arriving in milan and eager to connect with the gay community? let's dive into the vibrant options for gay chat, cruising, and nightlife that this italian fashion capital has to offer.
from lively bars and clubs to cruising spots and saunas, milan presents a diverse and exciting scene for lgbtq+ individuals.
gay venues and events in milan
milan boasts a thriving gay scene, concentrated primarily in the porta venezia district, also known as lecco street.
however, gay-friendly establishments can be found throughout the city, offering something for everyone. here's a look at some of the popular options:
lecco street: the heart of gay milan
lecco street is the epicenter of milan's gay life. here, you'll find a cluster of bars where people gather, especially during the evenings, spilling out onto the pavements with their drinks.
the atmosphere is lively and social, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people.
- leccomilano: often considered the main meeting point on lecco street, this bar is a popular spot to start the evening before exploring other venues.
- mono: known for its happy hour and vibrant atmosphere, mono plays a mix of pop-rock music and offers a fun space to socialize.
- eppol pie: a more relaxed option, eppol pie features a trendy garden-like exterior, perfect for enjoying aperol spritzes and a quieter conversation.
it's also a great choice for sunday brunch.
- orange spritz: if you're an aperol spritz aficionado, orange spritz offers a rainbow experience with over 16 different varieties of this iconic italian drink.
- no loso: located outside the main lecco street area, no loso features a stylish interior and a creative cocktail list.
gay bars outside lecco street
while lecco street is the focal point, other gay bars can be found scattered around milan, offering a different vibe.
for those seeking a more masculine atmosphere, the following may appeal:
- company club: a popular gay bear bar known for its friendly atmosphere and themed parties, including leather nights, karaoke, and drag shows.
gay clubs in milan
milan's gay clubs are more spread out than the bars, requiring a short taxi or uber ride to reach.
each club offers a unique atmosphere and music style, catering to diverse tastes.
- la boum: a popular choice for pop music lovers, la boum attracts a mixed crowd of gay men and women in their 20s and 30s. the drag shows, which start around 1 am, are a highlight.
- oneway: one of the oldest gay clubs in milan, oneway caters to bears and older gay men.
it's known for its exciting weekly parties and energetic atmosphere.
- club plastic: a legendary club that has been going strong since the 1980s, club plastic has a strict entry policy and attracts a fashionable crowd.
- q club: offering two dance floors with different music styles, q club is a great option for those who want to dance the night away.
- il borgo delle perse: a gay party that takes place every sunday at the grace club, il borgo delle perse is particularly popular during the summer months when the garden is open.
- botox matinée: the best after-party gay club in milan, botox matinée is known for its packed dance floor and high-energy atmosphere.
gay cruising and saunas
milan also has an active cruising and sauna scene for those looking for more discreet encounters.
- royal hammam: a gay sauna located next to botox matinée, making it a convenient option for winding down after a night of partying.
- fenix: a gay sauna and cruising bar popular with bears and older men, fenix offers both dry and wet cruising areas.
- hot dog club: a gay cruising club that hosts regular events and parties, often with nude or dress code themes.
- illumined: a 24-hour gay cruising club with private cabins, a dark room, and other features designed for anonymous encounters.
- depot milano: a leather-based cruising club that organizes themed parties, such as masked and underwear nights.
gay shops in milan
for those looking to purchase new gear or accessories, milan offers several gay shops:
- es collection: located on via lecco, this store offers swimwear, underwear, and sportswear from the popular es collection and addicted lines.
- europa92: a shop specializing in leather clothing, naughty dvds, and toys, located near milano centrale station.
- s3x delirious: the largest gay shop in milan, offering a wide range of risque items and clothing, as well as courses and shows.
gay events in milan
milan hosts several gay events throughout the year, attracting visitors from around the world.
- milan pride: the biggest gay event in italy, held every june, featuring a parade, concerts, performances, and food stalls.
- mix milan film festival: an international lgbtq+ film festival showcasing a diverse range of films.
- halloween parties: many gay clubs in milan host themed halloween parties, ranging from fun and festive to more risque and provocative.
- christmas celebrations: the gay bars in milan go all out with christmas decorations, and the clubs host epic themed events.
gay-friendly hotels in milan
finding a comfortable and welcoming place to stay is essential for any traveler.
milan offers several gay-friendly hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star accommodations.
hotels in the lecco street area
for those who want to be in the heart of the gay scene, staying near lecco street is a great option.
- hotel sanpi: a popular choice for its convenient location near the gay bars and its beautiful terrace garden.
- hotel charly: another well-regarded option close to the gay scene, with some rooms offering balconies overlooking the terrace garden.
- ostello bello grande: a budget-friendly hostel located near lecco street, offering both dormitory-style and private rooms.
it also hosts events like queer cabaret.
luxury hotels
for those looking to splurge on a luxurious experience, the following hotel is highly recommended:
- château monfort: a five-star hotel designed around iconic fairy tales, offering a super romantic atmosphere.
tips for enjoying the milan gay scene
- check local listings: websites and social media pages dedicated to milan's gay scene provide up-to-date information on events, parties, and special offers.
- be aware of arco cards: some gay clubs in italy require an arco membership card for entry, which can be purchased online or at the door.
- explore beyond lecco street: while lecco street is the heart of the gay scene, don't be afraid to venture out and explore other gay-friendly establishments throughout the city.
- embrace the aperol spritz: no trip to italy is complete without trying this iconic drink, and milan's gay bars offer a wide variety of aperol spritz creations.
- be respectful: remember that italy is a country with its own cultural norms.
be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- learn some italian phrases: while many people in milan speak english, learning a few basic italian phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
beyond the gay scene: exploring milan
while the gay scene is undoubtedly a highlight, milan offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions to explore.
take some time to visit the duomo, explore the fashion district, admire the art at the pinacoteca di brera, and indulge in delicious italian cuisine.
restaurant recommendations near lecco street
while in milan, be sure to sample the local cuisine.
here is a restaurant recommendation in close proximity to the gay village.
- mint garden cafe: a romantic and beautiful restaurant located a couple of streets from lecco street, perfect for a romantic dinner.
final thoughts
milan offers a vibrant and diverse gay scene, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
whether you're looking to socialize in lively bars, dance the night away in energetic clubs, or explore discreet cruising spots, milan has something for everyone. by following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories in this stylish italian city.