Pool Party - Where to Party Poolside in Milan
When the sun hits 30°C in Milan and the city feels like a sauna, the smart move isn’t to stay indoors. It’s to grab a towel, slip on your shades, and head to the nearest poolside party. Pool parties here aren’t just about floating in water-they’re about music, mingling, and making memories under open skies. And if you’re wondering where to actually find the best ones, you’re not alone. Here’s where the real action is this summer.
La Scala Pool Club - The Icon
La Scala Pool Club isn’t just a pool. It’s a Milan institution. Open since 2018, it sits tucked behind the city’s fashion district, hidden like a secret only locals and regulars seem to know. The pool is saltwater, heated just enough to feel luxurious without being hot. The deck is lined with white loungers, each with a built-in cooler slot. That’s not a gimmick-it’s standard. DJs spin from noon to dusk, blending house, disco, and Italian pop. No shirt? No problem. The dress code is relaxed: swimwear only, no sneakers, no hats. You’ll see models, architects, and a few tourists who somehow got invited. The cocktail menu? Simple. Great. Try the Limone Spritz-fresh lemon, Prosecco, and a splash of bitter orange. It’s the drink of the season.
Chic & Pool - Where the Crowd Is
If you want to see who’s who in Milan’s social scene, Chic & Pool is your spot. It’s not the biggest pool, but it’s the most photographed. The vibe is upscale beach club meets minimalist luxury. Think white tiles, olive trees in ceramic pots, and a DJ booth that looks like a sculpture. Entry is free before 6 PM, but after that, it’s €30 for the evening. That covers your first drink, towel service, and access to the chill zone with oversized cushions. The crowd here is younger-late 20s to mid-30s-with a heavy mix of influencers and creatives. The music leans toward deep house and tech house. No pop remixes. No cheesy anthems. Just smooth beats that make you move without realizing it. They serve cold gazpacho shots at 4 PM. Yes, really. It’s a thing here.
Il Giardino Segreto - The Hidden Gem
Most people don’t know about Il Giardino Segreto until someone whispers about it. Tucked into a quiet courtyard near Porta Venezia, this private villa-turned-pool-party spot only opens on weekends from June to September. No sign. No website. You get in by RSVP only-text the number on their Instagram bio. The pool is small, maybe 12 meters long, but it’s surrounded by ivy, fairy lights, and a live acoustic guitarist who plays from 5 PM to 8 PM. No DJs. No loud speakers. Just soft melodies and the sound of water. The bar serves local wines by the glass and homemade limoncello. Bring your own book. Or don’t. Just sit. Listen. Relax. It’s the only pool party in Milan where you leave quieter than when you arrived.
Pool & Co. - The Party Hub
If you came to Milan to dance until sunrise, Pool & Co. is your match. This place turns into a full-on club after sunset. The pool becomes a dance floor with floating LED panels that change color with the beat. The water is shallow enough to stand in, deep enough to dive. The crowd? Mixed. Students, expats, tourists, local DJs, and a few celebrities who slip in without being spotted. The drink specials are insane: €8 cocktails until 9 PM, then €12 after. They have a taco truck parked right next to the pool. Yes, tacos. Pulled pork, mango salsa, cilantro lime rice. It’s weird. It’s perfect. They also host themed nights-Tropical Tuesday, Retro Friday, Glow Saturday. On Saturdays, they bring in international DJs. Last month, it was a surprise set from a Berlin techno artist. No one saw it coming. You won’t either.
La Terrazza - The Rooftop Twist
Not every pool party in Milan happens at ground level. La Terrazza sits on the 12th floor of a luxury hotel near the Duomo. The pool is rooftop, open-air, and surrounded by glass railings with skyline views. It’s not a place for splashing around-it’s for sipping, smiling, and snapping photos. The vibe is calm, chic, and quiet. The music is ambient chill, not bass-heavy. You’ll find couples, older professionals, and a few artists working on sketchbooks. The food is Mediterranean small plates: grilled octopus, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, crispy artichokes. They don’t serve cocktails in plastic cups. Everything comes in glassware. It’s expensive-€50 entry after 7 PM-but if you want a pool party with a view of Milan’s skyline at golden hour, this is it.
What to Bring (And What to Leave at Home)
- Bring: Water shoes (the deck gets hot), a waterproof phone case, a microfiber towel, sunscreen with SPF 50, and a light cover-up. Some places rent towels, but they’re overpriced and thin.
- Leave: Heavy perfumes (they clash with chlorine), flip-flops with loud straps, your wallet (most places accept contactless), and your expectations of a quiet nap. Pool parties here are social by nature. You’ll be talking to strangers before you know it.
Timing Matters
Don’t show up at 3 PM expecting to find a crowd. Most pools open at noon. The real energy kicks in around 5 PM. If you want to avoid lines, arrive before 4 PM. If you want to dance under the stars, stick around past 9. Most pools close by midnight, but the music fades around 11. The last call for drinks? Usually 10:30 PM. No exceptions.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary wildly. At Il Giardino Segreto, it’s free-but you need an invite. At La Scala, entry is €15 before 7 PM, €25 after. Chic & Pool charges €30 after 6 PM. Pool & Co. is €10 before 7, €20 after. La Terrazza starts at €50. Most places include one drink in the entry fee. You can usually pay for extra drinks with a wristband or cashless card. No one takes cash anymore.
What’s Different This Year?
2025 brought a few changes. More pools now have solar-powered lighting. Some have floating speakers you can attach to your towel. A few places now offer non-alcoholic cocktails made with local herbs-like mint and rosemary infused with sparkling water. There’s also a new rule: no glass bottles. All drinks come in recyclable cups. And the dress code? More relaxed than ever. Swimsuits, sarongs, and even wide-leg linen pants are welcome. But no suits. No ties. No shoes. Ever.
Final Tip: Book Ahead
Don’t just show up on a Saturday expecting to walk in. Even the smaller places like Il Giardino Segreto fill up fast. Use Instagram to check their stories for last-minute openings. Or text the venue directly. Most have WhatsApp numbers listed. If you’re with a group of four or more, call ahead. Many places have reserved sections for parties. You don’t need to be rich. Just organized.
Are pool parties in Milan only for tourists?
No. While tourists do show up, especially in July and August, the core crowd is Milanese. Locals know the best spots, the right times to go, and who’s playing. Many regulars have been going to the same pools for years. It’s not a tourist trap-it’s a local ritual.
Can I go to a pool party alone?
Absolutely. Many people go solo. Pool parties are surprisingly easy to mingle at. You’re already in swimwear, so there’s no pressure to dress up. Strike up a conversation by the snack bar, ask someone where they got their towel, or just sit near the music and nod along. People are friendly. You’ll leave with a new friend or at least a drink recommendation.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, but it’s simple. Swimwear only. No street clothes, no shoes, no hats. Some places like La Terrazza allow linen cover-ups, but nothing bulky. No tank tops over swimsuits. No hoodies. No jeans. It’s not about being fancy-it’s about being appropriate. If you’re not in swimwear, you won’t be let in.
Do I need to be young to enjoy these parties?
Not at all. La Terrazza and Il Giardino Segreto attract older crowds. Even Pool & Co. has regulars in their 40s and 50s. The music and vibe change depending on the venue. If you want chill, go to the quiet ones. If you want energy, go where the bass drops. Age doesn’t matter-attitude does.
Are these places safe?
Yes. All major pool venues have security, lifeguards, and CCTV. They check IDs at the door. Alcohol is served responsibly. Most places have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. If something feels off, tell a staff member. They’ll handle it fast. You’re not in a club alley-you’re in a controlled, well-managed space.