevelopment, this park breaks completely from traditional Italian garden design.

Why It’s Different

Instead of romantic English landscapes or formal Italian parterres, BAM uses circular pathways and distinct “rooms”—different sections with their own character and purpose. The design is intentional and contemporary, celebrating 21st-century landscape architecture.

The name means “Library of Trees,” and the park lives up to it—over 500 trees representing more than 100 species, all labeled for education. Walking here feels like browsing an outdoor botanical collection.

Features I Appreciate

Modern water features replace traditional fountains—sculptural elements that kids play in during summer. Free outdoor gym equipment attracts fitness enthusiasts (I use the pull-up bars occasionally). The park hosts cultural events—outdoor yoga, concerts, art installations—that draw young professionals from surrounding offices.

Dog-friendly areas make it popular with pet owners. On weekday lunchtimes, office workers spread across the lawns with takeaway lunches. Evening aperitivo culture happens here too, though it’s more “bring your own” than bar service.

The Porta Nuova Context

BAM sits at the heart of Porta Nuova, Milan’s controversial-but-impressive modern district. The park is surrounded by cutting-edge architecture—including Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), those residential towers covered in trees that became globally famous.

This context matters. BAM isn’t trying to be a traditional park; it’s showcasing contemporary Milan’s design ambitions. You either love the modern aesthetic or you don’t, but you can’t deny its commitment to a vision.

Local Perspective

Where young Milan hangs out. The demographic skews younger and more international than older parks—tech workers, design students, expats, and fashion industry people. It’s Instagram-friendly, which bothers some locals but doesn’t bother me. If pretty design brings people to green spaces, that’s fine!

Summer evening events (free yoga classes, DJ sets, outdoor film screenings) make it feel alive. Check the official website for schedules—there’s always something happening.

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Parco delle Cave: The Hidden Gem

Location: Western Milan (Baggio) | Size: 135 hectares | Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists

Here’s Milan’s best-kept secret: Parco delle Cave, a massive nature park that most tourists never hear about. At 135 hectares, it’s actually larger than Sempione, but because it’s in the western suburbs rather than the center, it stays wonderfully uncrowded.

What Makes It Special

The name means “Quarry Park”—this area was former sand and gravel quarries that were flooded, and transformed into a nature reserve starting in the 1970s. Now it’s a series of lakes surrounded by forests, meadows, and walking paths that feel nothing like urban Milan.

I bike here on weekends when I need to escape city energy. The moment you enter, the atmosphere shifts. Birds replace traffic noise, trees replace buildings, and you can actually breathe deeply without tasting exhaust fumes.

Features Worth Knowing

Multiple lakes dot the park—some have small beaches where locals swim in summer (not officially allowed, but everyone does it). The water quality isn’t pristine, but on hot days, nobody cares. Extensive cycling and jogging paths loop through the park—you can easily do 10+ kilometers without retracing steps.

Designated picnic and BBQ areas with tables and grills make this perfect for weekend cookouts. Milanese families claim spots early on Sundays, bringing coolers full of food and spending entire afternoons. Birdwatching opportunities attract nature enthusiasts—the mix of water and forest habitats brings surprising biodiversity.

Getting There

This is the park’s downside: it’s not centrally located. You’ll need the metro plus bus, or better yet, a bike from the center (about 7km, very doable). But that inconvenience keeps crowds away, which is exactly why locals love it.

Worth the trek? Absolutely. If you want genuine nature immersion without leaving Milan, this is your spot.

Monte Stella: The Artificial Mountain

Location: Northwest Milan | Best for: Sunset views, unique experience

Monte Stella Milan has the most unusual origin story of any park in Milan. This isn’t a natural hill—it’s literally made from rubble cleared after WWII bombing raids. The city piled debris from WWII bombings and remnants of demolished Spanish walls, shaped it into a hill, planted trees, and created what locals affectionately call “Montagnetta” (little mountain).

At 45 meters high, it’s Milan’s highest point—not impressive by mountain standards, but in pancake-flat Milan, it feels significant. The climb to the top takes maybe 10 minutes, but the 360-degree city views are genuinely spectacular.

What to Do Here

Climb to the summit for views—especially at sunset when the light hits the Alps in the distance (on clear days). In winter, there’s actually a small skiing slope! It’s hilarious and charming—a tiny ski run in the middle of Milan where kids learn to ski without leaving the city.

Jogging and cycling paths circle the hill and wind through surrounding parks. Serious runners do hill repeats here for training. At the summit sits a monument to victims of Nazi concentration camps—a sobering reminder of the rubble’s origin.

