Known as one of the world's most fashionable cities, you can expect Milan to be quite gay, and when compared 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.
LGBT Attractions
If you're in the city in June, catch the annual Festival MIX Milano, the gay and lesbian film festival. Check the website for information about the next edition: festivalmixmilano.com
Gay Bars
Blanco
The name describes the nearly all-white interior of this stylish bar. It's a trendy spot for cocktails, enjoyed to the sounds selected by the house DJs.
Website: www.blancomilano.it
LeccoMilano
This popular bar hosts regular events, with live performances, guest DJs and art exhibitions. It attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Website: www.leccomilano.it
MONO Bar
One of the best spots to be before or after dinner, for aperitivi or late-night cocktails.
Facebook Page: monobar.milano
Gay Clubs
Afterline
Located on the "gay street" Via Sammartini, this club is known for its go-go boys and for hosting themed nights.
Website: www.afterline.it
Bangalov
A cruising club where everyone lets go of their clothes and inhibitions. There's a special leather night one Saturday per month.
Website: www.bangalov.com
Company Club
This popular cruising bar includes a dance floor and lounge area. It tends to attract the bear and chubby crowds, who attend its themed nights that often involve leather.
Website: www.companyclub.org
Depot
There's a theme every night of the week at this cruising and leather bar. It takes up two different floors and includes a smoking area.
Website: www.depotmilano.com
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.
Website: www.lanuovaidea.com
Plastic
Covering three dancefloors, you'll hear hip hop and house music at this fashionable club that gets packed with a more sophisticated crowd that also enjoys a good game of pool in a separate room.
Facebook Page: clubplasticmilano
Saunas
Fenix Sauna
A favorite of mature men and bears, this sauna offers a hydro-massage jacuzzi, massage services (upon booking), and plenty of cruising space.
Website: www.fenixsauna.it
Metro Club Milano
Perhaps the city's most popular sauna, it's spread over three levels, and offers a jacuzzi, tanning booth, a lounge for drinking and socializing, and even a small gym.
Website: www.metroclubmilano.it
Royal Hammam
Featuring a Turkish bath, swimming pool, dry sauna, jacuzzi and dark room, this is a large venue meant for fun and relaxation.
Facebook Page: royalhammam
TBlue Sauna
With an inviting pool and jacuzzi, massage services, and lounge area, this sauna opens every day at 1pm for a relaxing afternoon or night.
Facebook Page: Tblue-Sauna-Milano
Gay Hotels
Hotel Garda
This gay-friendly budget option places you within walking distance of the central station. It's classically-decorated, with rooms featuring different color schemes. In the 3-star category, it can't be beat in the city.
Bed+Art Milano Centrale
This gay-owned bed-and-breakfast (the name is pronounced "Bedpiuart") is just 250m from the central station, and offers uniquely-decorated rooms using pieces of art created from recycled materials. Guests may socialize in the communal lounge, and the staff is welcoming and helpful.
STRAF Design Hotel
It's not a gay hotel, but it's quite gay-friendly, at least judging from the number of gay men who choose to stay here. Located just feet from the cathedral, it has rooms decorated with modern art and designer furnishings, a 24-hour gym, and a trendy restaurant.
Sina The Gray
Another stylish property that's popular with gay men, this is a boutique hotel that's also found by the cathedral. Every room features modern design of African inspiration, and some offer a private gym and a Turkish bath. There's also an inviting terrace for drinks in the open air.
Milan Accommodation
Look for the hotel or apartment that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. You may guarantee your reservation but do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the property, and there are no booking fees. Most hotels and apartments allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email:
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