Top Parks and Gardens in Milan

From Brera Botanical Garden to Leonardo’s Vineyard, here are the green spaces worth visiting in Milan.

2 min readJul 26, 2019By Rebecca Winke

Hi, I'm Rebecca!

Rebecca’s first visit to Italy was a coup de foudre and her affection for Il Bel Paese has only grown over almost 30 years of living here, during which time she has mastered the art of navigating the sampietrini cobblestones in heels but has yet to come away from a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with an unsullied blouse. She covers Italy travel, culture, and cuisine for a number of print and online publications.

Milan may be known as Italy’s capital of fashion and design, but this cosmopolitan city also has a number of beautiful green spaces that offer a relaxing break from the city’s relentless urban pace. From grand city parks to tiny private gardens, here are our top picks of the best in Milan.

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione)

A statue in Sempione Park.Photo Credit: ansharphoto / Shutterstock

Milan’s most popular public park, this expanse of green stretches from Sforzesco Castle to the Arch of Peace and houses the Triennale di Milano museum of art and design, the Arena Civica stadium, the city aquarium, and the Torre Branca panoramic tower. Most come, however, simply to stroll along the pretty paths, rest on the shady benches, and take a break from the surrounding bustle of Milan.

The entrance to Leonardo’s Vineyard. Photo: Alexey Broslavets / Shutterstock

A Vespa outside Leonardo’s Vineyard in Milan.

Leonardo’s VineyardPhoto Credit: Alexey Broslavets / Shutterstock

Located just opposite the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent housing Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, this tiny plot of land tucked behind Casa degli Atellani was owned by Leonardo in the 15th century and has been recently restored and planted with the same variety of grape the artist grew to make wine more than 500 years ago. Tickets to the vineyard also include a tour of the Renaissance villa it is set behind, as well as the surrounding garden.

Indro Montanelli Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli)

A leafy space in Indro Montanelli Public Gardens.Photo Credit: Corrado Pravisano / Shutterstock

This 18th-century garden in Milan’s Porta Venezia neighborhood offers inviting, wide paths crisscrossing geometric flower beds and is home to the Museum of Natural History and the planetarium. In addition to its lush grounds, the park includes a children’s play area and a butterfly oasis.

Brera Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera)

Springtime in Brera Botanical Garden.Photo Credit: pcruciatti / Shutterstock

Tucked away in posh Brera, this botanical garden was established by Maria Theresa of Austria in 1777 and is now part of the University of Milan. In addition to its two 18th-century ponds, pavilion, observatory, and greenhouses, this private garden has a network of paths lined by meticulous flowerbeds, tinkling fountains, and quiet benches perfect for a rejuvenating break. Be sure to note the two towering ginkgo biloba trees, among the oldest of their species in Europe.