UCityGuides.com Home > MILAN > GAY MILAN
Milan's gay hotspots
|
|
Known as one of the world's most fashionable cities, you can expect Milan to be quite gay, and when comparing it to the rest of Italy, it is in fact the country's gay capital. Still, you may be surprised to know that the gay scene is still a little lackluster when compared to other European cities like Barcelona or Berlin. That's of course due to generations shaped by Italy's strict Catholicism, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of gay stuff going on.
Although a little dingy, Via Sammartini is the city's designated gay street and that's where you'll find a couple of Milan's most popular gay bars. Elsewhere you'll find a variety of other hotspots, from mixed bars to gay house clubs. Join everyone for aperitivi, follow that with a long dinner, and see where the night takes you.
Other attractions include the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival taking place every June.
Café Atlantique
Milan's fashion world (and that of course means plenty of gay guys) often meet here, especially for a Sunday brunch. Join them throughout the week for cocktails in a stylish atmosphere.
G Lounge
Go in late afternoon when locals choose this as their after-work happy hour drinking site. It's a trendy cocktail bar with DJs providing the soundtrack.
RHA Lounge Bar
For pre-dinner aperitivi and cocktails, head to this lounge which has DJs on weekends. It also often hosts exhibitions and other events, including live music.
Afterline
Located next to the city's central station, this bar is what gave Via Sammatini the status of Milan's "gay street." Popular with both gay men and lesbians, it gets busy quite early when a relaxed crowd shows up for drinks in the afternoon. The fun lasts through the night with special parties.
Join the Gap - Borgo del Tempo Perso
Go for dinner and dancing at this mixed restaurant-club that often hosts special events and DJs who spin house and R&B.
Billy Club
If you love house music this is your club. It's a trendy hotspot that gets quite crowded on weekends, especially when a famous DJ is in the house. The go go boys and other eye candy are other attractions.
Nuova Idea
One of the oldest gay hotspots in town, this club has two dancefloors where a diverse friendly crowd gathers for some well known tracks and even ballroom dancing.
Club Gasoline
Going strong for over a decade, this club is not very big in size, but remains so in popularity. The music is a mixture of pop, electro, and disco, enjoyed by both a gay and straight crowd. This is one of the most laid-back, lively, and enjoyable clubs in town.
Plastic
Covering three dancefloors, you'll hear hip hop and house music at this fashionable club that gets crowded with a more sophisticated crowd that also enjoys a good game of pool in a separate room.
Flexoclub
Those looking for a more hardcore scene will find what they're looking for here. It's a cruising club next to a sauna that features a summer garden and hosts some wild parties.
Depot
There's a thematic night every night of the week at this cruising and leather bar. It takes up two different floors and includes a smoking area.
SAUNAS
Royal Hammam
This spectacular sauna is huge and includes a swimming pool, jacuzzis, and massage rooms that attract a trendy clientele.
Thermas Club
This clean and friendly sauna has been a favorite for over two decades. There are special discounts at night for those under 25, and offers Turkish bath, Finnish saunas, and a relaxed bar.
LESBIANS
Il Sottomarino Giallo
A varied soundtrack and a strict women-only policy on Saturday nights sums up this bar that also welcomes a mixed crowd for other events on other nights.
GAY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
The Gray
Hotel Ariosto
Hotel Michelangelo
MORE MILAN:
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS | HOTELS & HOSTELS | BARS & CLUBS | CAFES & RESTAURANTS | SHOPPING | BODY & SOUL |
GAY & LESBIAN | MAP & TRANSPORTATION | CAR RENTAL | TOURS & DAYTRIPS | CONCERTS & EVENTS
