The ultimate recreation is having a relaxed day in a European atmosphere. Add some picnic goods and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
City parks
Parco Sempione and the public park of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli (next to Porta Venezia, by either Venezia or Palestro metro stations) are the two main central parks of Milan, easily reachable from the city center or from anywhere in the city via public transportation. These parks are large and filled with trees, wide lawns, a small pond, benches and lots of light and serenity. Sempione park is slightly closer to the city center, right next to Sforza castle and its many museums. Visiting this park can be combined with the classic tour of the city center, the Duomo and its surroundings. Among the rest, in this park stands the Tower of Branca (Torre Branca), one of the highest observation points in the city, and is highly recommended for enjoying an overview of the city. Opening hours and additional information about the tower can be found on its website (in Italian; can be translated using Google Translate). Inside the park you’ll find a large, pleasant café with a shaded terrace.
The second park, next to Porta Venezia, is also close to a central shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires, so visiting this park can be joyfully combined with a half-a-day of shopping. This park has a small area of attractions for kids, and on Sundays you’ll find a variety of nice activities, such as bumper cars, a carousel and the like. In addition, bicycles for small children can be rented at the park, to make moving around a bit easier.
Natural parks
If you feel like spending time in nature, right inside the city, you can visit one of the following parks that are less urban and less crowded, but just as beautiful. These parks are suitable for a short walk, a bike ride or a nice picnic. Although they are reachable via public transportation, access is slightly cumbersome, and it is best advised to reach them with a private vehicle.
Parco Nord
The first park is named park of north, as it is situated in the northern part of the city. It is the largest park in Milan that comprises over 150 acres. The park includes wooded areas, running and riding courses, ponds and canals, as well as playing areas for children. There’s a café next to the park’s entrance on Suzzani street.
Directions: The park’s address is Viale Fulvio Testi, in the direction of Monza-Lecco. The entrance to the park is located about one kilometer past the exit from Milan, with a sign to Bresso-Parco Nord.
Parco Nord’s website (in Italian).
Parco delle Cave
Another, smaller, park is Parco delle Cave, the caves park. The name is a bit confusing, since no caves can be found there, but one can definitely find quite a few fish ponds, green lawns as well as running and riding courses. For your attention, there is no café or bar near this park at present time.
The park has a number of entrances in the following addresses: Via delle Forze Amate, Via Fratello Zoia, and Via Caldera.
Idro Scalo park
Another park, relevant mostly for summer time, is Idro Scalo. It is located along Milan’s artificial coast – a large artificial lake along-which are many nice little spots, including a sandy beach just like a real ocean-side beach. In addition, the park includes a number of swimming pools, inflatable pool floats, bicycles for rent and more.
One of the most recommended pools is called Punta dell’est.
Information can be found in the park’s website (in Italian).
The park can be reached by public transportation or a private vehicle.
By bus – line 73 or line 183 (active only during the summer time), or line 923.
By train – line S5 and S6. Both lines allow travelling with your bicycle on the train! The rail station is located 1.4 kilometers from the park’s entrance. Bus line 923 can be used to transfer from the rail station to the park’s entrance.
* Only work on weekdays
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