The fashion capital of the world, Milan is a city with a rich cultural heritage and influential history. Milan boasts an abundance of architectural, cultural, and artistic treasures that visitors can enjoy. However, its at nightfall the city begins to sparkle, with its beautiful monuments illuminated after dark. This is the best time to see Milan – away from the tourist crowds and mingling with locals. To help you plan, we’ve uncovered the best things to do in Milan at night.
1. Leonardo da Vinci Last Supper
“The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It’s located at the church Santa Maria delle Grazie. But to see this masterpiece, you may have to contend with long ticket lines and crowds. They only allow a maximum of 25 people to view the painting for 15 minutes. Fortunately, there are some tours that skip the line and allow extended viewing time. You’ll get much more value if you join a historian on a guided tour. Otherwise, you may have to just try your luck and get in before 7pm. There are also plenty of restaurants within walking distance so you can enjoy the rest of the night out.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:15am-7pm
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
2. Duomo at Night
Milan’s Duomo is the city’s beloved symbol and a stunning example of Northern Gothic architecture. The cathedral towers over Piazza del Duomo, the pulsating heart of the city. If you want to capture photos of the Duomo, the best time to visit is at night. During the day, the site is just too crowded. A highlight of visiting the cathedral at night is the views you can enjoy from the roof. Here you can soak up breathtaking panoramas of Milan surrounded by statues at the highest terrace. Go on an evening tour where you can spend your time on the rooftop marveling at the illuminated skyline.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-7pm
- Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
3. La Scala Opera
A magnificent cultural attraction, Teatro alla Scala is one of the greatest opera houses in the world. The 18th-century theatre has hosted some of the most famous operas and live performances in Italy. Inside, the theatre is elegantly decorated in red and gold. It can seat up to two thousand spectators but try to book a box seat if you want to see a show. Whether or not you are a fan of opera or ballet, La Scala is bound to impress you. Join a small-group evening tour with a professional guide to avoid the long ticket lines. On your tour, you will get the inside scoop on the fascinating history of this iconic site. You can also visit the La Scala Museum and marvel at its impressive collection of musical memorabilia.
- Opening Hours: Show times vary at night
- Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
4. QC Termemilano Spa
Check in at the QC Termemilano and indulge in a world-class spa retreat. There’s nothing quite like an evening at the spa to revive a traveler’s spirit. The spa at QC Termemilano is rather sophisticated yet peaceful, unlike the hustle and bustle of Milan. Enjoy soaking in a warm-water pool, detoxing in the sauna, or having a rejuvenating massage. After the spa, some tours take you to an aperitivo – an Italian-style buffet of light snacks with drinks. Sample from the selection of bread, cheese, salad, and of course, wine. Once you are recharged, you can set out for an evening of fun in Milan.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-11pm
- Address: Piazzale Medaglie D’Oro, 2, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
5. Leonardo3 The World of Leonardo
Delve into Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliant mind at an interactive exhibit. The museum showcases some of da Vinci’s extraordinary inventions and artwork. You’ll see his manuscripts, paintings, and recreations of his machines. Check out the Workshop where you can assemble his inventions and print out your own inventor’s certificate! Marvel at the digital restoration of “The Last Supper”, with its detail and colors now lost from the famous painting. There’s also an audio guide in different languages on the exhibits.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-8pm; Weekends 9am-9pm
- Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 11, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The oldest shopping mall in Europe, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has managed to never go out of fashion. The soaring shopping arcade connects the Duomo to La Scala Opera House and Piazza di Marino. Its airy, bright glass-domed, 4-story center is lined with shops and busy restaurants. History buffs will be in awe as the building lights up at night. While foodies will have their fill of Italian cuisines from the array of acclaimed cafes. For shoppers, you’ll love the high-end boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. To make the most of the night, there are tours that combine the arcade with stops at other Milan landmarks.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open 9am-10pm daily
- Address: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
7. Football Match at San Siro
See AC Milan, one of the most popular teams in Italy, take on opponents at San Siro Stadium. Head over to San Siro at least one hour in advance. You are likely to find the streets around the stadium filled with AC Milan supporters. Soak up the electric pre-match atmosphere and get a taste of Italians’ passion for football. Watch AC Milan play under the night lights, surrounded by a lively crowd of cheering spectators. The match will last ninety minutes with a fifteen-minute half-time break. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase around the stadium.
- Opening Hours: Matches vary each week
- Address: Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI, Italy
8. Branca Tower
Located in Sempione Park, Branca Tower is one of the tallest structures in Milan. It was designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 but was restructured in 2002 so visitors can access the top. The elevator is a 1-minute ride to the observation deck where you’ll have the best panoramic views. Standing 108 meters high, you’ll definitely see all of Milan at night from here. See the Milan skyline, bustling streets, and even the Alps on clear nights. After the visit, take a stroll around the huge Sempione Park, perfect for date nights.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am-12am; Monday closed
- Address: Viale Luigi Camoens, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
9. Navigli Canal at Night
If you’re looking for a casual walk, explore the canal district of Navigli at night. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re on a romantic date too. You’ll find a range of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops light up the walkway on both sides. There are plenty of bars where you can try traditional Italian cheese, bread, meat, and wine. Later at night, the canal will be buzzing with music in the background and locals enjoying their drinks. This might be the time to start heading back to the hotel. But if you like to party, pick a bar and enjoy an aperitivo.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande
10. Brera
Lined with cobbled streets, this small neighborhood comes alive at night. It’s filled with trendy bars, clubs, high-end shops, and some of Milan’s best restaurants. You can easily spend a couple of nights exploring this area. Orto Botanico and Brera Art Gallery are also located here. However, they close early at 6pm and 7:15pm respectively. You can visit these popular attractions during the day, and then explore the buzzing Brera at night.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: Neighbourhood in Milan
11. Milan Night Walk
Explore the attractions of Milan at night, particularly around the city center – the Centro Storico. Watch the nightlife scene as locals come out for food, drinks, and nightclubs. Kickstart your evening with aperitivo, the Italian-style snack buffet, and drinks. Then head out to see the monuments light up the night. See Milan’s biggest highlights such as the Duomo, La Scala, Sforza Castle, Porta Venezia, and Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. Some tours will take you around to all these top attractions and include a professional guide. If you want to have a big night, there are even wine-tasting walks and bar hopping tours.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: Milan city center
FAQs
Generally yes.
If you’re visiting landmarks like churches, museums, and shopping areas, you’ll be fine.
Public transport and taxis are also safe to use.
The main thing to keep an eye on is pickpocketers, but you’ll be fine if everything is secured.
Most bars and nightclubs will get crowded from 11pm til the early hours 4am.
However, most locals will ease into the night with aperitivo happy hour starting from 6pm.
Trains will generally run til 12:30am every night.
If you’re staying out longer, it’s best to catch a taxi back to your hotel.
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