Last Updated on: 2nd March 2022, 04:35 pm
Milan is a gorgeous city by day, but the beauty and magic don’t end at sunset. I can still remember how excited I was to go out for my first taste of Milan nightlife. Maybe reading this guide will inspire you to move to Milan!
There’s something so sophisticated about the city that you know you’re in for a treat every time you step outside. Don’t miss enjoying these fabulous things to do in Milan at night!
Can’t read now? Pin for later!
My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023
These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.
Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing
Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.
Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.
For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.
For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.
Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.
For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.
Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).
For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.
The Top 6 Most Popular Milan Tours & Attractions
Before you dig into all the city has to offer, you should know that these are the most popular guided tours, attractions, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets in Milan.
Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket or Skip-the-Line Version
Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: 72, 48-Hour or 1 Day Ticket
Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan
Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo Museum Entrance Ticket
The Best Things to Do in Milan at Night
In no particular order…
Take a Night Tour of Milan’s Duomo
The city cathedral, Milan’s Duomo, is probably one of the most stunning pieces of Gothic architecture in Italy and it can be quite magical and at the same time mysterious places to visit in town at night.
You can book a nighttime guided tour of the Duomo to immerse in a completely different atmosphere.
Check the stunning building as well as the magnificent views from the rooftop while the sun goes down to gain a whole different perspective of Milan’s striking beauty.
Location: Duomo Square
Check the City’s Ghost Stories with this Mysterious Night Tour
Such an old city could not miss its share of eeriest secrets and ghost stories. What a better way to discover Milan’s terrible horror stories including murderers, ghosts, witches, and even the Plague.
This tour walks you into one of the darkest areas of Milan, surrounded by tales of intrigue and conspiracy featuring local characters both from the history and the literature of town. Don’t fear, though, the tour does not include any scary moments.
Since this is a walking experience made mostly though story-telling, you won’t be jumped at or screamed at if that’s already worrying you. You will also be able to enjoy a drink and a bite during the evening.
>>Check here for tour schedule and reviews.<<
Opera Night a La Scala
Does it really matter whether you’re a real fan of Opera or just curious about it? It doesn’t!
When in Milan, do not miss the experience of attending one of the most prestigious events in the cultural calendar of the city, a night at one of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe (or anywhere in the world).
Choose your fanciest dress and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable performance as well as to marvel at the beauty and richness of the venue.
Discover the sophisticated ritual of attending a night at the Scala, have a quick espresso at the intermission and have a taste of one of the most exclusive things to do in Milan at night.
Remember to plan the visit ahead of time to take advantage of discounted tickets. If you already know when your trip is due, visit the Scala website and book in advance.
Location: Scala Square
Discover The Tunnel
The Tunnel is one of the most iconic bars in Milan and a lead character of the underground dance scene since the mid-nineties.
Located in the premises of an abandoned railway shed beneath the famous Milano Stazione Centrale (Milan’s Central Station), The Tunnel has historically been home to the last trends in music since 1995.
Today, with a completely renovated music style, including house, electronic, and R&B, the temple of underground music, has always been the perfect location for the alternative Milanese trends in music and style.
Location: Via Sammartini 30
Have a drink at Bar Luce
If you’re looking for a place that manages both to celebrate and to recreate the typical environment of a Milanese café from the 50s, Bar Luce is the place you should visit.
A creation signed by the prestigious American film director Wes Anderson, the bar is located at the entrance of the prestigious Fondazione Prada.
Usually described as a miniature version of another landmark in town, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Bar Luce features an atmosphere that perfectly conveys the best of Milan’s popular culture and the characteristic Italian aesthetics from the 50s and the 60s.
Location: Largo Isarco 2 – Fondazione Prada
Experience Baladin Gastropub
Many locals put Baladin among the best places for a beer in Milan. The gastropub is the flagship store of Baladin Brewery.
Two beautiful rooms to choose from to spend a night with friends, great food, and some of the most delicious beers in the country. You can either sit in the Liberty-style area on the first floor or venture in the old-time atmosphere of its basement.
