Milan - Nightlife

Cocktail hour and the evening passegiata (stroll) is alive and well in Milan, from the buzzing Brera district to waterside watering holes by the Navigli canals.

Bar-hop the narrow streets and winding alleys of Brera, packed with stylish bars, beautiful people, outdoor terraces and late-night stalls selling jewellery and crafts.

It's not just the Saturday street market that packs out the Navigli-Ticinese districts: the Navigli canal running through the area is lined with an ever-growing number of jazz bars, clubs and restaurants for the ultimate waterside treat.

For a glimpse of Milan's fashion set, catch the beautiful people straight off the catwalk and into the hip clubs and bars on stylish Corso Como. Mingle with the models and enjoy a (pricey) drink or two.

Discover Milan's new scene in arty Isola, north of the centre behind Garibaldi train station. Sip coffees and cocktails in hip cafés and bars, and don't miss Milan's renowned Blue Note jazz club.

In true European style, it's common to arrive at a club at midnight – and not a second sooner. Entrance fees sometimes include a drink, so keep that ticket. Opening hours for bars and clubs vary greatly and some haunts remain open till dawn at weekends.

Admire La Scala opera house to the sounds of La Donna È Mobile by Giuseppe Verdi; stroll to the Duomo to Senza Fine by Milan chanteuse Ornella Vanoni; wander canalside to the late, great Lucio Battisti's Acqua Azzurra, Acqua Chiara (Blue Water, Clear Water).