Milan Sempione & Chinatown
Sightseeing
This park is in all Milanese’s heart, each one of us tied to a particular tree or a particular bench where they used to spend their afternoons of leisure. The well-kept park hides places that evoke a bucolic atmosphere that is difficult to find in other areas of the city. Originally a wooded area where the Sforza family went hunting, it was transformed into a garden by Napoleon, and finally in 1893 it became Parco Sempione, with paths and woods, artificial lakes and sports areas that were always very popular. Extremely suggestive is the so-called Ponte delle Sirenette, in Art Nouveau style, which takes its name from the statues of the sirens holding an oar. Tradition has it that anyone who crosses the bridge is allowed to make a wish, even if I cannot guarantee its actual fulfillment. However, it remains one of the most romantic places in the park
1487 locals recommend
Sempione Park
Piazza SempioneThis park is in all Milanese’s heart, each one of us tied to a particular tree or a particular bench where they used to spend their afternoons of leisure. The well-kept park hides places that evoke a bucolic atmosphere that is difficult to find in other areas of the city. Originally a wooded area where the Sforza family went hunting, it was transformed into a garden by Napoleon, and finally in 1893 it became Parco Sempione, with paths and woods, artificial lakes and sports areas that were always very popular. Extremely suggestive is the so-called Ponte delle Sirenette, in Art Nouveau style, which takes its name from the statues of the sirens holding an oar. Tradition has it that anyone who crosses the bridge is allowed to make a wish, even if I cannot guarantee its actual fulfillment. However, it remains one of the most romantic places in the park
The exterior of the aquarium, in Art Nouveau style, compensates for the modesty of the internal attraction. Next to it you will find the Civic Arena, inaugurated by Napoleon in 1807, where chariot races were initially held. It was subsequently also used for the staging of naval battles through a flooding system, made possible by the many canals that characterized Milan in the 19th century. Today it is occasionally used for sporting events or concerts.
73 locals recommend
Civic Aquarium of Milan
2 V.le GadioThe exterior of the aquarium, in Art Nouveau style, compensates for the modesty of the internal attraction. Next to it you will find the Civic Arena, inaugurated by Napoleon in 1807, where chariot races were initially held. It was subsequently also used for the staging of naval battles through a flooding system, made possible by the many canals that characterized Milan in the 19th century. Today it is occasionally used for sporting events or concerts.
On the other side of the park you will find a steel structure designed by Gio Ponti, one of the leading Milanese star architects. From the platform overlooking the park, 108m high, you will enjoy an incredible view over the whole of Milan. Hours change often so I recommend calling or visiting their website
92 locals recommend
Torre Branca
2 Viale Luigi CamoensOn the other side of the park you will find a steel structure designed by Gio Ponti, one of the leading Milanese star architects. From the platform overlooking the park, 108m high, you will enjoy an incredible view over the whole of Milan. Hours change often so I recommend calling or visiting their website
One of the symbols of Milan, the arch dates back to the Napoleonic era (1807) and is clearly inspired by the Arc du Triomphe in Paris. Initially it was supposed to celebrate Napoleon's victories, but since it was only inaugurated in 1815 the bas-reliefs on the facade do not illustrate the Napoleonic victories but the Battle of Leipzig, in which Napoleon was defeated, and the Congress of Vienna, which redefined post-Napoleonic Europe.
353 locals recommend
Arco della Pace
Piazza SempioneOne of the symbols of Milan, the arch dates back to the Napoleonic era (1807) and is clearly inspired by the Arc du Triomphe in Paris. Initially it was supposed to celebrate Napoleon's victories, but since it was only inaugurated in 1815 the bas-reliefs on the facade do not illustrate the Napoleonic victories but the Battle of Leipzig, in which Napoleon was defeated, and the Congress of Vienna, which redefined post-Napoleonic Europe.