Traditional dishes in their menu include several fried specialties that perfectly pair with Baladin’s beers, as well as a variety of pizzas and hamburgers, Baladin’s soft drinks, and unique wines made from barley!
Location: Via Solferino 56
Have a Cocktail at Nottingham Forest Bar
Famous all over the world for its one-of-a-kind cocktails, Nottingham Forest is usually described as an experimental cocktail bar where you can choose a drink from the fantastic cocktail list, or have a creation made just for you.
It receives visitors from all over the world who can expect to find drinks from almost any country.
Hard to find any better place for fans of travel and adventure, the ambiance has an exotic touch given by objects and decorations from different countries in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, among others.
A curiosity? Every drink has its own different glass!
Location: Viale Piave 1
Ride a Bike at Sunset in the Navigli District
There’s no other more iconic thing to do in Milan at night than spending an evening going from pub to pub in the magnificent Navigli district, the area of Milan’s canals where endless traditional bars, modern restaurants, and alternative food spaces animate the night scene of the city.
Give the Navigli a different touch by navigating the alleys riding a bike at sunset, one of the most beautiful hours to visit the canals which seem to catch fire with the last rays of light.
You can even go on an organized bike tour at night!
Location: Navigli, Milan
>>Click here for information on the tour’s schedule, pricing, and reviews.<<
Anybody said Cheese?
You’ve certainly visited or at least heard of beer bars and wine bars, but have you ever visited a cheese bar? In Milan, you can!
(R)Esistenza Casearia is one of the trendiest places in Milan to indulge in the pleasures of Italian cheese!
This spectacular cheese bar serves sampling platters with some of the finest raw-milk cheeses from the Lombardy region from local producers.
Add to your dinner a glass of biodynamic wine and a mouthwatering homemade tiramisù.
Location: Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio, 29
See Milan from Above at the Torre Branca
Take a deep breath if you’re afraid of the heights because what you’re about to experience will leave you speechless.
Ride the slow elevator and jump up 108 meters on top of Milan at Torre Branca, in the Parco Sempione area.
Torre Branca is one of the highest structures in town where visitors have a completely different perspective of the local skyline, especially once the sun has gone down.
From the area named Belvedere (which could be roughly translated as Nice View) it’s possible to discover every angle the city until the mountains!
Location: Parco Sempione
La Chiesetta Wine Bar
One of the most original things you can do in Milan at night is to have a drink… in a church!
La Chiesetta (meaning the small church in English) is one of the several deconsecrated churches in town that are being transformed into alternative places, bars, discos, art spaces, and more.
La Chiesetta is in the picturesque Chinatown of Milan. The Gothic building dates back to the end of the eighteenth century, and there’s a wonderful bar in the place of the former altar.
The bizarre selection of cocktails known as the Parrish Shots (“Chupitos Della Parrocchia”) include drinks such as Papa Nero (Black Pope) or Sangue di Giuda (Judah’s Blood).
Location: Via Lomazzo 12
Have a Street Food Culinary Experience
You can simply wander around the streets of Milan after dark and check every little food kiosk that smells appealing to you, or you can join a street food tour with a local to help you navigate among the sea of local flavors of the Lombardy region.
Make sure that you choose a tour including wine tasting to also enjoy some Prosecco bubbles with your food.
This particular tour in the picturesque Brera district includes a taste of landmark dishes such as cannoli, Culatello ham, local meatballs, fine ham from Parma, and much more!
>>Click here for tour reviews, schedules, and information.<<
Dance at Club Plastic
Club Plastic is one more iconic venue in Milan when it comes to the dance floor. Edgy and eccentric, Plastic was once defined as one of the best clubs in the world by the American icon Andy Warhol.
Strange, extravagant, boasting one of the best music selections in town, Plastic is known as the temple of nightlife in North Italy, and it’s definitely one of the places you need to visit in Milan
Location: Via Gargnano 15
Try Kebab at NUN
Over the last years, kebab joints flourished all over northern Italy, brought by immigrants coming mainly from Turkey.
