Entertainment Venues in Milan
1. La Scala
Housed in a glorious 18th-century theatre, this is Milan’s – indeed, one of the world’s – top opera companies, where Verdi was once house composer, Callas formerly graced the stage and costumes are designed by top fashion names. The season runs from December until May and tickets are scarce. It is advisable to book early (for further details see La Scala).
2. Scimmie
Part bar, part restaurant and part jazz club that doesn’t limit itself to jazz. Since 1971, “Monkeys” has been shaking up the Navigli nightlife scene with live music daily until late in the night.
Via Asciano Sforza 49 • 02 8940 2874 • www.scimmie.it
3. Auditorium di Milano
Since 1999, the “Giuseppe Verdi” Symphony Orchestra of Milan, under the guidance of conductor Riccardo Chailly, has since 1999 played in this re-invented 1930s’ cinema, which stood derelict for decades after World War II. The orchestra, under Conductor Laureate Riccardo Chailly and musical director Xian Zhang, boasts a repertoire ranging from Bach to 19th-century symphonic music and contemporary pieces.Via S Gottardo 39 • www.laverdi.org
4. Limelight
This is high-tech nightclubbing, with TV screens, Internet feeds, concerts broadcast live and a magnetic card that keeps track of your tab (you pay when you leave). The music ranges from modern pop and hip-hop to 1960s and 1970s revival – the owners are a group of Serie A footballers, who are often seen here when not on the field.Via Castelbarco 11 • 346 033 8459
5. Magazzini Generali
Cavernous Magazzini Generali is a little bit of everything. It has a stage and auditorium that seats 1,000 for live acts, it can become a huge disco, it has a gallery for exhibitions, and it fits in live poetry readings and more besides.Via Pietrasanta 14 • 02 5521 1313
6. Old Fashion Cafe
This veteran of the Milan nightlife scene remains popular, judging by the crowds hanging around outside waiting to get past the velvet rope. Situated in the Palazzo dell’Arte in Parco Sempione, it has an elegant restaurant and a cosy lounge, both with dance floors. In summer the crowd spills out into the large garden.Viale E. Alemagna 6 • 02 805 6231
7. Black Hole
This huge nightclub, with three dance floors and stages for live acts, is open three nights a week. Wednesday is “Night Noir”, an alternative night with live music and clubbing until dawn. On Fridays, DJ Max Martin spins a combination of 1990s pop and house; Saturdays feature a popular 1980s revival night.Viale Umbria 118 • 0349 466 9374 • www.blackholemilano.com
8. Blue Note
The first European outpost of the famed New York jazz club serves up dinner and top-line performers Tuesday to Saturday and a jazz brunch on Sundays. The line-up is wide-ranging. Past performers have ranged from Bill Evans and Suzanne Vega to the London Community Gospel Choir. Booking is essential.Via Borsieri 37 • 02 6901 6888 • Closed Mon (Oct–Mar), Jun–Aug
9. Hollywood
This stalwart from the 1980s still offers you the best chance in all of Milan to spot a genuine international supermodel, making Corso Como one of the city’s most fashionable streets. Though a perfectly standard discotheque from 1986, glitzy Hollywood continues to draw the most beautiful people in town, so dress to impress.Corso Como 15 • 02 659 8996
10. Alcatraz
Located on a street that features a number of hip nightspots, Milan’s biggest club is housed in a converted industrial space and hosts live music concerts, events and parties. The action begins around 11pm and goes on until about 3am. There is often live music during the week and dancing every Saturday and Sunday. The top bands visiting Milan play here.Via Valtellina 21 • 02 6901 6352 • Closed Jun–Sep
