Nightlife in Milano: College Student Edition
The best places to go out when you’re balling on a budget
Milan is one of the top visited cities in Italy and all throughout Europe, famously recognized for its fashion merchandize, food traditions, and most notably, its vibrant nightlife. By day, Milan is a sunny city full of people heading to work, drinking their cappuccinos, and touring the city’s iconic landmarks, but by night, it transforms into a lively scene of conversation, aperitivos, and dancing.
One of the many aspects that attracts young people all throughout Milan is its fantastic and diverse nightlife atmosphere. Popular destinations such as Brera, Navigli, Corso Como, and the Duomo area are home to Italy’s trendiest clubs, restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs. For many local and international students studying and living in the area, Milan is the ultimate city to go out at, have a nice dinner and a few drinks with friends, and perhaps, go to a club afterwards. However, this particular area of Italy is also known to be quite expensive, especially its nightlife, which may make it difficult and costly for young students to go out as much as they would like. Luckily, there are various locations scattered all throughout Milan that offer low prices and student discounts, making it accessible for students to have an affordable and great night out!
Aperitivo, a buffet and drinks combo Milan is famously known for, allows people to fill up on plenty of food and order a nice drink all for about 10 Euros. The buffet offers everything from pizza to pasta to prosciutto, all of which is unlimited in quantity and exceptional in quality. Almost every restaurant in areas such as Navigli and Brera host Aperitivos between 6 and 10 p.m. and the occasion is a convenient happy hour event to kick off the whole evening. Here are a few choices around Milan that offer popular local cocktails, a wholesome cuisine for dinner, and a vivacious social environment:
1. Spritz
Located in the heart of Navigli, this quaint bar has an outdoor terrace, a huge buffet selection, and occasional live music right near it. Drinks and the buffet selection all together cost around 10 Euros, making it the perfect place to get together with friends for hours at a time.
2. Momo
This is another Navigli favorite, especially among the locals and tourists. Similar to Spritz, this restaurant also provides customers with an unlimited buffet and their drink of choice all for under 10 Euros. Nothing sounds better than a glass of Prosecco and a filling dinner after a day of studies.
After a nice round of drinks and long conversation, many students have enough energy and spirits to go to a club in Milan around midnight. While many nightclubs in the city can be exclusive and quite expensive, there are several ones that offer student discounts with an ESN (Erasmus Student Network) card issued to all university students. For just 10 Euros, students receive an entry along with two tickets to get any drink of choice at the bar. These are some of the most popular destinations among the local and international students:
1. Hollywood
This night club is located in Corso Como and is surrounded by dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops. Once inside, attendees are introduced to a chic dance scene with acclaimed DJs and a crowd made up of fashionistas and occasional celebrities. Student discounts are offered every Tuesday and the long lines are sure proof that it’s the ultimate place to be that night.
2. Old Fashion Club
Not located too far from the Duomo, Old Fashion is another stylish restaurant/nightclub well-liked among students. It provides goers with an outdoor terrace as well as an indoor section to mingle, interact with others, and take breaks from dancing the night away! Student discounts are provided every Wednesday and entry is only 1 Euro before midnight!
3. Le Banque
Elegant restaurant transformed into a hip dance scene by night, this club is a short 5-minute walk from the Duomo and is a favorite among the night owls of Milan! It attracts young people from all over for its diversity in music selection, two floor dance section, and of course the low price! Student discounts are every Saturday and be sure to get there early, the wait can be a while!
4. Alcatraz
Although this club is a bit of a drive from the center of the city, it is known for its heavy techno music vibes, open floor spaces, and a large music venue for concerts and featured DJ performers. It can get quite overwhelming, but it is still a fun site for a group of young people looking to have an unforgettable, exciting night. Student entry discounts are every Friday and there are several food shops right next door for anyone craving a late night snack!
As my international study abroad experience in Milan comes to an end, I can honestly say that this city has offered me one of the most liveliest and interesting nightlife. I have traveled to several countries during my four-month journey here and Milan has offered my friends and I the best and affordable places to go out at night. It’s one of the only areas that offers people an exclusive price at dance clubs, charging students only 10 euros, including two free drinks. Aside from that, Milan is also one of the best locations where you can also get an aperitivo dinner for the same price and the quality of the food is never a disappointment. Whether you’re by Navigli or in the center of the Duomo area, if you are a student on a tight budget, there plenty of places that can provide you and your friends with an amazing, memorable evening.