Entertainment In Milan

Although not highly revered for its nightly entertainment value and not really considered a party city, Milan has several options for entertainment including the many terraced cafés and bars of the Brera quarter and its large collection of cinemas,  jazz and dance clubs. The opera can also be enjoyed in Milan as well as classical concerts by renowned composers. It is worth noting that not every ‘bar’ sign seen outside an establishment means that alcohol is on the menu, as the Italians’ interpretation of a bar can often denote an ice-cream parlour.

Nightlife

Milan is awash with bars and cafés where tourists may enjoy the nightlife, with numerous cocktails, beer bars and clubs. The popular Brera quarter is Milan’s foremost entertainment area and is characterised by numerous bars with outside tables in the summer months. Prices at these places vary wildly and depend greatly on whether you sit at a table or at the bar – prices at the latter are typically half. Another very popular area in the city for drinking and making merry is the Navigli neighbourhood.

Theatre and music

Teatro alla Scala is Milan’s main theatre and has recently undergone major renovation works, while the Auditorium di Milano, a renovated old movie house, plays host to Milan's Giuseppe Verdi Symphony Orchestra. Concerts here run from September through to May and children’s programmes are also featured. Milan is also known for its many jazz clubs and there is a surprising number of dance clubs to boot.

Festivals

As the economic and cultural capital of Italy, Milan is well known for its festivals and events featuring art, fashion, music and opera. Some gatherings are internationally renowned and include:

• Festa del Naviglio, a collection of brilliant music performances and parades (early June).
• The Milan Jazz Festival, previously featuring jazz greats from around the world, this is one of the city’s favourite annual events (November).
• Craftsmen’s Fair, begun in 1996, the fair is a popular market with products from all over Italy, Europe, Asia and Africa, and is the largest event worldwide for craftsmen's products (December).
• Festa di Sant'Ambrogio, featuring traditional fairs around the Fiera di Milano, this is Milan's biggest feast day (December).