Kebab has become one of the new local tendencies as far as gastronomy is concerned and it’s even possible to find it as a popular pizza topping.
It was not going to take long for the kebab to make its way into Milan’s eclectic culinary scene. NUN is the place to go for a real middle eastern experience.
This kebab bar is one of the hottest places to dine in town. Due to its popularity, it’s usually crowded, so it’s always a good idea to arrive early or to book in advance. Other than delicious kebab varieties, check their hummus and their stunning falafel.
Location: Via Lazzaro Spallanzani 36
Learn How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza
Why not roll up your sleeves and giving a try at one of the most iconic Italian experiences: Pizza!
Learn how to make the dough, how to choose and balance toppings, and how to add them to your pizza in a pizza-making class!
Let a professional chef guide you through the secrets of baking and enjoy the final product in the heart of Milan.
This 2.30-hour experience also includes drinks and should be booked ahead of time.
>>Check here for information, reviews, and pricing.<<
Experience the Thrill of an Escape Room
Escape rooms have been around in Milan for a few years now and have become an extremely popular way to spend a night with friends in the city.
There are as many options of escape rooms as you might imagine, ranging from the classic horror and mysterious proposals to adventure rooms, historical, mystical, for couples, for beginners, and many more!
Among the most popular escape rooms in the city, you can check the Maze of Hakaina with a uniquely Japanese atmosphere, or have a taste of the Holy Inquisition in Saint Angelo’s Castle (both venues in via Gian Antonio Boltaffio 8).
Another must choice for escape room fans is The Temple of Anubi (Via Sant’Orsola 10) a terrifying Egyptian atmosphere of curse and mystery.
Dine with a View at Terrazza Triennale
Enjoy the ancient views of the Sforza Castle contrasting with the modern towers of the Porta Nova District.
Visually explore the whole Milanese skyline while indulging in an authentic Italian meal. Terrazza Triennale is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in town, completely made of glass, located on top of the Palazzo Triennale.
Modern design, unique views, and traditional dishes inspired in the style of the most authentic Italian Osteria, a simple place that once used to serve very basic meals and homemade wine.
Location: Viale Alemagna 6
Martini Cocktail Experience
Another unique rooftop in Milan is Terrazza Martini, on the sixteenth floor of Palazzo Diaz.
Among the different proposals, the Martini Cocktail Experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn, guided by their bartender, to prepare three classic Milanese cocktails: Negroni, Americano, and Martini Fiero & Tonic.
Once the masterclass is over, you’re free to enjoy a traditional aperitivo. The whole experience costs 40 € and it lasts about an hour and a half.
If you just want to have an aperitivo, the price is 19 €. Remember that it’s necessary to book in advance, you can do it here.
Location: Piazza Diaz 7
Check Out the Magnetic Atmosphere of the Prestigious Hotel Diana Majestic
This historic hotel in the Porta Venezia District first opened its doors back in 1842 but with a completely different purpose. It was a prestigious swimming school and its original name was I Bagni di Diana (Diana’s Baths).
As years went by, the venue became the Kursaal, a unique hotel, variety theatre, ball-court, restaurant, and dance hall from where you could witness the splendor of the 1900s
Explore the enchanting architectural Art Déco design and have a break in one of the comfortable leather armchairs at the iconic H-Club, open until after dinner for a late drink or a cocktail.
Location: Viale Piave 2
Night Talks in the Dark
Dialogo Nel Buio (Conversations in the dark) is a unique experience where visitors can only use a few senses such as smell, hearing, and touch, but never sight.
This exhibition in total darkness is organized by a local association of the blind (Istituto dei Ciechi).
Blind guides lead you in a journey of exploration where daily situations are simulated in the absence of light.
Simple scenarios, such as a home, a garden, the beach, or city traffic can turn into a surprising and unexpected atmosphere.