Local Insight

Locals come for sunset views and jogging. It’s not a hangout park like Sempione—more of an active-use space. Photographers love it for elevated city perspectives.

Completely off tourist radar. I’ve brought visiting friends here, and they’re always surprised this exists. The concept—making a mountain from war remains—is very Milan: practical, transformative, and slightly audacious.

Giardini della Guastalla: The Baroque Beauty

Location: Near Università Statale | Size: 3 hectares | Best for: Quiet escapes, students

If you want intimate charm over sprawling space, Giardini della Guastalla is Milan’s hidden jewel. This tiny baroque garden near the university is the city’s oldest public garden still in its original location (1555), and it feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.

Character and Atmosphere

Small enough to cross in five minutes but beautiful enough to linger for an hour. The centerpiece is a stunning baroque fish pond with statues and decorative balustrades—genuinely lovely and shockingly uncrowded.

A small 17th-century chapel sits in one corner. Magnolia trees bloom spectacularly in spring. The formal gardens maintain that Italian geometric style—organized, symmetrical, clearly designed for contemplation.

Why I Love It

Tucked away near the university, it attracts students studying under trees rather than tourists snapping selfies. The atmosphere is quiet, almost meditative. I bring a book, find a bench near the pond, and disappear for an afternoon.

The contrast with surrounding urban density makes it feel more special. You’re literally one street away from traffic and chaos, but inside these walls, it’s peaceful and timeless.

Perfect For

Quick breaks when you need beauty without commitment. You can see the entire garden in 20 minutes, but it’s lovely enough to justify the visit. Students preparing for exams use it as an outdoor study space—the quiet atmosphere helps concentration.

Parco Lambro: The Neighborhood Giant

Location: Eastern Milan | Size: 70 hectares | Best for: Sports, local life

Parco Lambro Milan is where east Milan comes to play—and I mean that literally. This large neighborhood park centers around sports and recreation more than romantic strolls or historical significance.

Local Character

Very local, very authentic, zero tourists. Coming here means seeing how Milanese actually use their parks when visitors aren’t around. Weekend soccer games, families grilling, teenagers on bikes—it’s neighborhood life on display.

The atmosphere differs completely from central parks. Less maintained, more lived-in, definitely rougher around the edges. But that’s the appeal—this is real Milan, not the polished version.

What You’ll Find

Sports facilities dominate—soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball nets. Weekend afternoons, every field is occupied with informal games. Lakes and green spaces provide picnic areas. The park allows BBQs in designated zones, so summer weekends smell like grilling meat.

Cycling paths connect through the park. Nothing fancy, but functional for getting around or weekend family bike rides. Community events happen here—local festivals, markets, neighborhood gatherings that never make tourist guides.

Why Visit

If you want an authentic neighborhood in Milan rather than curated tourist experiences, come here. Bring a picnic, watch pickup soccer games, and see how regular Milanese spend their weekends. It’s not Instagram-pretty, but it’s genuine.

Parco Forlanini: The Aviation Park

Location: East Milan (near Linate Airport) | Size: 60 hectares | Best for: Cycling, aviation enthusiasts

Parco Forlanini in Milan offers something unique: you can watch planes take off from Linate Airport while relaxing in a large park. Named after aviation pioneer Enrico Forlanini (who designed early helicopters and hydrofoils), the park maintains that aviation connection through its location and character.

What Makes It Unique

The proximity to Linate means constant plane activity overhead. Aviation geeks love it—you can identify aircraft, photograph takeoffs and landings, and feel connected to flight. Even non-enthusiasts find it interesting to watch planes pass overhead every few minutes.

As a park, it’s modest and functional. Wide open green spaces perfect for picnics, extensive cycling and jogging paths, a lake, wooded areas, and sports facilities. Nothing fancy, but well-maintained and spacious.

Local Insights

East Milan residents’ go-to weekend destination. Like Parco Lambro, it serves local neighborhoods rather than citywide appeal. That means fewer crowds and a more authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

Great for long bike rides away from traffic. The paths connect through the park and to surrounding areas, making it popular with serious cyclists. Dog-friendly zones attract pet owners.

The plane spotting is legitimately fun. On warm afternoons, people bring blankets, lie on the grass, and watch planes arc overhead. It’s oddly relaxing.

Getting There

Metro M4 to Linate, then bus or bike. Easier if you’re staying in eastern Milan or visiting the airport anyway. Not worth a special trip from central Milan unless you’re really into aviation or cycling, but definitely worth it for east side visitors.