Of course, I'm biased, but if you want to enrich your stay in Milan, don't hesitate to attend one of the many jazz and blues concerts of this famous venue that belongs to the Blue Note Jazz Club network, also present in New York
374 locals recommend
Blue Note
37 Via Pietro BorsieriOf course, I'm biased, but if you want to enrich your stay in Milan, don't hesitate to attend one of the many jazz and blues concerts of this famous venue that belongs to the Blue Note Jazz Club network, also present in New York
Former industrial area, today the factory is a great pole of experimentation and cultural production, particularly aimed at youth initiatives. The creative workshops of the factory are active non-stop: whether there are performances, exhibitions, concerts, courses or workshops, you will hardly remain indifferent to the stimuli of its variegated identity.
113 locals recommend
La Fabbrica del Vapore
4 Via G. C. ProcacciniFormer industrial area, today the factory is a great pole of experimentation and cultural production, particularly aimed at youth initiatives. The creative workshops of the factory are active non-stop: whether there are performances, exhibitions, concerts, courses or workshops, you will hardly remain indifferent to the stimuli of its variegated identity.
Food & Restaurants
Paolo sarpi is full of Chinese restaurants, which sell ravioli, noodles and many other dishes. The specialty of Sarpi, however, are the savory crepes, also called jianbing. It is one of the most popular Chinese street foods, often eaten for breakfast. A thin flour-based batter is spread on the same griddle that is used to cook crêpes, often followed by a whole egg that clings to the surface of the batter disc. The next step is a generous brushstroke of hoisin, a flavorful soy, garlic, 5-spice, sugar and vinegar based sauce. Only later do the fillings arrive. Everything is closed in a boiling rectangular bundle, ready to be devoured while walking. Try them from Beijing Traditional Roll or Ravioleria Sarpi, both very good and cheap options.
78 locals recommend
Ravioleria Sarpi
27 Via Paolo SarpiPaolo sarpi is full of Chinese restaurants, which sell ravioli, noodles and many other dishes. The specialty of Sarpi, however, are the savory crepes, also called jianbing. It is one of the most popular Chinese street foods, often eaten for breakfast. A thin flour-based batter is spread on the same griddle that is used to cook crêpes, often followed by a whole egg that clings to the surface of the batter disc. The next step is a generous brushstroke of hoisin, a flavorful soy, garlic, 5-spice, sugar and vinegar based sauce. Only later do the fillings arrive. Everything is closed in a boiling rectangular bundle, ready to be devoured while walking. Try them from Beijing Traditional Roll or Ravioleria Sarpi, both very good and cheap options.
Also near Parco Sempione, we find one of the most famous sandwich kiosks in Milan, with the particularity that each sandwich bears the name of a figure in Italian politics, to be pronounced loudly when ordering. The choice is immense and the doses are very generous, whatever sandwich you choose. Perfect for a snack before or after a tour of the park
Al Politico
5 Piazza CastelloAlso near Parco Sempione, we find one of the most famous sandwich kiosks in Milan, with the particularity that each sandwich bears the name of a figure in Italian politics, to be pronounced loudly when ordering. The choice is immense and the doses are very generous, whatever sandwich you choose. Perfect for a snack before or after a tour of the park
This Japanese-Brazilian uramaki chain is recently becoming popular in Milan, with more and more restaurants around the city. The cuisine experiences the fusion of South American and Asian tastes, and is one of the most 'in' restaurants among young Milanese. This is why it is necessary to book in advance to secure a place
24 locals recommend
Bomaki Sempione
10 Corso SempioneThis Japanese-Brazilian uramaki chain is recently becoming popular in Milan, with more and more restaurants around the city. The cuisine experiences the fusion of South American and Asian tastes, and is one of the most 'in' restaurants among young Milanese. This is why it is necessary to book in advance to secure a place
The place is certainly hidden, so much so that while I was looking for it inside the Sempione Park it seemed I was going on a treasure hunt ... after all, the name also says so: to find Cascina Nascosta you have to do a bit of effort. But it is certainly worth it: surrounded by greenery, it offers a cuisine made from fresh organic ingredients, which are also sold at retail, perfect for a healthy lunch in an unpretentious setting that reminds of the farmhouses of the Milanese hinterland.
