13 Unmissable Things To Do In Milan At Night
Milan, a metropolis in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy is known as the fashion capital of the world. Besides fashionistas flocking to the city, Milan is flooded with tourists eager to learn about its fascinating history, art and culture too. Packed with history-rich landmarks such as the Duomo and Milan's Sistine Chapel, days and nights are never boring in this big city. Where to stay in Milan? We've got a guide about top neighborhoods in Milan here.
While Milan is extremely lively during the day, the streets, bars and restaurants get busy at night too. There are so many things to do and see in Milan at night that you wouldn't know where to start. But before you begin your night adventure, make sure to drop off your belongings at a luggage storage service in Milan. This way there will be nothing holding you back to enjoy this booming city till the wee hours.
La Scala Opera House
Located just a 3-min walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is La Scala Opera House or Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. It is just right for such a sophisticated city like Milan to be the host to the most extravagant performances since the 18th century. With two thousand house seats set in intricately designed boxes adorned with red velvet and gold leaf, this venue will make you feel like a celebrity for the entire night.
And it really doesn't matter if you like opera or not, as the opulent interiors will be enough to leave you in awe. The style of the venue requires you to put on some fancy clothes, and that's it. Make sure to book in advance to save a seat or get discounted prices, or book an evening tour with a professional guide to avoid waiting in long lines. There is nothing more grandeur than watching an opera performance in the city where opera actually started.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Once more the Milanese can be proud of something rare and centuries old. Besides the extravagant La Scala Opera, Milan is home to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping mall in Europe. Located in between Teatro alla Scala and Milan Cathedral, the 4-story shopping center is packed with glamourous shops like Prada and Louis Vuitton and top-notch restaurants and cafes.
You don't even have to buy anything. Walking alone inside this marvelous, neoclassical architecture is enough to give you the taste of what it's like to be a Milanese for a moment.
Milan Bar Hopping
Milan nightlife is not all about glamor, ballet, and opera performances. At night, people socialize in restaurants, bars, parks, and many youngsters occupy deconsecrated churches that have been transformed into discos, art spaces, and others. If you like pub crawls, you can either choose to go bar hopping on your own but if you don't know Milan, then a private pub crawl will be an excellent way to start your night off with.
These bar hopping Milan tours usually last about three hours, and you get to explore the City Centre, discover the city streets, get a taste of the local culture, and visit the trendiest bars in town. From rooftop bars and gastro pubs to wine bars, cocktail bars and lounges with amazing views of the city, you will certainly get a taste of the metropolitan vibe of Milan at night. And, you get to enjoy drinks at each venue!
Milan's Duomo
The Duomo Cathedral is one of the most famous Milan attractions. Located on Piazza del Duomo, just a 4-minute walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this is the Cathedral dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary and the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. It is one of the most remarkable Gothic architectures in Italy, and as such, it is one of the first on the list of things to visit in Milan.
While the Cathedral makes for great photos during the day, at night the Piazza is less crowded. You can book an evening tour which includes spending time on the rooftop terrace of the Duomo, where you can soak up amazing panoramas of the city.
Eataly
Milan's gourmand scene is superb, there is no doubt about it. The one place where you will get a taste of Italy's famous dishes starting with fresh pasta, pizza, craft beer, cured meats and cheeses is Eataly. This large marketplace spreads across four flours and houses a variety of restaurants, cafes, drinks and snacks stalls, bakeries, retail stores, and a cooking school. You can watch or participate in the cooking classes with a professional chef, shop for gift items, enjoy live music performances or dine at one of the many restaurants and bistros.
Today there are over 40 Eataly marketplaces around the world. Located on Piazza XXV Aprile 10, between China Town and Milan's Central Station, this Eataly is open every day from 8.30 am till 11 pm, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and family, day or night.
The Last Supper
Santa Maria della Grazie is a church and a Dominican convent where Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Last Supper, one of the most famous paintings in the world and the most famous frescoes in the Renaissance. The church is situated in central Milan, near the Last Supper Museum and Sforzesco Castle, and it is often crowded as people from all over the world come to see the famous painting of Leonardo Da Vinci. To avoid the long lines and crowds, it's best to book a tour, or book your tickets well in advance.
Hot Air Balloon
Milanese skyline at sunset is truly mesmerizing, but seeing it from a bird's eye view is an out-of-this-world experience. At 500 meters height, you will enjoy a 360 degrees panorama of the city and the nearby towns of Piacenza and Pavia too. A part of this unique panorama is San Colombano al Lambro, a small town southeast of Milan, and its centuries old castles. Have your camera ready to make spectacular photos of the Apennines and the Alps.