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Parco Nord Milano: The Green Lung

Location: Northern Milan | Size: 640 hectares | Best for: Nature escapes, long walks

Parco Nord Milano is massive—the largest park system in the Milan metropolitan area and the city’s true “green lung.” At 640 hectares, it’s not just a park; it’s a nature reserve that spans multiple municipalities in northern Milan.

The Big Picture

This former industrial area was transformed starting in the 1970s into a nature park. The reclamation project created diverse ecosystems—forests, meadows, wetlands, lakes—that now support surprising wildlife. It feels like the countryside despite being technically within Milan’s borders.

I don’t come here for casual afternoon strolls—this is a destination park requiring commitment. But when I want serious nature immersion, extensive cycling, or to completely escape urban energy, nowhere else in Milan compares.

Features and Activities

A massive network of paths accommodates walking, cycling, and horse riding. You can spend hours exploring without retracing steps. Lakes and wetland areas attract birdwatchers—I’ve seen herons, ducks, and other species you wouldn’t expect in a major city.

Environmental education centers offer free guided nature walks on weekends. These are excellent for families or anyone wanting to learn about local ecosystems. There’s even an organic farm with educational activities about sustainable agriculture.

Best For

Serious cyclists who want traffic-free riding through varied terrain. Nature photographers—the biodiversity and landscapes offer excellent subjects. Families wanting full-day nature outings with educational components. Runners training for long distances. Anyone needing a complete mental escape from urban life.

Practical Considerations

Less accessible from the city center—you’ll need Metro M5 to Bignami or Ponale, then the bus. Or bike from the center, which takes about 40 minutes but is pleasant once you’re on the dedicated cycle paths.

Bring your own food and water—facilities are limited. This is a real nature park, not a manicured city park with cafés everywhere. That’s the appeal, but come prepared.

Can easily spend half a day exploring. Don’t come for a quick visit—it’s worth dedicating serious time to appreciate the scale and variety.

Milan Hidden Gardens & Small Green Spaces

Beyond the major parks, Milan hides smaller green gems perfect for quick escapes.

Orto Botanico di Brera, tucked in the Brera district at Via Brera 28, is a peaceful botanical garden with medicinal plants and greenhouses—free entry and rarely crowded.
Villa Necchi Campiglio Gardens offer Art Deco elegance with manicured grounds (entry fee but worth it for design lovers).
Cascina Cuccagna Garden serves as a community garden and cultural center with an organic restaurant—great for experiencing local community life. Don’t overlook the beautiful cloisters scattered throughout the city: Santa Maria delle Grazie and Sant’Ambrogio both have peaceful Renaissance cloisters that feel worlds away from the surrounding streets, offering quiet contemplation spaces that most tourists rush past.

Parks by Activity

Not sure which park fits your needs? Here’s my guide based on what you want to do:

Best Parks in Milan for Jogging

Parco Sempione tops the list—flat, well-lit paths, good surface quality, and enough distance for proper runs (perimeter loop is about 3km). I run here most mornings and never get bored.

Giardini Pubblici offers tree-lined routes that provide shade and beauty. The paths are shorter (about a 1.5km loop), making it better for easy runs or beginners.

Parco delle Cave and Parco Nord Milano are for serious distance runners. You can do 10+ kilometers on varied terrain without leaving the park. Just note these require getting out of the center.

Best Parks in Milan for Picnics

Parco delle Cave wins—designated BBQ areas with tables and grills make it perfect for proper cookouts. Bring your food, claim a spot, and spend the day.

Parco Sempione works for casual picnics. Large lawns accommodate blankets, though you’ll compete for prime spots on nice weekends. No BBQ allowed, but grab takeaway food and find a tree.

BAM offers a modern picnic setting. The design-forward environment appeals to the Instagram crowd, and there’s enough grass for spreading out.

Best Parks in Milan for Kids

Giardini Pubblici is the clear winner—excellent playgrounds, the Natural History Museum with dinosaurs, duck ponds, and enough space to run around. Milan families choose this for good reason.

Parco Sempione provides open space for kids to burn energy. The lake, castle backdrop, and ice cream vendors keep children entertained.

Parco Lambro and Parco Forlanini offer sports facilities and more rough-and-tumble play opportunities for older kids.

Best Parks in Milan for Instagram

BAM was designed for this—contemporary architecture, Bosco Verticale backdrop, sculptural water features, and perfect lighting. Every corner is photogenic.

Giardini della Guastalla delivers baroque romance—the ornate fish pond with statues creates stunning compositions.

