Fun in Milan: Some Ideas

It may seem like a contradiction, but those who live in Milan, or who have experienced the atmosphere and clubs in Milan, know very well that the city comes alive at night. Indeed, the Lombard capital is full of trendy places where history, craftsmanship and product quality combine with the latest European trends and the search for the ‘new’. It is in the evenings in Milan that you can discover the true ‘soul’ of the city, its social character that breathes and relaxes after a long working day and a week of meetings and frenzy. Because it is in Milan where everything comes together and the most unexpected things are created. And it is precisely in the evening that the city comes alive!
So… what to do in the evening in Milan?

• Aperitivo at the Navigli

If there is a place that is synonymous par excellence with ‘aperitivo’ this is surely the Navigli: this historic area, in fact, is home to many options for starting the evening in Milan. It is no coincidence that right at the Navigli you can find the Roialto (Via Piero della Francesca, 55) where the aperitif itself is said to have been invented. Quite expensive, however.
If you fancy a Spritz, go of course to the eponymous venue at Ripa di Porta Ticinese 9 where for only 10€ you can enjoy a good cocktail with a rich buffet (and pizzas baked every 20 minutes!) in a small place that makes it perfect for avoiding the ‘crowd’ for something to eat..
Fusion lovers? Then don’t miss Do you Fusion? (Via Vigevano 22) where you can also stop for a dinner… well not a traditional one! Otherwise go to Cucina Fusetti (Via Mario Fusetti 1) where European cuisine is fused into many different dishes in an ambience that is not hard to describe as familiar.

• Gay bars

Milan is also full of gay-friendly nightclubs of course. The first, and historic, is certainly the Nuova Idea (Via Gaetano de Castillia 30), opened in 1957. Five years later, the Plastic (Viale Umbria 120) also opened and today hosts some of the city’s most transgressive evenings!
For a quieter evening, however, go to the G-Lounge (Via Larga 8) in a place that was often frequented by fascist hierarchs towards the end of the first half of the 20th century and now houses one of Italy’s most beautiful gay-friendly venues. Karma!

• Discos

Nightlife in Milan is mainly breathtaking discos, which are unfortunately quite expensive. You could, however, start at the Magazzini Generali (Via Pietrasanta 14) where entry is almost always less than 15/20€. Slightly more expensive is the Gattopardo (Via Pietro della Francesca 47), another historic disco built inside a deconsecrated church! If you were looking for something a little more ‘chic’ for your night out in Milan, then you can’t miss Hollywood (Corso Como, 15).

• Live music

Milan is one of the city’s richest in music and cultural events and, therefore, there are plenty of venues that host live music. First on our list is certainly the historic Alcatraz (Via Valtellina 25), renowned for its rock and metal nights. On the same wave is Transilvania (Via Pier Alessandro 59).
Of a completely different spirit is, of course, the music that you can enjoy at the Leoncavallo social centre, Via Antoine Watteau, 7.
Finally, jazz lovers would undoubtedly recommend the Blue Note (Via Borsieri 37), probably the most famous jazz venue in Italy.

• Beer

In the eastern part of Milan, don’t miss one of the city’s most popular clubs for its young clientele and vintage décor. Another point of reference for students is the Matricola Irish Pub (Viale Romagna 43) with a more refined atmosphere but no more expensive.
Those who love craft beer should definitely try the selection of the best craft beers from around the world at Lambiczoon (Via Friuli 46).
To try something alternative in the beer sphere….don’t miss the BQ in Via Corsico 5: here you can try beer and cuisine… Indian!
If you love gothic, don’t miss the Beda House (Via Gioacchino Murat, 2): this beautiful pub, with its ‘British’ appearance, hides a truly unique gothic room in Milan!

• Oops, absinthe!

In the heart of the Isola district there is a place that could be described as ‘alternative’: the Frida (Via Antonio Pollaiuolo, 3), as well as offering brunch and mouth-watering aperitifs, offers absinthe both straight up and fantastic cocktails!
Many thanks to F. // Chicca // K. Silva, sfu.marcin and Tobias Franz for the great photos on Flickr!