Sky-high Milan

Things are looking up in Milan, where architects are building higher and higher, leading the way for a local trend in view tourism

Featured January 12 Words by Tristan Rutherford
Sky-high Milan

Sightseeing is usually done at ground level, but in Italy's second city, you can now get a whole new perspective. A volley of rooftop spaces atop the city's high points are off ering eagle-eye views of the changing skyline and a place to breathe far above the busy city streets. And although some of these vistas demand deep pockets for access, a host of equally impressive panoramas can be visited for just a couple of euros. Some of these also have sky-high bars, restaurants or spas, frequented only by those in the know. So, when the Milanese crowds get too much, make like the cool cats and hit the roof.

Pirelli Skyscaper

WHERE 22 VIA FABIO FILZI
WHO HIGH-SOCIETY TYPES
PRICE �10,500
Backdrops over Italy's industrial city don't come any more spectacular than this. Formally opening this month, the top floor of Milan's shiny new city hall is a cloud-topping glasshouse of industrial proportions. A lightning-fast lift deposits guests on the 31st floor with a pop of the ears and a gasp at the view. The public gets in on guided tours and open days, but it's usually insiders at Fashion Week parties, high-society weddings and photo shoots who hang out here. The hire cost depends on the event, but �10,500 is a good guideline. grattacielopirelli31.com

Museo Del Novecento

WHERE PIAZZA DUOMO
WHO CULTURE VULTURES
PRICE TAG FROM �3
A glass cube dominated by a well-stocked, if pricey, bar and brand-new restaurant atop Milan's latest contemporary art gallery is an architectural showpiece. Framed by the Duomo (cathedral) and the Palazzo Reale (royal palace), the viewing platform on the top floor is crowned by a Lucio Fontana light installation. Cocktails are around �15, but budget hipsters can join the beautiful people in the bar with a �3 caff � macchiato. museodelnovecento.org

Duomo

WHERE PIAZZA DUOMO
WHO EVERYONE SHOULD
PRICE TAG FROM �6
Milan's crowning showpiece - and one of the largest cathedrals in the world - the Duomo emerged from an eight-year facelift late last year. It costs just �6 to ascend to the spire-lined terrace on foot, but there are 250 claustrophobic steps on the way up. Thankfully, a �10 elevator now completes the same journey in grander style. The summit provides a vertiginous thrill. Guardrails are for lesser cities. The narrow defiles are tailor-made for that buttock-clenching, lean-right- over photo opportunity. Milan's most popular viewing platform is made more intimidating still by the stone saints and Old Testament figures that admonish from on high. duomomilano.it

Torre Branca

WHERE PARCO SEMPIONE
WHO THOSE IN THE KNOW
PRICE TAG �3
At 108m, the Torre Branca - a towering crisscross of steel tubes - is Milan's highest panoramic viewpoint that's open to the general public. It was designed by famed Milanese architect Gio Ponti in honour of Milan's fifth Triennale Design Fair in 1933. Today, groups of up to six at a time can rocket skywards in the tower's great, glass elevator. At the top, a dizzying 360� terrace provides vistas as far as the snow-capped Alps. turismo.milano.it

Hotel Principe di Savoia

WHERE PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA
WHO STRICTLY A-LISTERS
PRICE TAG �150-�17,000
Since 1927, visiting A-listers from Aristotle Onassis to George Clooney have enjoyed stays here. Mere mortals can take one of the Principe's four gold elevators to the 10th-floor Club 10 Spa where, from �150 for a massage and use of the facilities, including swimming pool and Turkish baths, you can also enjoy the wraparound balcony with a 270� panorama. One view is off limits to all but royalty and serious money though. A secret elevator leads to the 500m2 Presidential Suite. The �17,000 per night price tag includes private pool and spa. hotelprincipedisavoia.com