Castello, Sempione and Chinatown
A self-guided walk in Milan.
1h45. 1.5 miles. From Castello Sforzesco to Cantine Isola.
Cross the Sforza castle, the Sempione park and its design museum, then end with dumplings and wine in Milan's Chinatown.
The local move
End the walk at Cantine Isola for a glass at the counter, the way neighbours have done for generations.
Best time to go
Afternoon, finishing at aperitivo time
When to avoid it
Monday if you want to enter the Castello museums or the Triennale
The stops
Castello Sforzesco
The Sforza fortress, now home to museums including Michelangelo's last sculpture.
Tip: The courtyards are free; the Rondanini Pietà is the museum to choose if time is short.
Parco Sempione
The great park behind the castle, laid out at the end of the nineteenth century.
Tip: Head diagonally towards the Triennale and the Torre Branca.
Triennale Milano
Italy's design museum, with exhibitions and a terrace café over the park.
Tip: The design collection rotates; check what is on display.
Torre Branca
Gio Ponti's steel tower from 1933, with a lift to the top.
Tip: Opening hours are limited and weather dependent.
Arco della Pace
A triumphal arch begun for Napoleon and finished for the Austrian emperor.
Tip: Walk through the arch to see the bronze chariot from below.
Via Paolo Sarpi
The pedestrian heart of Milan's Chinatown, full of food shops.
Tip: Go hungry; this is a street for grazing.
Ravioleria Sarpi
Handmade dumplings filled with meat from an Italian butcher next door.
Tip: Order at the window and eat on the street.
Cantine Isola
A historic wine bar where the glass list is long and the counter is crowded.
Tip: Evening aperitivo comes with snacks; stand outside like everyone else.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
