The best clubs and parties in Milan, Italy

    

Night life in Milan is fascinating because it is constantly changing. Of course there are tried and true institutions that never go out of fashion, but new places constantly spring up and become popular overnight, their features spread by word of mouth. Clubs are eclectic and the themes and décor range from Asian to minimalist to over-the-top Rococo. There are some basics; first of all, an evening out in Milan is often an excuse to show off one’s fashion sense and casual attire will spotlight the wearer as a tourist. Secondly, night life in Milan begins in the late afternoon, with the Happy Hour being a favorite Milanese institution.

Cocktails (5-7 Euro per drink) are served long before sundown and are often accompanied by substantial buffets that minimize or eliminate the need for supper. The neighborhoods of Porta Ticinese, Navigli and Porta Romana have the highest density of well known clubs, but a good bar with a Happy Hour can be found on virtually every street in Milan. Some currently popular clubs are the Magenta, located in the city center, and the Volo which moves its Happy Hour outside to the ancient walled garden during Spring and Summer. Both have excellent buffets, as does the Officina 12, which is a loft style glitzy bar and pizzeria located in a former factory. For a celebration or to impress guests, try the Corso Como 10, a combination restaurant and wine bar together with an interior garden, boutique, bookshop, and art gallery all housed in a converted Milanese house.

To keep the evening going, discos abound in Milan and the aptly named Hollywood draws a crowd of actors, models and celebrities. Potential entrants are screened at the door; there may be a wait and on well attended nights, you may not get in at all, unless you too are famous. The Atlantique, another place to see and be seen, is the venture of the designers Dolce and Gabbana, which offers popular house music. Loollapalozaa is always crowded but with less famous types; it is a great place to dance the night away in a fun, unpretentious atmosphere.

La Scala is not the only place to hear live music in Milan. The rock emporium is called the Rolling Stone and has featured most of the well known groups over the years, including

Ben Harper and Massive Attack. Jazz fans flock to the Navigle area for a night of live jazz in Le Scimmie. Concerts are also offered at the Leoncavallocenter by international artists. Tickets must be purchased in advance and seating choices vary.
Read about Milan in our travel-guide
What to know about Milan before you get there