Castello, Parco Sempione and the Arco della Pace: a walk in Milan

The Sforza castle, through Milan's central park past the design museum and a panoramic tower, to Napoleon's arch.

Best time: Afternoon into sunset aperitivo

The route, stop by stop

1
Sforza Castle
Courtyards free; museums 60-90 min.
15th-century Sforza fortress whose museums hold Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, and Leonardo's painted Sala delle Asse.
2
Parco Sempione
Walk the park's main axis; 20 min.
3
Civic Aquarium
Optional with children; 45 min.
A small historic civic aquarium at the edge of Parco Sempione; an easy hour with children.
4
Triennale di Milano
Design museum and garden cafe; 45-90 min.
Milan's design museum since 1923, with the Italian Design Museum and a garden cafe at the edge of Parco Sempione.
5
Torre Branca
Lift to the top for the view; 20 min.
A steel tower in Parco Sempione with a viewing platform, listed by Time Out among Milan's high viewpoints; quieter than the Duomo roof.
6
Arco della Pace
Sunset; aperitivo bars around Corso Sempione.
Neoclassical triumphal arch begun for Napoleon at the far end of Parco Sempione; the streets around it are an aperitivo area.