These tours last about three hours, including the ride to the hot air balloons and the little fiesta with local food and beverages upon landing. You also get to go home with a First flight certificate, signed by the pilot. This may be one of the most expensive things to do in Milan at night, but it truly is an experience of a lifetime.
San Siro Stadium
San Siro Stadium is the home to two of the greatest football teams in the city and Italy, the rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan. Located just a half an hour ride from Milan's Cathedral, San Siro makes for a great day trip whether you are a football fan or not. With a capacity of 80, 000 seats San Siro is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and the largest in Italy. So, make sure to get there one hour before the start of the game as it can get really crowded.
Italians are not only passionate about food, but they also love their sports too. Attending one of these matches will help you get a taste of the Italian's passion for football. Besides being the host to football matches, San Siro has been welcoming famous international and Italian musicians since the 1970s.
Parco Sempione
Milan has many beautiful parks. One of the biggest and most visited is Parco Sempione, built in 1888. Near Porta Nuova and located not far from Milan's Cathedral, Parco Sempione is a great spot to get away from the crowds. The park is also home to many attractions such as the 15th century Sforza Castle, known to be one of the largest citadels in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Here you will also find Milan's Design Museum, The Aquarium, Arena Civica (sports stadium), Arco Della Pace (The Arch of Peace), Torre Branca (Branca Tower), and more. All of these attractions are a must see while in Milan, day or night.
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Along with Navigli district, this modern district is one of the best places to go out at night in Milan. You can either wander alone, with your friends, or your date, but if you want to learn more about the area make sure to book yourself a guided night walking tour. Walk the area surrounded by modern skyscrapers, trendy shops, top notch restaurants and lit-up fountains in the heart of Milan. Also, this area is where you will find the Unicredit Tower, a 750-feet tall skyscraper (the highest in Italy). You can get the most beautiful panoramic views from the building.
Walk the footbridge that connects the piazza to corso Como, the liveliest street in Milan lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. The area also known as Porta Nuova district becomes even more lively at night as the fountains lit up. In the center of the square, there is a Solar Tree, which is lit with solar powered LED lighting.
Cooking Lessons
When in Milan you have to take some cooking lessons, whether to learn how to make authentic Italian pizza or how to prepare homemade pasta. Sign up for a tour and enjoy a few hours long culinary experience with a professional chef who will be teaching you traditional techniques. You will learn how to make Italian's most famous dishes such as lasagna, tortellini and ravioli. At the end of the tour, you get to sit down and enjoy your dinner with a few glasses of local wine.
Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Located on Piazza Santo Stefano, next to the Basilica of Santo Stefano Maggiore, in the City Centre, you will find this rather peculiar church, built in the 13th century. The Sanctuary is famous for a chamber where the entire walls are covered with bones and human skulls. It is fascinating but also disturbing at the same time. For some people, this is actually a work of art.
There is a pretty logical explanation for this bizarre decoration. There was a hospital next to San Stefano Maggiore church. Namely, around 1210, the local cemetery next to the hospital run out of space and they built a separate chamber to collect the bones from the hospital. On the site, in 1269, a church was attached to the chamber. The ossuary chapel can be found through a narrow passage to the right of the church's entrance. It is free to explore every day until 6pm except for Sunday when it is closed.
Bar Luce
One of the thousands of cafes to visit in Milan at night has to be Bar Luce. Located at the entrance building of Fondazione Prada, this typical Milanese cafe was designed by American film director Wes Anderson in 2015. Seven years later it is still one of the most instagrammable places in Europe.
The cafe is an excellent spot to eat, drink, read and socialize, and it is especially loved by vintage lovers. If you enjoyed the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel, then you are in for a treat. From vintage pinball machines to a jukebox, a wide range of colors and veneered wood wall panels, you are going to make photographs everyone will be jealous of. The cafe is open till 8 pm, so make sure to stop by and get your daily dose of vintage.
Milan Nightlife
Italians must be really proud to be living in one of the most romantic countries in Europe, and cities like Milan will make you love Italy even more! When visiting Milan you are guaranteed to have have lots of fun, whether you are taking a walking night tour, admiring the street art or watching an opera performance at La Scala Opera House. Enjoy your night out and plan an incredible brunch the next day!
