Milan is a city of pure, understated sophistication. Italy's second-largest city is especially famous for being one of the fashion capitals of the world, and indeed you can see that through the well-dressed populace and the superabundance of fashion shops lining its streets. However, Milan is also a classically beautiful Italian city, which is brimming with art, history, fine cuisine, and high culture in general.

Although Rome may be bigger and draw more tourists, it’s Milan that stands out with Italy’s largest and most visible gay scene, leading to it becoming known as the “gay capital” of Italy. Despite Italy easily being Western Europe’s most socially conservative country, Milan’s gay scene is free to come slightly more out of the closet than Rome’s, due to it being far from the disapproving shadow of the Vatican. Milan is the perfect destination for LGBTQ+ travelers wishing to explore Italian culture in more depth, but also enjoy a thriving gay nightlife scene as the sun sets.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Milan
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Milan
5. Gay Tours in Milan
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Milan Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Milan Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Events in Milan
10. Day Trips from Milan

General Tips

Milan isn't a huge city, but there's still a lot to see and do. Besides shopping for the latest fashion trends, don’t miss a visit to The Duomo, the 15th-century cathedral and Milan’s most famous landmark. Before day turns to night, you might also visit the Scala Opera House or the Museo del Novecento—a contemporary art museum worthy of an afternoon visit.

As with many European cities, the best times to visit Milan are either in spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). This way you avoid the manic peak tourism season and the summer's hot temperatures. Milan has two fashion weeks, one in February and the other in September, which are also great times to visit if you really want to see the city doing what it does best and don't mind the crowds.

Porta Venezia is Milan’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood and a natural choice as a place to stay. Here you'll find a large number of the city's gay bars and also the very gay shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires.

You can download the Gay Milan guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

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Transportation & Airport Transfer

Milan has two airports Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN). Malpensa airport is located 49km outside of Milan but it’s easy to reach the city center via train. Take the Malpensa Express train and stop at the centrally located Cadorna Station. Linate is closer to the city just 7km away but it is only connected by bus. Take bus #73 from the airport and stop at Piazza San Babila. Taxi fare from the airport is expensive and will run you 110€ from Malpensa or 55€ from Linate.

Once you’re in the center of Milan, you can easily get around by public transport. The metro (train/subway) system in Milan is easy to navigate. Buying tickets is simple and you can even just tap your credit card directly at the entrance and exit and skip the ticket altogether.

Gay Hotels in Milan

Though you won’t really find gay hotels in Milan, there are plenty of gay friendly places that are welcoming.

Luxury

ME Milan Il Duca – contemporary-style hotel with stylish interiors and a rooftop terrace overlooking Milan's skyline. Located right in Piazza della Repubblica square, it’s near the Milan Centrale Train Station and the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district. Guests can taste a fine aperitivo at the rooftop Radio Bar, where DJ sets take place daily. You can also enjoy drinks at Il Giardino del Duca bar, located on the ground-level garden.

Château Monfort – this five star hotel is located in a historic building from the early 20th century that's close to many main sights like the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Teatro alla Scala. Enjoy their on-sight dining options like the Restaurant Rubacuori serving classic Italian cuisine, the Mezzanotte Lounge Bar, and La Cella Di Bacco wine bar featuring an extensive wine list.

Mid-Range

Nhow Milan – displaying a unique collection of contemporary art, the modern hotel is set in Milan's lively Tortona district. Nhow's elegant restaurant serves an eclectic menu at both lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the stylish bar or out on the terrace. A buffet breakfast is available daily and the on-site fitness center features modern Technogym equipment.

Uptown Palace – a contemporary hotel with a restaurant serving a breakfast buffet is served daily. The restaurant offers a mix of Italian and international cuisine, including homemade pasta and seafood specialties. The hotel is well placed to visit the city center on foot.

Hotel Manin – With lovely views over Indro Montanelli Park, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from La Scala Opera House and Milan Cathedral. Owned and run by the Colombo family since 1904, Hotel Manin is set in one of the oldest and more famous buildings in Milan. It features a glamorous outdoor terrace with a colorful garden. Restaurant Manin offers characteristic regional, Italian and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy free access to the fitness room.

Hotel Sanpi Milano – a four star boutique hotel located in the gay neighborhood of Porto Venezia making it quite convenient to visit the gay bars and clubs nearby as well as many cultural sights. The staff are friendly, professional, and very welcoming and the building is from the 19th century and recently updated. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and a bar in the interior garden.

