Milan is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. The number of monuments is not overwhelming, so you can feel the atmosphere of this Italian city within two days with no rush. You will also have some time left for visiting (at least window-shopping!) shops of most famous Milan-born designers – Prada or Dolce & Gabbana – all in all, Milan is the fashion capital of the world! After exhausting shopping, there is nothing better than relaxing with a drink (or three 😉 in your hand. So where should you head to experience the best aperitivo in Milan?

HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST APERITIVO IN MILAN?

Milan by night looks really spectacular. We were delighted especially with lively Navigli area, where you can find numerous bars and charming pubs next to canals, perfect to discover Milan nightlife. Here you can also find two perfect spots for a drink, we’d like to recommend you. But first, a few words about the gorgeous Italian ritual…

APERITIVO – WHAT’S THIS?

Unofficially, Milan is considered to be the capital of aperitivo. Where else you should try it, if not here then? Every day around 6 pm,  bars open for those seeking fun and prepare an offer perfect for socializing with friends. The standard is that every drink is accompanied by food – it can be either “all you can eat” buffet for a small fee (6-10 euros) or free appetizers served to your table – set of Italian cheeses and cold cuts but also more exquisite appetizers the best restaurants wouldn’t be ashamed of. “Happy hours” for drinks are less common (apparently they are offered only in more tourist-oriented places). That’s for sure – no one will leave hungry (and sober)! Which bars do we recommend you?

MAG Cafe 

This bar is located next to the waterfront, you can sip your drink outside and enjoy the fascinating view of water and lights hanging over the canal. This place is extremely popular and considered the best aperitivo in Milan by many, crowds begin to gather hours before 6 pm. We came up around 11 pm and it was a miracle that we got a mini table in the corner. But don’t let this inconvenience discourage you – MAG Cafe is such a popular spot for some reason. Absolutely perfect drinks. If you are looking for your favorite cocktails prepared in a completely new way, this is the right place. Of course, you can sip Aperol or Prosecco (like the majority of Italians), but frankly speaking, I would urge you to try something new. And there are plenty of fabulous drinks to choose from!

We enjoyed especially Old Boulevardier, a flavor mixture of Old Fashioned and Boulevardier drink: here bourbon was added to Campari, with a pinch of chocolate notes and “autumn syrup” (whatever it is :-). For those having sweet tooth, we can definitely recommend Margarita Colada – as the name suggests, this time Margherita and Pina Colada were combined – both rum and tequila were used to prepare this drink, as well as… coconut salt. It’s a brilliant idea that every drink comes along with a paper recipe so you can take it and try making such miracles at home 🙂

You won’t be disappointed with aperitivo as well – grissini, a selection of cheeses, and famous Italian cold cuts… yum! The decor is very cozy, and reminds me of a little eclectic antique shop. Great place to meet in a large group. Rumor has it that there is a hidden second bar… check it out and let us know! What a lovely idea to explore Milan by night!

ADDRESS: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milan, Italy

INFO: MAG Cafe

MORGANTE Cocktail and Soul

Located a little off the beaten track, this bar is the perfect choice if you look for a quiet place for romantic randez-vous. This spot is very elegant, with sophisticated and yet simple design, not overwhelming what matters here the most – drinks. Looking at cocktails menu may be a bit confusing – none of the names sound familiar. Morgante offers unique, self-created drinks, which can’t be found anywhere else, and contain such surprising ingredients like… egg or celery! My favorite drink was The Delle Cinque, tasting like Earl Grey tea with a hint of orange, and of course, enriched with booze 🙂

Aperitivo here is also very sophisticated, served in Michelin gourmet restaurant style. We were given 3 antipasti – seafood croquettes, vegetable quiche, and something that we still haven’t identified. However, fans of more mundane tastes can get a bowl of homemade chips. We also ate probably the best olives in our entire life!

In short – if you are looking for an elegant bar to relax in a slightly polished-up, ambient atmosphere, go right here. A perfect place for new tastes and sensations seekers!

ADDRESS: Vicolo Privato Lavandai 2, 20144 Milan, Italy

INFO: Morgante Cocktail and Soul

Any other recommendations for the Milan nightlife? Or the best aperitivo in Milan? Read more about our Italian adventures here.

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