10 Things to Do in Milan at Night

Milan is known as Italy’s economic capital, yet it hides corners where time seems to have stood still. Its monuments are even more beautiful after sunset, when the city’s frenetic pace slows down.

Among the things to see and do in Milan, an evening stroll is always a good option. In this article, we reveal the best spots.

We Spaniards love to eat at different times than the rest of Europe, and sometimes we find it hard to sit down for dinner at 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Luckily, in Milan you’ll find several options for late-night dining:

• Le Capannelle: also known as the temple of Milanese night owls, it features an à la carte menu with appetizers, pasta dishes, meat, fish, Neapolitan pizza, ice cream, and desserts. It’s a city landmark and the only restaurant open all night. (Viale Papiniano 23)
• Hard Rock Cafe: This legendary restaurant will immerse you completely in a musical atmosphere, as you’ll be surrounded by unique collectibles from icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna while you enjoy your dinner. If you’re a music lover, this is definitely the place for you. It closes at 11:00 PM, so you have plenty of time. (Via Dante, 5)
• Anche Forno: a small bakery in the heart of Isola. Their pizza slices and warm croissants are perfect after a few drinks in the neighborhood. Open until 4:00 a.m. (Via Carmagnola 5)
• Rosy e Gabriele: an international restaurant just a stone’s throw from the central Corso Buenos Aires. The shutters stay up until 2:30 a.m. (Via Giuseppe Sirtori 26)
• Tutti Fritti: a fried food paradise where you can wash down every dish with excellent craft beers. It closes at 2:00 a.m., except on Sundays when it closes at 11:00 p.m. (Corso di Porta Ticinese 18)

Every historic city hides some treasures underground, and Milan is no exception. Beneath Piazza San Sepolcro lies the church of the same name, whose construction dates back to the time of the Crusades.

During that period, the veneration of Christ’s tomb spread throughout Europe and also “captivated” Saint Charles Borromeo, then Archbishop of Milan.

He himself would descend into the crypt to pray, and his cousin Federico Borromeo embellished the site with a copper and bronze palm tree. In the Christian faith, this tree symbolizes life and rebirth. If you’d like to see it for yourself, don’t forget to book a visit to the Crypt of the Holy Sepulcher so you don’t miss out.

Useful Information

• Address: Piazza San Sepolcro
• Price: starting at €10.
• Hours: tours are available both in the morning and in the afternoon

A symbol of Milan, the building with the most statues in the world, the largest Gothic cathedral on the planet... The Duomo is a record-breaking temple, and when darkness envelops the city, its silhouette will take your breath away.

The monument is illuminated by more than 500 LED spotlights that highlight the details of each sculpture. If you visit Milan in December, you’ll see the festive lighting that makes the cathedral shine even brighter.

Want to take the best photos? Great! Here are some tips for finding the perfect angle during your visit to Milan’s Duomo:

• If you position yourself at the beginning of Via Dante, you can frame the entire silhouette with the equestrian monument to Vittorio Emanuele on the right.
• If it has rained, look for a small puddle to capture the reflection of the Duomo.
• If you have a good camera, I recommend capturing some details of the statues and gargoyles.

Useful Information

Prices vary depending on the type of visit. For more information, I recommend reading the post about tickets for Milan’s Duomo.

Milan is the economic heart of Italy, and many people associate it with skyscrapers and a frenetic pace. However, just a few meters from the headquarters of multinational corporations, there are neighborhoods where time seems to have stood still. Brera is one of these, where its cobblestone alleys and elegant palaces bear witness to historic Milan.

If you visit the Lombard capital in winter, you’ll likely see the neighborhood shrouded in fog. This atmospheric phenomenon adds a magical touch and a hint of fantasy to your visit that you’ll love, especially at night. I recommend visiting:

• The Church of San Marco
• Palazzo Citterio

The Pinacoteca di Brera

Also, don’t miss one of its greatest treasures: a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, located in the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.

It houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Hayez, and Sanzio, among others. The last admission is at 6 p.m., so it’s a great starting point for your nighttime tour. But on European Museum Night, the last entry is at 9:30 PM. Additionally, it is open at night on the third Thursday of the month.

To get there , I recommend taking the metro and getting off at one of the following stops: Cairoli (M1 and M2), Lanza (M2), or Montenapoleone (M3)

After sunset, downtown Milan transforms. The streetlights create a magical atmosphere, and the monuments glow in the dark. The Sforza Castle is one of them, and it’s worth stopping by to admire its imposing facade.

The best spot for taking photos is right in Piazza Castello, home to a large illuminated fountain. Behind it, you can make out the imposing silhouette of the Torre del Filarete, the main entrance to the fortress.

However, at night it will be closed, and you’ll only be able to view it from the outside; but you can always visit the Sforzesco Castle in the morning and then see it in a different atmosphere at night—the view is completely different.

Want to see the Lombard capital from a different perspective? Then I recommend booking a night tram tour. The tour takes place aboard a Model 1500 tram that was used in the 1920s. Typically, these tours include an expert guide and headphones so you don’t miss any of the commentary.