Room Mate Giulia – a very centrally located boutique hotel just a few steps from the Cathedral and a 10 minute walk to the Milan Fashion District. They offer a breakfast buffet with a large spread of options, a bar serving popular cocktails like an Aperol Spritz (Thursday-Sunday), a 24 hour gym, and a spa and sauna.

Citta Studi Suites – formerly known as ‘Too Cute 2b Str8' – why they changed such an excellent name we don't know – this elegant B&B has a large living room with sofas and tables. An Italian-style breakfast is offered daily. Some rooms are en suite while others share a bathroom.

Budget

Ostello Bello – a hostel with shared or private rooms featuring 3 furnished terraces with hammocks, The hostel is a 10-minute walk from Milan Cathedral and you will receive a free drink at your arrival, A buffet-style dinner is available from 19:00 until 21:00 daily. A buffet breakfast is served all morning long and includes sweet and savory products.

New Generation Hostel Milan Center – an affordable option that is in the center of the city and just a 15 minute walk to Porta Venezia where many of the gay bars and clubs are located. They offer mixed and women-only dorms as well as private rooms. There's a shared kitchen space for cooking and guests can also enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Milan

Duomo di Milano – Milan’s impressive cathedral and without a doubt the most iconic landmark of Milan, located in the central plaza of the old town. Marvel at this stunning Gothic building, explore the archaeological area under the cathedral and later discover the Duomo Museum. Book tour →

Leonardo di Vinci Museum – immerse yourself in the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. See digital restorations and 3D reconstructions of his inventions, recreated using manuscripts from his studies in technology, science and engineering. Book tour →

Parco Sempione – this large park is located in the historic center of Milan. It was constructed in 1888 and offers lots of attractions including an aquarium, sports stadium, Napoleonic arch and a medieval castle.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – this Italy's oldest shopping mall and it’s one of the most famous landmarks of Milan. Located next to the duomo, it’s a four-story building named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. Book tour →

The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie – follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci and marvel at his masterpiece mural of The Last Supper in the Dominican convent church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Book tour →

Starbucks Experience – visiting a Starbucks might not be at top of mind, especially in a country with such a long-standing coffee culture. However, this Starbucks is totally different and pays tribute to coffee culture so many Italians cherish. Located in the historic turn-of-the-century Palazzo Delle Poste building on Piazza Cordusio, this Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the culmination of a dream decades in the making. Every detail of the space was designed to honor the indelible magic of Milan.

Gay Tours in Milan

Untold History Tours – learn about the untold history of LGBT people. These tours have been developed by history experts and provide a unique perspective into Milan’s cultural history. Explore the district of Navigli, visit the La Scala Theatre and discover interesting stories about Leonardo di Vinci. Book tour →

Gaily Tour of Milan – Explore Milan to learn about Leonardo da Vinci’s Secrets or perhaps you want to take a fashion tour of Milan by night. This tour will show you the ins and out of gay Milan. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Ceresio 7 – atop a former Enel building from the ‘30s, which is now the headquarters of the influential international fashion brand Dsquared2. Enjoy exclusive fine dining and wines, quality craft cocktails, and all-around sophisticated, metropolitan vibes, surrounded by unparalleled 360-degree views of Milan’s modern skyline.

Leccomilano – Un buco di bar – friendly and open-minded bar and restaurant in Milan. They offer international cuisine with high-quality cocktails and spirits, healthy food and music each night with DJ on site.

Blanco – enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or the famous Italian aperitif in the evening. This is a creative space with inspiration from music, photography, art and design. Enjoy music from DJ’s on weekend evenings.

Pizza AM – inexpensive and delicious pizza place. A must-visit for a quick and tasty lunch.

Piz – another great pizza place open for lunch or dinner. Perhaps for a quick bite on a budget.

La Prosciutteria Milano Brera – wine bar with great Tuscan and Italian food. They serve high quality, artisan products in a simple way served on a cutting board or between two slices of bread.

Milan Gay Bars and Clubs

Many Milan gay bars and venues are spread across the city with the exception of a few places located near each other on the aptly named “Gay Street” on via Sammartini, just next to Milan’s central train station. An Italian aperitif is a popular activity which involves enjoying drinks and buffet-style snacks early in the evening. Many gay bars offer this tradition as well as music and DJ sets. Milan has a huge selection of gay bars and clubs. The suggestions below are just a small sample.

Mono Bar – located in the gay district of Milan. It is a large club and a popular meeting place for locals. They offer great cocktails, rich aperitifs and DJ sets.

