Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant

Ceresio 7 is Milan's best-known rooftop, a glamorous bar, restaurant and pool club on the top floor of the building that houses the headquarters of the fashion brand Dsquared2, founded by twins Dean and Dan Caten. From its terraces, guests look across the rooftops towards the towers of Porta Nuova, and the two long pools are a rare sight in a city with few places to swim outdoors in the centre.

The venue has three parts. The American Bar serves classic and signature cocktails in an elegant room with views, and it is the easiest way to experience Ceresio 7 without committing to dinner. The Signature Restaurant serves contemporary Italian cooking, and in the warmer months The Pools offers day passes and wellness packages for those who want to sunbathe and swim above the city. Experiences and gift packages can also be bought online.

This is one of the most expensive places for a drink in Milan, and it attracts a fashionable crowd, especially at aperitivo time and during fashion and design weeks. Dress smartly. Booking is strongly recommended for the restaurant and the terrace, especially at sunset and at weekends, and reservations can be made online. Pool access is seasonal and sold separately, so check what is available on your dates. The venue sometimes closes for private events.

Ceresio 7 suits couples looking for a special evening, friends celebrating an occasion and anyone who wants a view with their cocktail. It is less suited to families with young children in the evening. Allow time to enjoy the sunset, which is when the terrace is at its best.

Via Ceresio is a short street near Porta Volta, between the Monumental Cemetery and the Paolo Sarpi area. The nearest metro stop is Monumentale on line M5, a few minutes' walk away, and Garibaldi FS, on lines M2 and M5, is about ten minutes on foot. Combine a visit with dumplings in Chinatown or a walk through Porta Nuova. In winter the pools are closed, but the bar and restaurant remain a smart choice for an evening drink with city views, and the lights of the skyline make up for the cooler weather.