Once on board, you’ll pass through the Old Town, Ticinese, and Porta Genova (Navigli), Repubblica (near the central Stazione Centrale), and Sempione, the neighborhood home to the park of the same name and the Arco della Pace. There’s also a more festive version that includes cocktails or glasses of spumante.

If you prefer, you can also book a ticket for the Milan tourist bus and explore the entire city at your own pace—even at night—with 40 stops along the route.

Although it lies in the middle of a plain, Milan is a city of water. In the past, the urban fabric was crisscrossed by dozens of navigable canals that facilitated the transport of people and goods. The most important ones have survived being filled in, remaining as witnesses to the city of yesteryear.

As night falls, the lights from streetlamps and signs reflect on the water, creating a romantic atmosphere, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by visiting the Navigli district, located just a few metro stops from the city center and a half-hour walk from Milan’s Duomo.

It is bordered by the old port, now converted into a leisure area, and two canals: the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese. There, you can take a boat ride along the canals to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere.

In recent years, the selection of rooftop bars in Milan has grown tremendously, and new spots have been opening both in the city center and in up-and-coming neighborhoods. The list below highlights some of Milan’s must-visit spots:

• Sky Terrace Bar Milano Scala: an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Brera. In addition to excellent cocktails—I recommend trying their famous Green Mixology—you’ll find an urban garden where the produce is used in both the restaurant and the bar. (Via dell’Orso 7)
• Terrazza Aria - Sina the Gray: this is the cocktail bar of the eponymous five-star boutique hotel. It’s known for its Campari-based cocktails. I recommend ordering a Sea Dream or a City Bloom. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Duomo (Via S. Raffaele 6)
• Ceresio 7: perfect for enjoying an aperitif by the pool without leaving the city. The drinks on the menu are anything but conventional. From up here, you can see the skyscrapers of Porta Garibaldi and the Monumental Cemetery. (Via Ceresio 7)
• Radio Rooftop: the rooftop bar located on the tenth floor of the Hotel Me Milàn Il Duca. Open daily until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. Reservations are recommended (Via Marco Polo 18)
• Globe: a restaurant and cocktail bar overlooking Piazza Cinque Giornate. Its menu is varied and includes exotic creations such as the Brazilian Sunset or the Gusano Desaparecido. It is located in the eastern part of Milan. (Piazza Cinque Giornate 1)

The Lombard city is known for its nightlife. Some of the country’s best clubs are concentrated here, and there are options for all tastes and budgets. The list below brings together the best options for a night out. Let’s discover them!

• Amnesia: a nightclub divided into two rooms: House Room (with house music) and Sound Room (which offers more eclectic sounds). (Via Alfonso Gatto)
• Magazzini Generali: a former industrial warehouse converted into a club. Artists of the caliber of the Chemical Brothers, Franz Ferdinand, and Sven Vath have performed on its stage, though the list could go on. The perfect spot for electronic or rock music. (Via Pietrasanta 16)
• Just Cavalli: opens its doors at aperitif time (around 7:00 PM) and stays open late with a quality DJ set. You’ll find it beneath the Branca Tower in Sempione Park. (Viale Luigi Camoens)
• Fabrique: a venue for concerts and events. Check the schedule on the official website; you might take advantage of your visit to Milan to catch your favorite artist. It’s located in the eastern part of the city, not far from Milan-Linate Airport (Via Fantoli 9)
• Loolapaloosa: a trendy spot in the Porta Garibaldi - Corso Como area. You can enjoy an aperitif starting at 7:00 PM, and after 11:00 PM it transforms into a club. (Corso Como 15)
• Alcatraz: a multipurpose venue in northern Milan. Before midnight, it hosts concerts of all kinds, from rock to rap, including tributes to classic music and metal. After the shows, it transforms into a large nightclub (Via Valtellina 25)
• Hollywood: a city institution. It typically features dance, hip-hop, techno, and house music and attracts a diverse crowd. It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities here (Corso Como 15)

A famous Milanese crime novelist, Giorgio Scerbanenco, wrote: “Milanese people kill on Saturdays because the rest of the week they’re busy working.” The Lombard capital has been the scene of quite a few crimes, and a ghost tour is the ideal way to uncover its most sinister stories.

Like the one in Milan’s central Piazza del Duomo, where a spirit roams. It is the ghost of Carlina, a tormented soul who lost her life in the nearby Cathedral. Some believe she jumped, while others think her death was accidental. Since then, the woman has continued to wander this area, and some couples who were married in the Duomo swear that the young Carlina appeared at their wedding.

Useful Information

• Duration of the ghost tour: between one and a half and two hours.
• Route: Palazzo Marino, Via Torino, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, among others.
• Meeting point: a central location such as the Castle or Piazza Duomo
• Price: around €15

Milan is a safe city, but you should still be a little careful. As in any big city, it’s important to keep a close eye on your bags and backpacks to avoid theft. The city center is the most heavily patrolled area, but since it attracts the largest number of tourists, it inevitably draws pickpockets.