Parco Sempione offers the Arco della Pace and Castello Sforzesco as dramatic backdrops. Classic Milan imagery.

Best for Escaping Tourists

Parco delle Cave, Monte Stella, Parco Lambro, Parco Forlanini, and Parco Nord Milano barely see tourists. These are where locals go to actually relax without navigating crowds or hearing multiple languages.

If you want an authentic Milan park experience, choose any of these. You’ll be surrounded by Milanese rather than visitors.

Practical Tips for Visiting Milan Parks

After years of using these parks, here’s what I’ve learned:

Opening hours: Most parks open at dawn and close at dusk—times vary by season but generally 6:30 AM to 9 PM in summer, shorter in winter. Gates close, and park police enforce this.

Safety: Milan parks are very safe. I’ve walked through them at dusk countless times without issues. Standard city awareness applies—don’t leave valuables unattended—but violent crime is rare.

What to bring: Water bottle (refill at fountains), sunscreen in summer, light jacket even in warm months (evenings cool down), picnic supplies if you’re staying awhile. Comfortable walking shoes—some paths are unpaved.

Free water fountains: Look for “fontanelle”—small fountains with continuously running potable water. They’re throughout most parks. Locals refill bottles constantly.

Dog policies: Most parks are dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas (fenced sections in some parks). Clean up after your dog—there are bins and bag dispensers, though supplies run out.

Cycling: Allowed in all major parks on designated paths. Ride respectfully—pedestrians have the right of way. BikeMi bike-sharing has stations near most park entrances for easy access.

Public restrooms: Availability varies. Sempione and Giardini Pubblici have facilities (not always pristine but functional). Smaller parks often lack restrooms—plan accordingly or use café facilities nearby.

Seasonal considerations: Summer brings crowds and events—plan accordingly. Spring is gorgeous when everything blooms. Fall offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful colors. Winter is quiet and sometimes magical, especially if it snows (rare but memorable).

Getting to Milan’s Parks

Parks in Milan are well-connected by public transport:

Parco Sempione: Metro M1 or M2 to Cadorna, or M2 to Lancia. Walkable from Duomo (15 minutes).

Giardini Pubblici: Metro M1 to Porta Venezia or Palestro. Direct access from stations. Walkable from Duomo (17 minutes).

BAM: Metro M2 or M5 to Garibaldi, or M3 to Sondrio. 5-minute walk from stations.

Parco delle Cave: Metro M1 to Bisceglie, then bus 72 or bike. About 20-30 minutes from the city center.

Monte Stella: Metro M5 to Cenisio or Portello, then a 10-minute walk.

Giardini della Guastalla: Metro M3 to Crocetta, 2-minute walk. Very central.

Parco Lambro: Metro M2 to Lambrate or Piola, then bus or a 15-minute walk.

Parco Forlanini: Metro M4 to Linate or Argonne, then bus or bike.

Parco Nord Milano: Metro M5 to Bignami or Ponale, then bus. Or M1 to Sesto Rondò.

Bike-Sharing

BikeMi stations are near all major park entrances. The system works excellently—grab a bike, ride to the park, dock it, enjoy the park, then get another bike to continue your journey. Day passes (€6) make sense if you’re biking between multiple parks.

I bike between parks regularly—it’s the most efficient way to see multiple green spaces in one day without metro transfers.

FAQs: Visiting Parks in Milan

Final Words

Milan’s parks reveal a side of the city most visitors never see. Behind the fashion week glamour and business district intensity lies a network of green spaces where Milanese actually live their lives—jogging at sunrise, reading under trees, sharing picnics, teaching kids to ride bikes.

From the grand historic design of Parco Sempione to the wild nature of Parco Nord Milano, from baroque intimacy at Giardini della Guastalla to contemporary style at BAM, these parks show Milan’s diversity and complexity.

My recommendation? Don’t just visit the famous ones. Take the metro to a neighborhood park, see where locals spend their weekends, and experience authentic Milan life. Bring a book, grab some takeaway food, find a bench, and just observe. That’s when you’ll understand this city beyond its glossy surface.

The best park? Depends on what you need. Tourist-friendly beauty? Sempione. Family time? Giardini Pubblici. Nature escape? Parco delle Cave or Parco Nord Milano. Modern design? BAM. Quiet contemplation? Giardini della Guastalla.

Whatever you choose, you’ll discover that Milan isn’t just concrete and commerce. It’s also green, peaceful, and surprisingly human-scaled. Welcome to the Milan we locals know and love!

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