The best cafes and (rooftop) bars in Milan

Terrazza Hotel dei Cavalieri

This rooftop bar is located on the top floor of Hotel dei Cavalieri in the historical city center of Milan. From here you have an excellent view on the baroque Church of Sant’Alessandro and the oldest roofs of the city. This is why the outdoor terrace is often used as a video location for films and commercials. So, after a day of sightseeing and shopping this is a real nice spot to enjoy the sunset with a cold drink in hand.

During weekends with nice weather it is advised to come early as the bar has limited outdoor space. During the cold months it is possible that the outdoor terrace will be closed. And in the warm months the Terrazza Hotel dei Cavalieri Milano offers Happy Hour, which is the classic Milanese aperitif with drinks, snacks and fingerfood, on the large panoramic terrace. If you wish to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the city then this is the best bar in Milan to visit.

Boscolo Restaurant & Bar

Boscolo restaurant & bar is located on the rooftop of the 5-star luxury hotel Boscolo Milano Autograph Collection which is in the middle of the fashion quadrilateral. This elegant rooftop terrace on the eighth floor has an exclusive ambiance and great views towards the Cathedral of Milan. When in Milan we from Meet The Cities like to sit here to enjoy the aperitif with a tasty buffet and watch the sunset over the city. If our schedule allows it we prefer to stay until the evening when the spires of the Cathedral become illuminated and the view even becomes more stunning. But also at this rooftop bar are the prices substantial.

Principe Bar at Hotel Principe di Savoia

The Principe Bar is a classy and chic bar at the famous Hotel Principe di Savoia. This hotel attracts many successful people like music artists, captains of industry and athletes, and so does its bar. Especially during the Milan Fashion Week is the glamorous Principe Bar the place to be for many models, designers and fashion icons. But also as a tourist you can visit this bar to do some celebrity spotting, or people watching.

The bar has a classic and colorful room with modern furniture, mirrors, colourful marbles, precious Italian fabrics, a large crystal chandelier, and a sculpted crystal bar which gives it its luxurious and chic ambiance. When the piano isn’t played there will be some nice lounge, jazz or avant-garde background music. At this bar you can choose from a 16-page drink menu with many delicious cocktails, but also the aperitivo is from highly recommended. And the service is excellent.

Radio Rooftop bar (ME Milan – Il Duca)

The cosmopolitan Radio Rooftop bar is a fashionable venue located on the tenth floor of the luxury five-star ME Milan Il Duca hotel. Radio Rooftop bar has an international vibe and the decoration reveals that the architect was inspired by the trendy rooftop terraces from New York. The bar is split into two indoor areas and two outdoor terraces.

During the good season the outdoor terrace is open from which you can catch a beautiful sunset over the skyline of the up and coming Porta Nuova – Varesine district. But all year round it is an excellent place to have a late night cocktail or to enjoy an aperitivo with tasty drinks and some delicious finger food and international tapas.

In the evening the lights will be dimmed and the DJ starts to play some funky deep-house and jazz tunes. An extra plus is the service oriented, well-mannered and friendly staff, which stands out positively in Milan. With great weather you have to be early for a spot on the outdoor terrace and it is advised to dress smart.

Terrazza Aperol

The Terrazza Aperol has a spectacular location and also a terrace in front of Milan’s cathedral that also overlooks the Piazza Duomo. When you’re facing the arch of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the balcony of Terrazza Aperol is on the right side of the entrance. Inside there is a modern designed lounge bar with orange nuances that represent the colors of Aperol. But with good weather you should definitely be on the outside terrace enjoying the great views.

Terrazza Aperol is a great place to have an aperitif at an exclusive, international and trend-setting spot. At the aperitif you will get one cocktail where you need to pay for, but the finger food and the great views are included. It is also a perfect place for a romantic drink together with your love. He or she will absolutely be impressed by the views.

The bar offers a wide assortment of (innovative) cocktails and some non-alcoholic variants. It shouldn’t surprise you that this place can become crowded. So if you are not early for the aperitif you won’t have a table and that means that you will have to stand with your cocktail. Terrazza Aperol is the place to be for Aperol Spritz minded people and people that prefer an accessible venue at one of the best locations in Milan imaginable. This exquisite cafe is certainly one of the best bars in Milan.

Mag Cafè

If you are looking to settle down at a terrace next to the romantic canals of Milan then Mag Café is exactly what you are searching for. This bar in Milan can be found next to the Naviglio Grande, which is a canal where the beating nightlife of Milan can be found and an abundance of restaurants.

It’s a traditional bar with a laid back atmosphere where you can enjoy various wines, beers, liquors and exquisite cocktails with a nice appetizer. But if you prefer a cup of traditional Italian coffee then they also have you covered. Mag cafè is not a luxury bar, but a warm, informal and popular destination for people who wish to catch up with friends or wish to unwind with their partner. It’s a bar with character, which certainly adds to the cozy unfettered atmosphere of the cafe. During a nice summer day you might prefer to sit outside and watch people pass by, which is also possible here as in front of the bar you will also find terrace seats overlooking the canals.

Duomo 21

Duomo 21 is a rooftop lounge bar in Milan right in the historical city center facing the Cathedral. It is actually next to the grand triumphal arch of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is the best sunny rooftop bar in Milan with a terrace view over the central square of Milan. This lounge bar is part of the TownHouse Galleria hotel and has become a popular after-work destination to enjoy an aperitivo. And at some evenings there is a dj which plays some nice tunes.

