As the days get lighter and brighter, things start warming up in Milan: gardens and outdoor spaces, but, above all, terraces – the perfect places to take a breath and enjoy the city’s most evocative sights – re-open

One of the most prestigious locations, situated right in the heart of Milan with a fabulous view over the Duomo, is La Rinascente Food & Restaurants. Found on the 7th floor of the well-known department store, this is the perfect place to relax after a shopping spree, purchase or taste the most exclusive gastronomic specialities while admiring Milan’s beautiful golden Madonnina perched on top of the highest spire of the Duomo (open daily until midnight, piazza Duomo with dedicated entrances also on via Santa Radegonda 1 and via San Raffaele 2, T: 02 8852471, www.rinascente.it).
Located within just steps of La Scala Opera House, Hotel Milano Scala’s signature Sky Terrace, extending over a surface area of 180 sq.m, offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Milan’s skyline, inviting guests to delight in a one of a kind perspective of the city while enjoying a cocktail or an espresso (via dell’Orso 7, T: 02 870961, www.hotelmilanoscala.it).
Overlooking the gardens of porta Venezia, the standout features of La Terrazza di Via Palestro are inventive Italian cuisine and a breathtaking view over the city. An ultra-cool restaurant boasting stylish, contemporary design interiors and a stunning outdoor area with a lounge, the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo. For an evening with friends or a corporate event, its cuisine will satisfy even the most demanding palates. Its menu varies according to the seasonal products on offer. Guests can take their pick from the restaurant’s extensive wine list boasting several of Italy’s finest wines, champagne and French wines (Open Mon-Fri 12am-2.30pm/6.30pm-11.30pm; Sat. 6-11pm, via Palestro 2, T: 02 76028316. www.laterrazzadiviapalestro.com).
ATM Bobino, the newest member of the Bobino Club chain, is currently one of Milan trendiest nightspot venues. This elegant lounge bar is the result of an ambitious restructuring project which also involved the construction of a 300 sq.m terrace, combining the sensibility of its Milanese heritage with environmental and eco-sustainable innovation. A “must-visit” address for those who are interested in innovative, exciting food and drinks and a venue with a delightfully cosmopolitan feel. (Open Mon-Sat, Bastioni di Porta Volta 15 corner of via della Moscova, T: 02 89454988, www.atmbobino.it).
Hidden away at one of the most sought-after sites in the city, none other than the Museo del Novecento in piazza Duomo, the Giacomo Arengario restaurant is run by the owners of the famed Giacomo Bistrot. Located right next to Palazzo Reale, its Art Decò architecture is apparent in its iron and glass outdoor veranda which offers a spectacular view over Piazza Duomo. In addition to traditional Italian cuisine, its menu also offers light lunch dishes for a refreshing break after a visit to the museum or a shopping spree in town. Also worthy of note is its Novecento menu featuring traditional Milanese cuisine with a slight twist for a trip back into times gone by (via G. Marconi 1, T: 02 72093814, open daily 12am-12pm, www.giacomoarengario.com).