10 Things to Do in Milan at Night

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

Among the things to see and do in Milan, a night-time stroll is always a good option. In this article, we reveal the best places to visit.

We Brits love to eat at different times to the rest of Europe and sometimes find it hard to sit down at the table at 7.30 or 8 pm. Luckily, in Milan you'll find several options for late dining:

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

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

At that time, the cult of Christ's tomb spread throughout Europe and also "enchanted" San Carlo Borromeo, then Archbishop of Milan.

He himself would go down into the crypt to pray, and his cousin Federico Borromeo embellished the place with a copper and bronze palm tree. In the Christian faith, this tree symbolises life and rebirth. If you would like to see it for yourself, don't forget to book a visit to the Crypt of the Holy Sepulchre so you don't miss out.

Useful information

• Address: Piazza San Sepolcro
• Price: from €10.
• Opening hours: there are visits in both the morning and 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 projectors that highlight the details of each sculpture. If you visit Milan in December, you will 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 perspective during your visit to Milan's Duomo:

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

Useful information

The price varies depending on the type of visit. For more information, I recommend reading the post about tickets for Milan Cathedral.

Milan is the economic heart of Italy, and many people associate it with skyscrapers and frenetic activity. However, just a few metres from the headquarters of multinational companies, there are neighbourhoods where time seems to have stood still. Brera is one of these, where cobbled streets and elegant palaces bear witness to Milan's history.

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

• The Church of San Marco
• Palazzo Citterio

The Pinacoteca di Brera

In addition, you cannot 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 is a good starting point for your night-time tour. However, on European Museum Night, the last admission is at 9.30 pm. It is also open in the evening on the third Thursday of the month.

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

After sunset, the centre of Milan takes on a different atmosphere. The streetlights create a charming atmosphere and the monuments shine in the dark. The Sforzesco Castle is one of these and is worth a visit to admire its imposing façade.

The best spot for taking photos is in Piazza Castello itself, which has a large illuminated fountain. Behind it, you can see the imposing silhouette of the Filarete Tower, the main entrance to the fortress.

However, at night it is closed and you can only see it from the outside, but you can always visit Sforzesco Castle in the morning and then see it in a different atmosphere at night, when it looks completely different.

Would you like to see the Lombard capital from a different perspective? Then I recommend booking a night tour by tram. The tour takes place aboard a 1500 model train that was used in the 1920s. These tours usually include an expert guide and headphones so you don't miss any of the explanations.

Once on board, you will pass through the old town, Ticinese and Porta Genova (Navigli), Repubblica (near the central Stazione Centrale) and Sempione, the neighbourhood of the park of the same name and the Arco della Pace. There is also a more festive version that includes cocktails or glasses of spumante.

If you prefer, you can also choose to book your ticket on the Milan tourist bus and explore the whole city at your leisure, even at night, with 40 stops to choose from.

Although it is located in the middle of a plain, Milan is a city of water. In the past, the urban fabric was criss-crossed 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.

At nightfall, the lights of the street lamps and signs are reflected in the water, creating a romantic atmosphere, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by visiting the Navigli district, located a few metro stops from the centre and a half-hour walk from Milan Cathedral.

It is bordered by the old port, which has been converted into a leisure area, and two canals: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Here you can take a boat trip along the canals to enjoy the night-time atmosphere.

In recent years, the number of rooftop bars in Milan has grown enormously, with new establishments opening both in the city centre and in up-and-coming neighbourhoods. The list below includes some of Milan's must-visit bars:

• Sky Terrace Bar Milano Scala: an oasis of tranquillity 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 five-star boutique hotel of the same name. It is known for its Campari-based cocktails. I recommend ordering a Sea Dream or a City Bloom. It is located a stone's throw from the Duomo (Via S. Raffaele 6).
• Ceresio 7: ideal for enjoying an aperitif by the pool without leaving the city. The drinks on the menu are anything but conventional. From above, you can see the skyscrapers of Porta Garibaldi and the Monumental Cemetery. (Via Ceresio 7)
• Radio Rooftop: the panoramic bar located on the tenth floor of the Hotel Me Milàn Il Duca. Open every day until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. Reservations are recommended (Via Marco Polo 18).
• Globe: a restaurant and cocktail bar overlooking Piazza 5 Giornate. Its menu is varied and includes exotic creations such as the Brazilian Sunset and 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 best clubs in the country 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 calibre of the Chemical Brothers, Franz Ferdinand and Sven Vath have performed on its stage, although the list could be longer. Ideal for listening to electronic or rock music. (Via Pietrasanta 16)
• Just Cavalli: opens its doors at aperitif time (around 7 p.m.) and continues late into the night with a quality DJ set. You'll find it under the Branca Tower in Sempione Park. (Viale Luigi Camoens)
• Fabrique: a venue for concerts and events. Check the programme on the official website; you could make the most of your visit to Milan to listen to your favourite artist. It is located in the eastern part of the city, not far from Milan-Linate Airport (Via Fantoli 9).
• Loolapaloosa: a trendy option in the Porta Garibaldi - Corso Como area. You can try their aperitif from 7:00 pm onwards, while after 11:00 pm it transforms into a club. (Corso Como 15)
• Alcatraz: a multi-purpose venue in the north of Milan. Before midnight, it hosts concerts of all kinds, from rock to rap, tributes to music of the past and metal. After the shows, it turns into a large nightclub (Via Valtellina 25).
• Hollywood: a historic venue in the city. It usually offers dance, hip-hop, techno and house music and attracts a varied audience. It is not uncommon to see celebrities here (Corso Como 15).

A famous Milanese writer of crime novels, Giorgio Scerbanenco, wrote: "The Milanese kill on Saturdays because the other days they are busy working." The Lombard capital has been the scene of a number of crimes, and a ghost tour is the ideal way to discover the most sinister stories.

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

Useful information

• Duration of the ghost tour: between an hour 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 take a few precautions. As in any large city, it is important to keep an eye on your bags and backpacks to prevent theft. The city centre is the most heavily monitored area, but as it attracts the largest number of tourists, it inevitably attracts pickpockets.