The city’s largest park is a favourite spot for both Milanese locals and visitors. Take a lovely stroll to the Arco della Pace, where you can satisfy your hunger at one of the restaurants, or lie down on the grass and relax with a good book.

Those looking for a bit more activity can join the many runners who use the park for their daily jog.

• 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels.

View the 10 best hotels in Milan

The park formerly served as a parade ground for soldiers and was an integral part of the Castello Sforzesco fortress, located on the southern edge of the park. Following the unification of Italy in 1861, the area was gradually transformed into a public city park, which it remains to this day.

Relaxation, a museum, restaurants and an aquarium

Sempione Park covers an area of more than 38 hectares and is criss-crossed by a network of paths, ponds and benches. The grassy areas are freely accessible and, in fine weather, are literally swarming with locals and tourists having picnics.

Throughout the park, you’ll find a wide range of small snack bars as well as traditional, larger restaurants.

Roughly in the centre of Sempione, you can visit the Triennale di Milano, a museum of design and modern art, whose 1933 building has been recognised many times as an architectural landmark. Information on current exhibitions and admission prices can be found on the official website:triennale.org.

At the very eastern edge of the park, stop off at the Milan Aquarium, where you’ll find a series of smaller tanks housing exotic marine fish. Official website and ticket prices:acquariodimilano.it

How to get to Sempione Park?

The nearest metro station is Lanza on the eastern edge of the park, served by the green M2 line. However, you can also use the Caorli or Cadorna stations nearCastello Sforzesco, from which it is a 10-minute walk to the park.

Tram lines 2, 4, 12 and 14 also run along the eastern side of Sempione Park, whilst lines 1 and 10 run along the northern side.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Milan.