Gay Local Tips in Milan

Milano Good Vibes

Alberto is a host living in the trendy Italian city of Milan. Known for its high-end fashion culture and its events, it has grown into the most gay-friendly city in Italy. Get to know Milan with Alberto’s tips and discover this city like a gay local. Explore Milan. Experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Milan is the Italian city with the most fun, intense and stylish gay life! Having lived for four years in Scotland before moving to Milan, I can say that the city is not as gay-friendly as those in the UK (for example Edinburgh and London), but it definitely has the best gay life in Italy. That's mainly due to its cosmopolitan character, as well as its numerous fashion events that take place annually.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Milan is packed with regular gay parties and events that suit all kinds of tastes. The fashion shows could also be indirectly considered gay events, as Milan is filled with LGBTQ people during major fashion events, turning the city into a big gay hotspot. However, out of all, Milano Pride is definitely the biggest LGBTQ celebration. Held annually in the beating heart of the city, Milano Pride comprises one week of LGBTQ-friendly events. It usually happens in late June, and culminates to the traditional parade for civil rights.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

48 hours in Milan is just enough time to get into the Italian mood. One of the must-visit places I recommend visiting is Fondazione Prada - a space in a renovated industrial building, which is dedicated to brilliant contemporary art exhibitions by some of the finest contemporary artists.

If you would like to experience the center of Milan from another perspective, I suggest visiting Museo del Novecento, where you can admire the beauty of the Duomo square right from the top floor of this museum—unbeatable views are guaranteed! Alternatively, climbing to the top of the Duomo is an unforgettable experience that also offers views of Milan's skyline.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

This is not an easy question to answer as there are so many cool places I recommend. However, if I had to pick two I would say that my favorite lunch spot was Terrazza12 - a lounge restaurant with breathtaking views of Milan's historical center. I consider it to be my living room in Milan, where I usually meet up with friends or colleagues.

For dinner, my advice is to try GinO12 / Sixième which also offers a Foodology menu: a tasting experience based on a precise scheme. Here I had one of the best dinners ever.. the Foodology experience is just so sensational!

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

LùBar, a slow street food concept first founded in 2013 in Sicily. Located in Villa Reale, a previous Napoleonic residence, this venue welcomes many Sicilian specialities on the menu: fruit and almond milk granite, cannoli bursting with ricotta cheese, arancini, and wines from the southern island. I love going there because the location is amazing, and the crowd is sophisticated. It is mostly gay-oriented and very fashionable.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

This is the list of my top three gay clubs in Milan. Plastic: One of the city’s historical and iconic LGBTQ friendly clubs; Amnesia: Forget about the classical idea of club! Amnesia is a polyfunctional space used for fashion shows, theme parties, and fun dance nights; Karma: If you’re worried that the music played at the disco you want to go to won’t match your friends’ tastes, Karma is the right solution for you. This famous club and restaurant, located in South Eastern Milan, has five different dancing rooms, with each offering their own music styles.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

Yes! Since we're in Milan... you need to try the best pizza in the city! You can find that at 'Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre al Duomo di Milano' which is located in the heart of city, and offers the original pizza from Naples.. thin, very big and delicious like no others...

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

I would recommend spending an afternoon at the park. The things that you can do at Sempione Park are virtually never-ending. You can visit the Triennale Design Museum, or just sit at the tables of its bar and enjoy the works of art outside in the natural setting. You can play sports or use the fitness circuit, do some running, cycling, play football, frisbee or even basketball. But that's not all! There is also the largest of the entrances to the park: the Castello Sforzesco, with all that it offers, including its courtyards and museums. And in the evening, music and aperitifs at Bar Bianco!

Where can we get the best view of Milan?

Those in search of excitement can go to the top of Torre Branca (located in Sempione Park) and enjoy the view over the city or feel dwarfed by the Arco della Pace.

Thinking of visiting Milan? Check out our Accommodations and Guide for this great gay city!

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