LeccoMilano – opens at 6pm Leccomilano presents an amazing aperitif with a buffet that will satisfy every kind of palate.

Afterline – a small gay bar located on Via Sammartini with theme nights, go-go dancers and drag show.

Red Cafè – a popular gay bar in the neighborhood of Lazzeretto with reasonable prices and good food in a cozy space.

Sui Generis – a small gay bar with outdoor seating specializing in cocktails and aperitifs.

Noloso – a gay cocktail bar in the neighborhood of NoLo featuring DJs, a small art gallery, and tasty drinks.

Tropical Island – a snazzy cocktail bar that has a beachside vibe – complete with fake sand. During they summer they run a popular gay night called Chiringay.

Track Milano – this is a large gay club in Milan that hosts parties every Saturday night. Various parties like Gate, Block and Cox host international DJ’s along with elaborate dance and light productions.

Club Plastic – this is an iconic gay dance club in Milan which has been opened since the 80’s.

La Boum Milano – a gay nightclub with DJs, drag performances, and dancers.

Toilet Club – A free for all LGBTQ+ alternative club playing indie tunes with occasional performances and shows. The crowd tends to be an eclectic mix of queer people. You’ll find it located at the Black Hole venue in Viale Umbria.

Milan Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

It’s important to point out that you’ll probably need a membership card to enter most cruising bars, saunas and some parties. This is common practice throughout much of Italy so don’t be surprised if you’re asked. Luckily, it’s easy for foreigners to buy the membership as most places will sell it to you at the door for 15€.

Company Club – a gay cruising bar for the bear and leather crowd with weekly theme nights and happy hour.

Inferus Club – a gay cruising bar with a dark room, private cabins, and live shows. Open daily.

Bangalov – a cruising bar with a dark room and weekly theme nights including leather, naked, underwear, and swimwear.

Depot – a cruising and leather bar on two floors with theme nights like jockstrap, underwear, naked, etc.

Royal Hammam – offers an upscale and relaxed gay sauna in Milan with a swimming pool, terrace, Turkish bath, dry sauna, jacuzzi, dark room and bar.

Fenix Sauna – popular with bears and an older crowd. Located in the northeast part of the city.

Hot Dog Milano – this is a gay cruising club located in the same building as Fenix Sauna.

Metro Club – a popular sauna near the Milano Centrale railway station. It has three floors with a dry sauna, two Turkish baths, a bar, and private cabins.

TBlue Sauna – a gay sauna with a pool, jacuzzi, bar, mazes, video room, and massage services.

Gay Events in Milan

Milan Pride – typically takes place at the end of June. The fashion capital of Italy hosts events throughout the week followed by the pride parade which attracts 200,000 attendees. They set up a Pride Square with a stage for a variety of music and performances throughout the nine-day event.

MiX Festival – an international LGBTQ+ film festival that takes place in June each year. It has been going on since 1986 and celebrates queer culture and independent cinema.

Day Trips from Milan

Lake Como – an incredibly beautiful region about an hour away from Milan. Cruise on Lake Como and experience the stunning scenery of the Italian and Swiss Alps. Visit the historic center, explore the Old Town, shop in the local boutiques. Admire the lakeside villas and the majestic mountain scenery before crossing the Swiss border. Enjoy views of soaring mountain peaks, green meadows, and glistening blue water. Book tour →

Cinque Terre – a stunning and picturesque coastal region on the Italian Riviera comprising five colorful and charming villages that cling to the rugged cliffs along the Ligurian Sea. Known as one of the most picturesque regions of Italy, you’ve no doubt seen the visage of the colorful beachside houses of Vernazza – one of the villages – on many a screensaver. Book tour →

Venice – the legendary Italian city needs little introduction, being renowned for its romantic cityscape split into islands by a crisscrossing network of canals. It might seem a little far, but Venice is only three hours from Milan by coach and actually doable as a day trip. That’s more than enough time to ride a gondola down the Grand Canal, take a look at iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and then be back for dinner. Book tour →

Verona – speaking of romance, Verona is a historic and romance-infused city located in the northern part of Italy's Veneto region. Verona is famously associated with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, immortalized by William Shakespeare. The city attracts visitors to Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta), where a balcony is said to have inspired the iconic scene from the play. The Verona Arena is another key sight as one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, which hosts a variety of events, including opera performances and concerts. Book tour →

Featured image courtesy of Quiiky – Model: Ivano Marino Photographer: Roberto Chiovitti Custom: Rufskin

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