Budget Night in Milan

Reviewed by: Alan Rating:

Young, cosmopolitan Milan has a vibrant, lively nightlife and cultural scene. Most bars and restaurants serve "aperitivo" (a buffet of antipasti, free with drinks) between 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm, which is a Milanese institution. They stay open until late (01.00 am), after which energetic people move on to the nightclubs (discoteca), which stay open till 04.00 am (most shut Mondays).

Milan's cultural scene boasts excellent music and theatre performances all year round. Top venues include the prestigious, world-famous La Scala and Piccolo Teatro, while for your late nights, a good club is for instance Plastic, which is one of the most popular nightclubs in Milan and plays Italian house and techno music. Free admission on Sunday nights!

If it’s a bar you are looking for, try and find one with a happy hour. This phenomenon has lifted off in Milan and makes going out in Italy’s most fashionable city affordable and more fun than expected. The only disadvantages with happy hours are that going out so early can mean your night starts very early and you mightn’t have the stamina to last until the clubs.

The best place to explore Milan’s nightlife is around the Navigli district just south of the city centre. Here there are all types of bars, nightclubs and cafés to choose from. And if you feel like checking out what Italy’s live bands sound like, there is a selection of bars in the area with live bands.

You might try Luca & Andrea Bar (you'll find it in Alzaia Naviglio Grande 34, Navigli); if a quiet glass of wine is all you're yearning, and not a tray full of beers, Luca & Andrea is the perfect spot. Friendly staff will quiz you to see what type of wine tickles you fancy before bringing it to your table.

Category: Nightlife