13 locals recommend
Cascina Nascosta
Viale Emilio AlemagnaThe place is certainly hidden, so much so that while I was looking for it inside the Sempione Park it seemed I was going on a treasure hunt ... after all, the name also says so: to find Cascina Nascosta you have to do a bit of effort. But it is certainly worth it: surrounded by greenery, it offers a cuisine made from fresh organic ingredients, which are also sold at retail, perfect for a healthy lunch in an unpretentious setting that reminds of the farmhouses of the Milanese hinterland.
Moving to Paolo Sarpi, the Milanese Chinatown, a must-try place is this traditional Mongolian Hot Pot. The place stands out for its welcoming environment where you can immerse yourself in a new taste experience with the oriental flavors of authentic recipes. The menu consists mainly of meat-based recipes and the absolute protagonist is undoubtedly the hot pot: a pot of broth that is always steaming and boiling in which you can dip meat, tofu, vegetables or fish as you like. I brought my current girlfriend here when we were still only dating in March and we had great fun. Get inspired for a fun and different dinner.
6 locals recommend
Little Lamb
8 Via Paolo SarpiMoving to Paolo Sarpi, the Milanese Chinatown, a must-try place is this traditional Mongolian Hot Pot. The place stands out for its welcoming environment where you can immerse yourself in a new taste experience with the oriental flavors of authentic recipes. The menu consists mainly of meat-based recipes and the absolute protagonist is undoubtedly the hot pot: a pot of broth that is always steaming and boiling in which you can dip meat, tofu, vegetables or fish as you like. I brought my current girlfriend here when we were still only dating in March and we had great fun. Get inspired for a fun and different dinner.
Returning to Parco Sempione, this small restaurant evokes family atmospheres: it is the place to taste the classic grandmother's cake, perhaps after a cheese platter and tasting good wine. The cuisine is strictly home-made and Milanese, with an extremely genuine and warm service.
6 locals recommend
La Posteria di Nonna Papera
4 Via Giuseppe PiermariniReturning to Parco Sempione, this small restaurant evokes family atmospheres: it is the place to taste the classic grandmother's cake, perhaps after a cheese platter and tasting good wine. The cuisine is strictly home-made and Milanese, with an extremely genuine and warm service.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
This restaurant has always been my first choice for any romantic dinner, and in my opinion it has one of the most beautiful views in Milan. Located above the Triennale building, it allows you to enjoy the entire skyline of Milan. The menu includes seasonal dishes and great classics of the Italian tradition that are extremely good at more affordable prices than the restaurants in the center (although it is still not cheap). If you are a couple looking for romance, this is the place for you!
38 locals recommend
Terrazza Triennale
6 Viale Emilio AlemagnaPERSONAL FAVOURITE
This restaurant has always been my first choice for any romantic dinner, and in my opinion it has one of the most beautiful views in Milan. Located above the Triennale building, it allows you to enjoy the entire skyline of Milan. The menu includes seasonal dishes and great classics of the Italian tradition that are extremely good at more affordable prices than the restaurants in the center (although it is still not cheap). If you are a couple looking for romance, this is the place for you!
Iyo is the only sushi restaurant in Italy (which, as you may have guessed, is a specialty of the city) with a Michelin star. Eating here, however, is an experience that goes far beyond cooking. You will be surrounded by an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, bewitched by the descriptions of the dishes, instructed by the beauty of the room. Food is beautiful for both the taste buds and the eyes.
85 locals recommend
Iyo
74 Via Piero della FrancescaIyo is the only sushi restaurant in Italy (which, as you may have guessed, is a specialty of the city) with a Michelin star. Eating here, however, is an experience that goes far beyond cooking. You will be surrounded by an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, bewitched by the descriptions of the dishes, instructed by the beauty of the room. Food is beautiful for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Cocktail Bars
Let's start with the most historic bar in this part of Milan, the emblem of the radical chics. The bar is located in Piazza Cesariano, always full of people who 'piazzano', which in Milanese slang means loitering in a square, holding a cup of beer or a ‘drum’, i.e., a rolled cigarette. ‘LibrOsteria’ is a word composed by the italian terms ‘libro’ and ‘osteria’, i.e., book and tavern; as a matter of fact the place does seem a bookshop with an adjoining tavern. But in truth it is much more than that, having quickly become a fixed star for those who inhabit this area, representing a meeting point for an entire subgroup of my generation.
