Your guide to the best Milan gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Don’t stop in for a weekend only—make a fashion week of it! Milan Fashion Week happens twice a year, with fall/winter editions in January and February, and spring/summer editions in June (for men’s fashion) and September (for women). We don’t love the editions’ gender binary, but we love their looks! Via Monte Napoleone in the Quadrilatero della moda (fashion district), itself in central Milan’s Zone 1, hosts high-end fashion designers’ flagship stores, making Milan a shopaholic’s fantasy come true. Need a historical perspective? Visit Palazzo Morando, an elegant Baroque palace that’s now a fashion museum (with free admission—trust us, you’ll appreciate this after a day of shopping!).

All dressed up with no place to go? Lazzaretto in Porta Venezia is your catwalk! Via Lecco is lined with LGBTQ+ cocktail bars—some of them pull double-duty as queer cafés in the morning, and all are open and lively until 2 to 3 am. Northeast of Lazzaretto, along Via Padova, you’ll find a smattering of dance clubs, which tend to be lesbian- or gay men-only, and gay saunas popular with men. Keep in mind that some clubs and saunas are for Arcigay or ANDDOS members only, as in all of Italy, but you can buy a membership at the door.

Milan’s architecture is as beautiful as its residents! Visit Teatro alla Scala (La Scala) in Zone 1, a magnificent 18th-century theater that hosts opera and ballet performances renowned in Italy and around the world. It’s a spiritual experience for opera lovers! For a more literal spiritual experience, visit the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), a Gothic church that took 600 years to build. Climb up to the rooftop and let your eyes feast on the panoramic views of the city—a mosaic of terracotta roofs and the distant Alps. Take your time and spend a leisurely morning in the Piazza Duomo in front of the cathedral and the Palazzo Reale Milano (Royal Palace), now an art gallery.

Close by Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, known as the "enchanting oldest shopping centre in the world", invites you to stroll under its majestic glass vaults. Dubbed as Milan's living room, this opulent shopping arcade is perfect for sipping on a Prosecco and people-watching. Dive into high fashion in this ornate structure—where else could you shop and marvel at neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture simultaneously?

When in Milan, indulging in the art scene is a must. Head to the Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper." Yes, you've seen it in textbooks, but nothing prepares you for the ethereal beauty of seeing it in person. Tip: book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on this transcendent experience.

For a contemporary twist, the Fondazione Prada, designed by the renowned Rem Koolhaas, showcases avant-garde art within a gold-clad building that literally shines a light on Milan’s modern art scene. Its exhibitions are as thought-provoking as they are diverse, making it a magnet for art aficionados.

Escape the urban rush at the Parco Sempione, located behind the majestic Sforza Castle. This green oasis in the middle of the city is ideal for a leisurely picnic or a serene walk along its meandering paths. Inside the park, the Arco della Pace, a grand arch built in the 19th century, makes a stunning backdrop for your vacation snaps.

For a local secret, take a short tram ride to the idyllic Navigli district. At twilight, the Navigli canals, designed by da Vinci himself, reflect the quaint, bustling bars and cafes that line their banks. The area comes alive in the evening, offering a picturesque setting for a romantic stroll or an animated night out with friends.

While exploring, don’t forget to taste Milan’s culinary offerings. From the creamy risotto alla Milanese to the crunchy cotoletta, Milanese cuisine will delight your palate. And for those with a sweet tooth, a visit to one of Milan’s historic cafes for a slice of panettone, a traditional Milanese sweet bread, is essential.

Whether you’re visiting Milan for its shopping, nightlife, or culture, you’ll want to join Milano Pride’s parade and festival in late June, with Porta Venezia the epicenter for events and afterparties! The Milan gay bars and clubs explode with amazing parties and themed events, so make sure to get some sleep during the day, because they will go all night long!

This effervescent metropolis where fashion struts down the runway of history, blending the old-world charm with contemporary vibrancy like a masterfully mixed cocktail will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated (as long as you don't party nonstop!). No matter when you visit, you’ll find that Milan’s always in style and will show you an amazingly gay old time.