10 Must-Do Things in Milan at Night

Spending a day lounging around in the city’s historic Sempione park is already one of the most popular free things to do in Milan. The park contains countless sights that should be high on anyone’s itinerary, but one of the best is the Torre Branca viewing platform.

This is a steel structure that stands over one-hundred meters high, making it one of the highest points in all of Milan. What makes it truly unique is that it is open until midnight most nights, making it the best place to visit for those looking for some great Milan night-time sightseeing.

Visit during sunset or even when it’s dark to see all of the city’s famous landmarks illuminated below. There is just a small fee of four Euros, and then you can take the elevator to the top for some amazing city views. This is one of my favorite ways to round off a busy day of sightseeing! Torre Branca is closed on Mondays, and each day has slightly varying opening and closing times, so check the website on your chosen day to make sure you’re not caught out. 

This neighborhood has turned from an industrial landscape into one of the top tourist attractions in Milan that features some of the city's most daring architecture.

Walking around this area at night is one of my favorite things to do in Milan because there is always such a buzz, and the buildings look spectacular. Highlights include Milan's tallest building, the Unicredit Tower, and the Bosco Verticale, a stunning skyscraper that has greenery overhanging from every balcony.

There are also many bars and restaurants in this area, especially in the Piazza Gae Aulenti area within the Unicredit tower complex. The district has become an important part of Milan nightlife, so make sure you stop for a drink one night during your trip. 

This is very dependent on the time of year that you visit, but for me, this is one of the most magical things to do in Milan at night. There’s nothing more special than exploring one of the city’s many magical Christmas Markets and then ending the night sipping on mulled wine and a slice of traditional Milanese Panettone.

Due to the city’s northern location, the temperature can drop to freezing around December, making it feel even more festive! There are many markets around the city, but the most popular one is Mercatino di Natale which takes place in the Piazza del Duomo. The market is due to open from the 14th November 2021 to 2 January 2022 (excluding 25th December and dates to be confirmed).

The location underneath the spectacular Milan Cathedral makes this one of the most picturesque markets anywhere in Europe. Here you can find many stalls selling crafts, Christmas gifts and, delicious seasonal food and drinks.

A visit to the Milan Cathedral is probably one of the most popular things for tourists to do anywhere in Milan. The building dates back to the fourteenth century and is one of the most important historical sites in the city.

Already one of the most beautiful buildings in Milan, it takes on an even more magical aura when statues and spires are illuminated at night. You can book tickets online, but entrance tickets for the Duomo Museum and the Archaeological Area are only available for purchase from the ticket offices.

You can also book an evening rooftop tour of the Duomo, which will give you some of the very best views of some of Milan’s most famous landmarks as well as enable you to learn some of the fascinating histories behind the building itself.

There are options to book individual or group tours of up to 25 people. This is a must for those seeking some of the most unique Milan night sightseeing experiences.

Milan offers a few great outdoor cinema options, one of my favorites is Arena Milano Est. This outdoor cinema offers a variety of local and international films during the summer months, as well as stand-up comedy, and comedy shows. You can find their schedule of movies, shows, and stand-up comedy on their website

Unfortunately, most outdoor cinemas are only open in the summer months, so be sure to check the website for all of the summer dates. 

Nottingham Forest is a popular bar that is recognized around the world as being one of the very best cocktail bars. Locals and visitors can never resist!

Their ambition and creativity make for some of the most exquisite flavored cocktails. The bar has over forty years of experience in mixology and its menu contains drinks that have been brought back from travels across the globe.

The décor follows this trend, with items from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean hanging around the tiny bar space. It is located just over a kilometer east of the Milan Cathedral. So if you want to experience the very best of Milan nightlife, then a visit is nothing less than obligatory.

The bar can, however, get very busy so make sure you come down early to avoid a queue. They are open from 6 pm to 2 am most nights, but are closed on Mondays.

When it comes to trying exquisite gelato, it’s no surprise that Milan has more than a few places I could recommend. The city has an incredible selection of ice-cream shops, both new and old, and the best thing is that they’re all open until late in the evening.

One of the best is La Bottega del Gelato Cardelli, located near the Porta Nuovo district. It's open until 10 pm, making it a perfect option for a sweet snack at the end of a long day of shopping. Another gelateria which I’d recommend is located in the far south-west of the city, but well worth the trip. It’s called La Gelateria Della Musica and is a unique spot where all of the ice creams are named after songs or musicians. Their flavors are seasonal, so don’t arrive with a fixed idea in your head of what you’d like to try. 

In the southwest of the city lies the increasingly popular area known as Navigli. Its series of canals were designed by the great Leonardo da Vinci on a visit to Milan. Which unsurprisingly makes for one of the most picturesque places in the city.

The area has become popular with independent design shops as well as many great restaurants and bars. This is a great area for aperitivo, a traditional Italian custom of sharing small plates and drinks. UGO Cocktail Bar and Trattoria Madonnina are some of the best places for aperitivo. Even if you only have a short time in Milan, aperitivo on the Navigli is a must!