20 locals recommend
LibrOsteria
7 Via Cesare CesarianoLet's start with the most historic bar in this part of Milan, the emblem of the radical chics. The bar is located in Piazza Cesariano, always full of people who 'piazzano', which in Milanese slang means loitering in a square, holding a cup of beer or a ‘drum’, i.e., a rolled cigarette. ‘LibrOsteria’ is a word composed by the italian terms ‘libro’ and ‘osteria’, i.e., book and tavern; as a matter of fact the place does seem a bookshop with an adjoining tavern. But in truth it is much more than that, having quickly become a fixed star for those who inhabit this area, representing a meeting point for an entire subgroup of my generation.
At the end of Paolo Sarpi you will find another of the most popular bars in this area, famous for its craft beers. The tables outside have wooden barrels as chairs, which make the atmosphere very relaxed and easy-going.
19 locals recommend
Buttiga Beer Room
64 Via Paolo SarpiAt the end of Paolo Sarpi you will find another of the most popular bars in this area, famous for its craft beers. The tables outside have wooden barrels as chairs, which make the atmosphere very relaxed and easy-going.
If you go up along Paolo Sarpi, in a recess in the street, you will find another bar with a radical chic flavor. oTTo was born with a very simple idea: to bring people together, in a beautiful place, with a certain naturalness and simplicity. Then it became much more ... From its blue tables outside lit by lanterns inside with the walls covered with plants, it is certainly the ideal place to go for a drink in the evening, but also to be used as an open space to work.
125 locals recommend
oTTo
10 Via Paolo SarpiIf you go up along Paolo Sarpi, in a recess in the street, you will find another bar with a radical chic flavor. oTTo was born with a very simple idea: to bring people together, in a beautiful place, with a certain naturalness and simplicity. Then it became much more ... From its blue tables outside lit by lanterns inside with the walls covered with plants, it is certainly the ideal place to go for a drink in the evening, but also to be used as an open space to work.
Like many places along Corso Sempione, the Jazz Cafe also serves as a restaurant, but it is after dinner that it offers its maximum potential. The selection of spirits is remarkable: you will see barmen intent on acrobatic cocktails and a mass of people crowding the counter. Every evening the club hosts DJ-sets and often organizes very fun parties.
81 locals recommend
Jazz Cafè Milano
8 Corso SempioneLike many places along Corso Sempione, the Jazz Cafe also serves as a restaurant, but it is after dinner that it offers its maximum potential. The selection of spirits is remarkable: you will see barmen intent on acrobatic cocktails and a mass of people crowding the counter. Every evening the club hosts DJ-sets and often organizes very fun parties.
Considered by many to be the symbol of nightlife along Corso Sempione. A very large and crowded bar, stylishly furnished, with rivers of alcohol left and right. The style evokes Indian vibes and is ideal as a first stop during an evening along the Corso.
68 locals recommend
BhangraBar
1 Corso SempioneConsidered by many to be the symbol of nightlife along Corso Sempione. A very large and crowded bar, stylishly furnished, with rivers of alcohol left and right. The style evokes Indian vibes and is ideal as a first stop during an evening along the Corso.
Not exactly in the sempione area (located in the Isola district), but also the guiding star of the radical chic in Milan. This can be confirmed by the fact that the people you will find in LibrOsteria are the same people you will come across when you go to Frida. The colorful tables and the walls full of climbing plants give the bar a very relaxed and intellectual area. In short, radical chic.
236 locals recommend
Bar Frida
3 Via Antonio PollaiuoloNot exactly in the sempione area (located in the Isola district), but also the guiding star of the radical chic in Milan. This can be confirmed by the fact that the people you will find in LibrOsteria are the same people you will come across when you go to Frida. The colorful tables and the walls full of climbing plants give the bar a very relaxed and intellectual area. In short, radical chic.