If you think Milan is all about busy streets and sleek fashion boutiques, wait until you see one of its beautiful parks or courtyards. Between the historic buildings and modern towers are green spaces that offer calm, beauty, and a breath of fresh air. If you’re searching for the best gardens in Milan, then you’re in for a treat!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best gardens in Milan, including famous spots like Bosco Verticale and elegant estates like Villa Necchi Campiglio. Keep scrolling and let’s explore Milan’s greener side!
1. Brera Botanical Garden
The Brera Botanical Garden in Milan | Photo by Danielle Jansen on Wikimedia
Located behind the famous Brera Art Academy, the Brera Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful spots in all of Milan. Founded in 1774, the garden is filled with medicinal plants, towering trees, and neat flower beds.
It's not huge, but that's part of what makes it so special. You won’t find crowds here; just locals reading, students sketching, and travelers taking in the greenery. The garden is free to enter, which makes it even better for spontaneous visits.
How to get there: Take the Milan Metro Line 2 (Green Line) to Lanza station, then walk about 5 minutes south. You can also ride a tram along Via Pontaccio to get close.
If you want to explore more of the area, check out the Milan highlights bike tour; it's a great way to cruise through Brera and other famous places in Milan like the Piazza del Duomo.
2. Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli in Milan | Photo by Massimiliano Grassi on Flickr
This is Milan's oldest public park, and it's one of the most beloved green spaces in the city. Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli stretches across the Porta Venezia neighborhood, offering shady tree-lined paths, a small lake, a natural history museum, and a planetarium, all in one place.
This is one of the best gardens in Milan for a full-day out, just bring a picnic, a book, and you’re all set!
How to get there: Take the metro to Palestro (Line M1), which is right at the park entrance.
3. Bosco Verticale
The Bosco Verticale in Milan’s Porta Nuova District | Photo by Sophie Otto on Pexels
This one’s not a garden you walk through, but it's definitely one you need to see. Bosco Verticale, which means "vertical forest," is a pair of iconic residential towers in the Porta Nuova district, covered in over 900 trees and 20,000 plants. It's one of the most photographed buildings in the world and a true symbol of Milan's commitment to sustainable design.
Although you can't go inside the towers, you can walk around the base and take photos from Corso Como or the surrounding park area. It's a must-see on any trip to the Milanese gardens scene.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 (Green Line) to Garibaldi FS station. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk toward Porta Nuova.
4. Villa Necchi Campiglio
Garden front of the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a beautiful Art Deco villa in Milan
Once you go through the gates of Villa Necchi Campiglio, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to 1930s Milan. This gorgeous Art Deco villa comes with a dreamy garden that's just as beautiful as the house itself.
The garden features manicured lawns, a swimming pool (yes, an outdoor pool in the middle of Milan!), rose bushes, and perfectly trimmed hedges that give off old-Hollywood vibes. The villa is owned by the FAI (Italy's National Trust), and the whole property is exceptionally well preserved.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 (Red Line) to Palestro station, then walk about 8 minutes south.
5. Giardini Perego
The Giardini Perego in the Isola neighborhood | Photo by Yorick39 on Wikimedia
Located in the Isola neighborhood, Giardini Perego is a small public garden surrounded by old residential buildings and features lovely green lawns, tall trees, and a relaxed atmosphere that locals love.
While it doesn't have the grandeur of bigger parks, it does have an authentic neighborhood feel that makes you feel like a true Milanese for an afternoon. Grab a coffee from a nearby bar and wander over to Giardini Perego. It's also a great starting point if you're doing a self-guided walking tour of Milan, because the Isola district is packed with surprises.
How to get there: Take the metro to Turati (Line M3), then walk about 7 minutes. If you're coming from the Bosco Verticale area, it's a 20-minute walk north.
6. Giardini della Guastalla
The Giardini della Guastalla in Milan | Photo by Marco Bonavoglia on Wikimedia
Dating back to the 16th century, Giardini della Guastalla is one of the oldest gardens in Milan, Italy. Originally built for the nuns of the nearby Collegio della Guastalla, this garden is full of history and old-world charm.
You'll find a pond with goldfish and elegant pathways lined with ancient trees. It's a lovely spot for a quiet morning walk before the city fully wakes up. The garden is free to enter and stays relatively uncrowded even during peak tourist season, which is a huge bonus.
How to get there: Take the metro to Crocetta (Line M3), then walk about 5 minutes.
7. Giardino Renata Tebaldi
The Giardino Renata Tebaldi in Milan | Photo by SIG SG 510 on Wikimedia
Named after the legendary opera singer Renata Tebaldi, this modern park sits right along the Navigli canals, Milan's famously lively waterway district. Giardini Renata Tebaldi is a great place to take a break from canal-hopping and aperitivo-hunting, offering open green lawns, benches, and a relaxed vibe that suits both families and solo travelers.
We recommend visiting during March to see the pink magnolia blossoms covering the whole garden!
How to get there: Nearest metro station is Conciliazione on Metro Line 1 (Red Line), which puts you just a short walk from the park. If you're coming by tram, hop off at Via Ariosto.
FAQs about the best gardens in Milan
What is the secret garden of Milan?
The secret garden of Milan is a bit of a local legend, and most people in the know point to the Brera Botanical Garden as the city's most beloved hidden green escape. Once you go inside, though, you're treated to a beautiful and surprisingly peaceful space filled with rare plants and centuries-old charm.
Is there a botanical garden in Milan?
Yes, Milan has a botanical garden! The Brera Botanical Garden, officially called the Orto Botanico di Brera, is one of the oldest in Northern Italy and sits right in the center of the Brera art district.
Are there free gardens and parks in Milan?
Yes, and there are plenty of them! Most of Milan's public parks and gardens are completely free to enter, including the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Giardini Perego, Giardini della Guastalla, and Giardini Renata Tebaldi.
What are the most beautiful gardens in Milan?
The most beautiful gardens in Milan include the romantic Giardini della Guastalla with its baroque fishpond, the historic and elegant Villa Necchi Campiglio with its Art Deco garden and outdoor pool, and the charming Brera Botanical Garden located behind the art academy.
What are the best gardens in Milan for photography?
The best gardens in Milan for photography include Villa Necchi Campiglio (those Art Deco lines and the pool), Bosco Verticale (dramatic and futuristic), and Giardini della Guastalla (timeless and moody, especially in morning light).
Related reads for your trip to Milan
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