The tour ends with an aperitivo in the dark with live music, while dinners can also be booked at the Tratto Nero restaurant, which, following the philosophy of the tour, will serve the meals in total darkness.
Location: Via Vivaio 7
Total Gourmet Experience
Eataly is the temple of high-quality slow food where it’s possible to find absolutely everything ranging from organic vegetables to artisanal beers, local wines, cheeses, cold cuts, and homemade pasta.
Set in a former theater, there are four different levels dedicated to the best food production and niche products from Italian cuisine.
You can either shop for delicious souvenirs to take back home with you, or you can try any of the over 10 restaurants and bistros, enjoy a live music performance or discover the cooking classes and courses that are held daily in the venue.
Location: Piazza XXV Aprile 10
5 Things to Bring with You to Italy
The Lonely Planet Italy guidebook or the Rick Steves Italy guidebook for your trip. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you arrive in Italy, or you’ll find them overpriced.
I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.
An Unlocked Cell Phone so that you can use an Italian sim card while here to help navigate the trains.
Backup Charging Bank for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS system, and general travel genie.
A Camera since Rome is super photogenic. I use a mix of my Nikon D810 and my Samsung8 smartphone these days. (Though many of these pics in this post were on my old Nikon D40).
A Great Day Bag so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc).
My current favorite is the Pacsafe Citysafe, which is especially great for Italy because it has many anti-theft features.
Italy is the only country in the world where I’ve almost been the victim of a pickpocket!
The Pacsafe Citysafe also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day.
More Italy Travel Resources
I love Italy! Here are all my Italy resources to help you plan your trip, organized by destination.
Italy Country Guides
Before you leave for your trip, enjoy these books about Italy and beautiful Italy quotes to help get you inspired!
Florence
This magical Rennaisance capital belongs on everyone’s Italy bucket list. Check out this itinerary for 2 days in Florence, the best things to do in Florence and these beautiful quotes about Florence.
Milan
I adore Milan! I’m *this close* to calling it my favorite city in Italy.
While here, make sure to enjoy the best things to do in Milan, what to eat in Milan, and what to do in Milan at night! And don’t skip any of the best Milan hidden gems!
Only plan on being here for a few days? Check out my three-day Milan itinerary.
Make sure to go on a Tour of the Last Supper (and buy your tickets early!). When you’re done, check out these other beautiful Milan historic churches.
If you want to get out of the city, here are the best day trips from Milan and how to visit Lake Como from the city.
Headed to Milan from late November through early March? Check out the best things to do in Milan in winter and what to do in Milan at Christmas.
Once you’re here, use these quotes about Milan for your Instagram captions!
Finally, before you arrive, check to see if there’s a special Milan festival happening while you’ll be in the city!
Rome
Rome was the first European city I ever visited, and it stole my heart! While here, make sure to see the Roman Forum.
Looking for a history-themed day trip from Rome? You can visit Ostia Antica! (Not sure if Ostia Antica is right for you? Here’s how to choose between Ostia Antica or Pompeii).
Venice
Venice is absolutely beautiful. Use these beautiful quotes about Venice for your picture captions.
Naples & the Amalfi Coast
Headed to Naples? Here’s the perfect one-day-in-Naples itinerary.
You can enjoy these beautiful quotes about the Amalfi coast to inspire your trip!
Italy is Included in These Round-Ups
The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Mediterranean
The Best Books to Read on Vacation
The Most Beautiful Castles in the World
The Best Wine Countries in the World
Where to Go in Europe in September
The Most Underrated Cities in Europe
Before You Leave for Italy – Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road.
I use World Nomads for my long trips to Europe, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in cities (like Rome, Milan, Venice…ahem) where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets.
Italy is the only country I’ve been to (out of almost seventy) where I’ve had someone try to pick my pocket!
I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them. If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.
Get a Travel Insurance quote for your trip.
Pin this Guide to Milan Nightlife for Your Trip!
