Explore Milan
Plan Your Milan Holiday: Best of Milan
Find flight deals to Milan
Essential Milan
Toasting Milan’s aperitivo culture
- Bar Basso485Bar Basso claims to be the first place to serve aperitivo in Milan. It’s also famous as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, or “mistaken” negroni, created when the owner accidentally made the iconic cocktail with prosecco instead of gin. Wood-paneled and unabashedly old fashioned, Bar Basso is loved by locals, but it can get a little too popular during the city’s Fashion and Design weeks. Plan accordingly.
- Escobrillo59Off the beaten path, this neighbourhood enoteca (wine bar) specialises in lesser-known wines from small producers, and has a knowledgeable staff that always points me to a new favourite. You won’t find cocktails here, but if you’re wine-lover looking for a local spot with generous outdoor seating, complimentary charcuterie plates with classic Italian salamis and cheese, and wine varietals you may not have tried before, this is a solid choice.
- Living Liqueurs & Delights681A good place to see upper class Milanese in action, this sleek, marble-lined restaurant near Parco Sempione offers something for everyone. The bar’s well stocked with wines and the bartenders are quick to mix up aperol spritzes (a classic aperitivo option) and negronis. The food menu includes reliable club sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Plus Living’s hours are unusually generous for Milan: 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.
- The Botanical Club289Gin aficionados, follow me to the Botanical Club, which has locations in two gentrifying neighbourhoods of the city: Via Pastrengo in Isola and Via Tortona in Porta Genova. The bars offer fun snacks like edamame and fish burgers, but are best known for their tweaks of classic cocktails. The “Stranger Mule” uses the club’s own brand of gin and purple bitters; their “Jackson Five”, a reimagined negroni, gets a kick from kaffir lime leaves.
- Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant2,252This is the bar for when you want a view of the city, and, on a warm day, a swim. Located in a landmarked 1930s building, the bar offers poolside seating, immensely Instagrammable views, and a long list of wine, cocktails, and a few mocktails. The bar snacks aren’t particularly compelling, but if you’re hungry after the aperitivo, the building also has a restaurant with great views.
- 10_11179Owned by the famed Ferragamo fashion family, this bar in the Portrait Hotel has become a magnet for Milan’s most glamourous residents. The people watching is first rate, as are the drinks, elevated with aromatic ingredients like juniper sprigs and caper flowers. Appealing to the ladies who lunch (known locally as sciure), the bar also has a good selection of alcohol-free options.
- BackDoor43111This miniscule bar–just four tables–is worth the squeeze for a singular, bespoke cocktail experience. Bookings are required and include exclusive use of the space for one hour, during which the bartender will ask about your taste preferences and create cocktails to suit them. Protip: If you can’t get a booking, or are claustrophobic, knock on the bar window and get a cocktail to go.
Explore Milan by interest
Michelin-starred restaurants
Eat dessert first
Beyond the runway
Head out for the day
Flavours of Milan
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Milan
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
There are three international airports in Milan: Malpensa Airport (MXP), Linate Airport (LIN), Orio al Serio Airport (BGY). MXP is Italy’s second-busiest airport, and so has the most international flights. LIN mostly offers domestic service, while BGY, in nearby Bergamo, is a European hub.
Train:
There are several major train stations in Milan, and RailEurope offers rail service to/from many European destinations.
Bus:
Flixbus has routes to/from many European cities.
Do I need a visa?
Italy is a Schengen Country, so visit Schengen Visa Info page to know if you need a visa to visit Milan.
When is the best time to visit?
End of summer. The semi-annual Milan Fashion Week, held at the tail end of both summer and winter, is the most popular time to visit Milan. During the sweltering month of August, Milanese flock to the Italian lakes and the city all but shuts down. You can expect average daily temperatures to hit highs of 30°C/85°F and lows of 19°C/75°F.
When you're there
ATM operates Milan’s extensive public transportation network. Download its app here for tickets, fares, schedules and more. Get its Travel Card for unlimited service.
Additionally, the MilanoCard provides free ATM transit service and discounts or free entry at hundreds of attractions in Milan. More info here.
Metro
There are four subway lines in Milan and an underground service to the suburbs. They do not run overnight.
Tram
There are more than a dozen tram lines in Milan.
Buses
Buses run overnight after the metro closes.
Bikes
ATM oversees the BikeMi bike-share program, and there are docking stations all over the city. MoBike is another bike-share.
Scooters
There are a few scooter-sharing companies in Milan, and they work via an app. More info here.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Milan, and while you sometimes may be able to hail one on the street, your best bet is getting one outside a hotel, train station or landmark. You can also book via the Milan Taxi app.