Parco Sempione Milan
Milan's largest park, a historic green lung featuring Sforza Castle, the Arco della Pace, and panoramic city views from Torre Branca.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Parco Sempione Milan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milan's largest park, a historic green lung featuring Sforza Castle, the Arco della Pace, and panoramic city views from Torre Branca.
"A beautiful green lung in Milan, perfect for a relaxing stroll or exploring historical landmarks like Sforza Castle."
🚶♀️ Explore beyond the castle
Don't just see the castle; wander through the park's gardens and discover hidden spots.
📸 Capture the Arco della Pace
The Arco della Pace is a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sforza Castle
Within Parco Sempione
Majestic medieval fortress, home to museums and art collections. A must-see historical landmark.
Arco della Pace
Western end of Parco Sempione
Grand neoclassical arch, a stunning monument offering beautiful views and photo ops.
Torre Branca
Parco Sempione
Panoramic tower offering breathtaking views of Milan's skyline. Ascend for a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Parco Sempione
Beyond the Castle Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore beyond the castle
Don't just see the castle; wander through the park's gardens and discover hidden spots.
📸 Capture the Arco della Pace
The Arco della Pace is a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
⬆️ Ascend Torre Branca
For unparalleled city views, take the elevator up Torre Branca. Worth the small fee!
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack amidst the greenery. Perfect for a budget-friendly day out.
Evening in Milan
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore beyond the castle
Don't just see the castle; wander through the park's gardens and discover hidden spots.
📸 Capture the Arco della Pace
The Arco della Pace is a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
⬆️ Ascend Torre Branca
For unparalleled city views, take the elevator up Torre Branca. Worth the small fee!
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack amidst the greenery. Perfect for a budget-friendly day out.
👟 Comfortable shoes are key
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Parco Sempione as a beautiful and expansive green oasis in Milan, perfect for relaxation and exploration. Highlights include the majestic Sforza Castle and the grand Arco della Pace. While some find the park's size overwhelming, most appreciate its historical significance and the variety of activities it offers.
"As you stroll through, you eventually reach the other side where the Arch of Triumph awaits. It’s quite a walk, so make sure to bring water especially on hot days!
The park is spotlessly clean, with beautiful green spaces, ponds with ducks, a small bridge, and even outdoor gym equipment. It’s an absolutely lovely place for a refreshing and enjoyable walk.
Highly recommended for a peaceful getaway in nature 🌳🌿🌱"
Eleni Iak
"This is a large public park that blends classical French and English landscaping styles. Once a military training ground, the area was redesigned by Emilio Alemagna between 1888 and 1893 and officially reopened in 1894. Today, it's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, ideal for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. The park also serves as a venue for open-air concerts, film screenings, and cultural events. Occasionally, it hosts small amusement rides and seasonal attractions. Historic and cultural landmarks such as the Sforza Castle, Civic Aquarium, Triennale design museum, and the Arco della Pace at its western edge add richness and variety to the park’s atmosphere."
Seokjin Ham
"A very nice and large park area behind the Castle. Lots of greenery all around. We saw lot of people with dogs here for a walk. Nice place to get some good quality air and freshness. While there is nothing much to see here, it is just a good place to walk around."
Sujay Sreekumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parco Sempione is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams 1, 12, or 27, or metro lines M1 (Cadorna, Cairoli) or M2 (Moscova). It's also a pleasant walk from the city center.
Street parking can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or a parking garage if you're driving.
Yes, it's about a 20-30 minute walk from the Duomo through the city center, offering a chance to see more of Milan along the way.
From Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna Station, which is a short walk from the park.
Milan has a bike-sharing system, and cycling to Parco Sempione is a great option for exploring the city. There are also bike paths within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parco Sempione itself is free to enter and explore. However, attractions within the park, like Sforza Castle museums and Torre Branca, have separate admission fees.
The park is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary seasonally, but it's usually accessible from around 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
While not always mandatory, booking Sforza Castle tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid queues.
Guided tours are often available for Sforza Castle and its museums. You can check the official castle website for schedules and booking information.
The ticket price for Torre Branca is typically around €5-€10, offering fantastic panoramic views of Milan.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Sforza Castle, the Arco della Pace, Torre Branca, the Civic Aquarium, and the Triennale Design Museum.
Yes, it's a great place for families. There are large open spaces for running, playgrounds, and the aquarium is a hit with children.
Bike rentals are sometimes available near the park entrances, and rollerblading is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
There are cafes and kiosks within the park, and many more restaurants and eateries just outside its boundaries. Picnicking is also a popular option.
A leisurely walk is ideal. You can also rent a bike or join a guided tour of Sforza Castle to get the most out of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arco della Pace, the Sforza Castle courtyard, and the view from Torre Branca are prime photography locations. The park's tree-lined avenues also offer beautiful shots.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, while late afternoon provides the 'golden hour' glow. Evenings offer stunning city lights.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and around historical monuments in Milan. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Capture the grandeur of Sforza Castle, the symmetry of the Arco della Pace, and the panoramic city views from Torre Branca.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the Arco della Pace and castle exteriors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the playground near the Sforza Castle or letting kids burn off energy on the open lawns. The Arco della Pace provides a grand, open area for them to explore safely.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While Sforza Castle museums and Torre Branca have admission fees, you can still enjoy the park's grandeur without paying for every attraction. Walking or using public transport to get there also keeps costs down compared to taxis or private parking.
couples
For an unforgettable evening, consider visiting Torre Branca at dusk to witness the city lights illuminate, or simply enjoy the serene ambiance of the park after dark. The castle grounds also offer a sense of historical charm that can be quite enchanting for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sforza Castle
Inside the castle, don't miss Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà, a poignant unfinished sculpture. The Pinacoteca boasts an impressive collection of Lombard paintings. Exploring the castle can easily take several hours, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Grandeur of Arco della Pace
Surrounding the arch is a lively piazza, often filled with people enjoying the atmosphere, especially during warmer months. It's a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the Milanese ambiance. The arch itself is a testament to Milan's historical connections and its enduring beauty.
Panoramic Views from Torre Branca
It's particularly magical during sunset or at night when the city lights twinkle below. The tower provides an excellent opportunity to orient yourself and appreciate the scale of Milan.
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