Milan

Laid out in 1888 behind the Sforza Castle, this 47-hectare park is Milan's green lung, complete with a lake, the Arco della Pace and four fenced off-leash dog areas. It fills with Milanese and their dogs every morning before office hours.

The 12th-century canal district designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci is now Milan's nightlife artery, with towpaths perfect for evening strolls. Nearly every aperitivo bar along the water accepts leashed dogs on the terrace after 18:00.

The fourth-largest cathedral in Europe, begun in 1386, dominates the city square with its Candoglia marble spires. Dogs are welcome on Piazza del Duomo, but not inside the cathedral, baptistery or rooftop terraces.

A bohemian grid of cobbled streets around the 17th-century Palazzo Brera, packed with galleries, boutiques and cafés. Many shops set out water bowls, and the Orto Botanico di Brera admits leashed small dogs during its open hours.

Milan's newest green space, opened in 2018 around the Hadid, Isozaki and Libeskind towers, spans 17 hectares with a dedicated fenced dog run. Its flat, traffic-free design is ideal for senior dogs and small breeds.

A 640-hectare reclaimed industrial park north of the city, reached by tram 4 from Cairoli in 25 minutes. Wide meadows, cycle paths and a large fenced off-leash zone make it the go-to weekend escape for Milanese dog owners.