Duomo 21 is also an all-season destination as it has multi-level indoor spaces and two wonderful open-air terraces. The bar and restaurant offer great Martini cocktails, global wines, beers and great food, but people who come to Duomo 21 can expect more than just the food and drinks. People who come here can enjoy the location with the stunning panoramic views and they come to see and be seen. The entrance of Duomo 21 is a little hard to find, but when you are in front of the entrance of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II you must go left. After you’ve passed several door you will see a small entrance with signs of Duomo 21. Inside there is a doorman that will show you the elevator that brings you to the terrace.

Sky Terrace Milano Scala

In the city center bordering the artistic district of Milan called Brera you will find a hidden rooftop bar. This casual and surprisingly green bar overlooking the district of Brera is a modern oasis on top of the Hotel Milano Scala. Between your shopping trips is this a great bar to settle down at due to its convenient location and pleasing panoramic view. If you want to enjoy the sunset under the delight of a cocktail then Sky Terrace Milano Scala is certainly one of the best bars in Milan to visit. Note that you should reserve a seat up front, because it’s a popular spot in Milan among insiders.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest is a cocktail bar located near metro stations Porta Venezia and Palestro. Although this intimate bar is modest in size, their reputation is quite grand as it is often mentioned as arguably the best cocktail bar in Milan. And that is because of their creative and innovative way of mixing and preparing unique cocktails with for example fruits, tablets and dry ice. Inspired from tropical pleasures to eastern delicacies.

The barchefs at Nottingham Forest understand of the laws of chemistry and master the art of molecular mixology to intensify the flavours and affect the appearance of the cocktail. You will also be surprised by the amazing way they present their drinks. Examples are drinks in bath tubs, boxes and glasses within glasses. And the menu is huge, so even if you’re really picky there will be enough options to choose from. Nottingham Forest is open from Tuesday to Sunday, but if you want to visit this bar on a Friday or Saturday it is advised to come early because of their limited space.

Armani / Bamboo Bar

Located in the heart of Milan’s fashion district is the Armani / Bamboo bar. At this exclusive venue great hospitality, delicious drinks and light snacks are offered. The bar is on the seventh floor of the Armani building that also houses the Armani Hotel. Of course you will recognize that Giorgio Armani has designed the bar himself with the stylish decor and its louvre windows and exclusive and elegant ambience. From the Armani / Bamboo bar you will also enjoy an unique view accompanied by some lounge music.

This venue is suited for a wide range of occasions from a business meeting, a celebration to a moment of relaxing after a day of shopping. It is also the perfect place for an before dinner aperitivo with some high quality food. Be aware that this one of the more expensive bars in Milan, but the stylish experience, excellent service and stunning views (especially during sunset) towards the historical city centre are really worth it.

Camparino in Galleria

Arriving at this bar and restaurant within the chic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is often called the living room of Milan, and with a view on the landmark Duomo of Milan it feels like entered a fancy godfather movie, while in reality you have just discovered the touristic and cultural heart of Milan.

The inventor of the liqueur brand Campari opened this bar in 1867 and to this day you will get to experience the tasteful Campari cocktails here. For such a stylish cafe and restaurant at a premium location the prices are actually fairly reasonable. Camparino in Galleria is surrounded by luxury shops and the most notable museums of Milan, so if you are having a cultural day then this is a delightful place to settle down at between museum visits.

Just Cavalli Club restaurant & lounge

If you want to dine or drink in the pure luxury style of fashion icon Roberto Cavalli then his club in Milan is the place to be. Located next to Torre Branca in Sempione Park this fashionable lounge bar often hosts elite events, fashion shows, corporate parties, and luxury dining shows. In the weekends turns this bar into a nightclub after dining. And in the summer the nightclub moves to the outdoor area.

The Just Cavalli Club is decorated extravagant and opulent with lots of Roberto Cavalli’s characteristic antilope furs, zebra and leopard prints and lush oriental fabrics and makes it one of Milan’s most exclusive aperitifs. The signature cocktails in the lounge bar listen to names like Don Julio, Chocolate Maya and The Aviation in Rose. But they also offer drinks that includes Roberto Cavalli Vodka. It is no wonder that this place is often visited by models, captains of the fashion industry, artists and of course many fashion addicts that have a little extra to spend.

The Friends Pub Milano

The Friends Pub is a cozy British-style bar that has been established by four brothers. The bar offers a great selection of beers and lagers from Italy and several other countries like the UK. In this bar they show many football and rugby matches on tv screens. You also can get here some good and tasty food, like a big burger, fish & chips or beef, but also a pasta is possible. As the name of The Friends Pub Milano suggests, is it also a great spot to interact and meet with others. This is real easy and natural as the bar has a real friendly atmosphere. It was also the intention of the founders to create a so called public house like the ones in Great-Britain. This is why you will not only find locals here, but also tourists and foreigners that work in Milan.

Terrazza 12

Terrazza 12 is a chic and trendy rooftop bar with one of the best views over Milan’s historical city center. The bar is located on the top floor of the Brian & Barry Building, which is in heart of Milan’s fashion district just about a seven minute walk from the Duomo. In the summer you should enjoy the outdoor terrace, but in the winter it is also a great place to visit as it has large windows so that you can still enjoy the fantastic city view.

The interior has a modern and tasteful design inspired by the New York rooftop bars from the 1950s, which creates a cozy atmosphere. The bar has an international drink list with some great champagnes and cocktails but this spot is also very suited for a lunch or an after-work aperitif. It is not cheap, but the location, the atmosphere, the excellent drinks and the views make it all worth it.