The Best Nightlife in Milan: A Guide to the City's Hottest Spots
Basking in the Glow of Navigli District
Ah, the Navigli District - where Milan's nightlife truly comes to life! When the sun dips below the horizon and dusk wraps the city in its mysterious aura, the soft glowing lights of Navigli district come to life. It's a magical place where time seems to slip away - it's like a romance film set in real life. Here, you're greeted by scenic canals, artist houses, antique shops, and vintage boutiques. The floral smell of nearby flower markets floods your nostrils, and the clinking sounds of plates and glasses from restaurants dance in your ears.
An intriguing fact about Navigli is that it was designed by the one and only - Leonardo Da Vinci. Now I bet you didn't know that! This district offers an array of venues that cater to your every fancy, from edgy underground clubs to sophisticated lounges. For instance, there's Alcatraz, a large industrial club known for hosting international DJs. The music here will get your foot tapping, heart pounding, and body moving. If you're lucky, you might even find yourself losing track of time as night slips into dawn.
Then there is the renowned jazz club, Scimmie, a haven for jazz lovers! It will make your heart hum with its soulful, velvety tunes. And if hunger strikes as you dance the night away, not to worry - the district is dotted with a plethora of restaurants serving mouth-watering Italian cuisine. I remember, once, I decided to treat my overworked palate in one of these charming eateries. I ordered a heavenly plate of Risotto alla Milanese which practically melted in my mouth, accompanied by a glass of rich, full-bodied, Barolo.
And, if your spirits aren't lifted high enough, there's The Spirit, a cocktail bar known for its soul-soothing concoctions. If you're a night owl with a knack for cocktails, believe me, The Spirit is your paradise. These aren't just cocktails - these are layered stories that unfurl with each sip. Their menu is a mixologist's masterpiece that will make you come back for more.
Exploring the Electric Corso Como
If the Navigli District was a soft, soothing, jazz melody, then Corso Como is the high energy, heart-thumping rock and roll number. Visiting Corso Como grants you entry into Milan's style and fashion universe. It's not just a street, folks, it's a fashion epicenter pulsating with elite boutiques, designer stores, and exclusive art galleries. Visit at night, and you'll find yourself in the midst of Milan's chic and trendy crowd.
Corso Como's bustling life can be accredited to its proximity to Garibaldi Station - it's central, it's convenient, and it's jammed with some of the hottest nightlife spots in Milan. Case in point - the legendary Corso Como 10. This complex bundles up an art gallery, a bookshop, a design store, and a rooftop garden. Most importantly, it's home to one of the city’s most stylish clubs. Here I was once, dancing beneath the crystal chandeliers surrounded by Milan's crème de la crème, feeling quite the local celebrity myself!
End that near perfect night with a glass of wine at Radetzky, a popular and hip café bar. It serves some delightful wines from various Italian regions - I could almost swear I tasted sunshine in that glass of crisp, chilled white Verdicchio. Fun tip - if you visit on a Sunday, you're likely to stumble upon Milan's traditional aperitivo experience. You pay for a cocktail and get a buffet of tasty snacks to go with it - just another reason to love Milan!
Getting Lost in Isola's Vibrant Hues
Milan isn't just about polished facades and high-end fashion; it has its fair share of colorful tapestry too. This brings us to Isola - an erstwhile working-class district turned art and creativity hub. A short stroll in Isola and I was welcomed with walls adorned with urban art, a kaleidoscope of cultures, and a tapestry of sounds from various music genres - all harmonizing perfectly.
Being a creative soul myself, I was naturally drawn to Frida, an artsy cocktail bar named after the eccentric yet brilliant artist, Frida Kahlo. The interiors are an homage to artistic creativity - bursting with color and oozing inspiration. Relaxing in Frida is like stepping into an artist's imagination - a bit chaotic, mostly vibrant, and always inspiring.
And remember that Milan is famous for its aperitivo hour, and Frida certainly didn't disappoint in its apertivo offering. I noshed on some of the most toothsome appetizers while I let that Aperol Spritz sparkle on my tongue. Ah, to be in Milan...
Beware! if all the bohemian vibes stir your inner artist, you won't be the first where Isola has fanned the creative flames. The streets are like a canvas to many an artist, every wall tells a story, every corner is an expression.
Sashaying Through the Streets of Brera
Brera! Where do I start? Picture cobblestone streets that tuck away an assortment of art galleries, a grand opera house, museums, and a slew of bars and restaurants. Here, the past mingles effortlessly with the present, and the effect is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Wandering through Brera, with its enchanting boho-chic vibe, feels like you've stepped back into another time.
Brera is often referred to as Milan's ‘Artists’ Quarter'. I discovered why on my first visit as I fell in love with the Brera Picture Gallery. It boasts an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, showcasing works by heavyweight artists like Raphael and Caravaggio. When I walked out, I was left with an indelible imprint on my soul, a profound reverence towards the power of art.
The evening in Brera is best commenced at Nottingham Forest, one of the world's top 50 bars. A cocktail at this iconic bar is not just a drink, it's an experience - an enticing dance of flavors, a visual spectacle, a harmonious symphony of ingredients. After, when hunger strikes, securing a table at Trattoria Madonnina is a must. This quaint little place had me feasting on Osso Buco, with its impossibly tender veal shanks, which I pulled apart with my fork to reveal succulent meat. It was washed down with a robust Chianti, leaving me satiated and incredibly satisfied.
Brera, with its charming streets, arty vibes, and inviting nightlife, is the splendid culmination of Milan's best aspects all tied together in a lovely bow.
The pulsating heart of Milan's nightlife is a magnificent blend of varied tastes and experiences. There is something to suit all moods and preferences. So here's my tip- let the city guide you. Let Milan speak to you in its eclectic, enchanting, effervescent language. And, when it does, listen. Listen with your senses wide open. And I promise you, the city won't fail to mesmerize you. It never does.