Bar Hopping in Milan

Explore Milan’s Nightlife with a Local Touch for $111

This bar hopping in Milan offers a lively, authentic experience of the city’s evening scene over approximately 3 hours. For $111, participants enjoy a carefully curated journey through some of Milan’s best hidden bars and iconic landmarks, all guided by knowledgeable hosts. The tour departs at 7:00 pm from P.za del Duomo and concludes at the Colonne di San Lorenzo, making it easy to plan transportation afterward.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on off-the-beaten-path venues that showcase Milan’s local flavor rather than well-worn tourist spots. You’ll visit diverse bars—from upscale to dive—and get insider tips, historical tidbits, and the chance to try a variety of drinks and snacks. While the tour includes a welcome drink and some snacks, it’s important to note that additional drinks at the bars are payable separately. This experience suits those eager to explore Milan’s nightlife in a friendly, social setting, with a maximum group size of 50 travelers.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, starting at 7:00 pm
• Price: $111 per person, including a welcome drink and snacks
• Stops include: Brera District, Duomo di Milano, Colonne di San Lorenzo, Naviglio Grande
• Includes: alcoholic beverages, snacks, and insider stories from guides
• Excludes: Private transportation and drinks beyond the welcome beverage
• Age restriction: Participants must be 18+

Starting Point at P.za del Duomo: Meeting and Kickoff

The tour begins at P.za del Duomo, a central Milan location near public transportation. This starting point makes it simple to find your guide and gather as a group. It’s advised to arrive a few minutes early to settle in and enjoy the initial welcome drink of your choice—ranging from spritz and craft beers to wines and specialty cocktails.

The guide welcomes everyone warmly and provides an overview of the evening ahead. Since the group is capped at 50 people, it maintains a lively but manageable atmosphere where everyone can comfortably interact with the guides and fellow participants.

Discovering the Charm of the Brera District

The first stop takes place in the Brera District, a neighborhood celebrated for its artistic vibe and historic ambiance. Here, guides share stories about Milan’s culture and traditions, bringing the streets and buildings to life. The walk through this area lasts about 50 minutes, allowing enough time to appreciate hidden bars and local landmarks without feeling rushed.

Participants get to explore alleyways and charming piazzas, where many of Milan’s small, unique bars are located. Some venues may offer snacks, adding a tasty touch to the experience. The focus remains on local favorites rather than tourist-heavy spots, giving a genuine sense of Milanese nightlife.

Iconic Photo and Refreshment at Duomo di Milano

Next, the tour stops at the Duomo di Milano, one of the city’s most recognizable sights. Here, the group takes a photo opportunity to capture the stunning cathedral façades. Afterward, there’s a second refreshment session lasting about 40 minutes.

While the admission ticket to the Duomo is free, the emphasis here is on enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps trying a drink or snack nearby. The guide provides insights into the cathedral’s history, adding an educational layer to this iconic view.

Local Flavors at Colonne di San Lorenzo

Moving into the Colonne di San Lorenzo, participants find themselves in a historic open-air arcade with a lively, youthful vibe. This stop lasts 50 minutes and offers a third refreshment.

The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with several bars and cafes lining the ancient columns. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the local spirit, watch street performers if present, and enjoy more drinks and snacks. Since admission to the area is free, the focus remains on the social experience and exploring the authentic Milanese night scene.

Naviglio Grande: The Evening’s Final Stop

The last stop takes place along Naviglio Grande, Milan’s historic canal district. Here, the group spends around 40 minutes enjoying a fourth refreshment.

This area is renowned for its lively bars and picturesque scenery, making it an excellent setting to wind down the evening. The tour emphasizes the diversity of Milan’s bar scene, with a chance to sample drinks in an atmospheric setting, and perhaps reflect on the night’s adventures.

Included Drinks and Snacks: A Taste of Milan’s Nightlife

The tour includes an initial welcome beverage of your choice—whether it’s a spritz, craft beer, fine wine, or signature cocktail—to help everyone relax and connect. Some bars will also offer snacks, enhancing the convivial atmosphere.

While the tour provides alcoholic beverages and snacks, it’s important to remember that additional drinks at the bars are not included and are payable separately. This setup allows for flexibility in choosing drinks and trying different venues without a fixed drink package.

Practical Details: Group Size, Accessibility, and Weather

The tour is designed for up to 50 participants, ensuring a lively group but still manageable for guides to interact meaningfully with everyone. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible from different parts of Milan.

Since the experience depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor weather will be rescheduled or refunded. The tour begins at 7:00 pm and runs for approximately 3 hours, perfect for an early evening outing.

Clear Cancellation and Refund Policy

Participants can cancel the tour free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable, so planning ahead is recommended. The tour provider, Rban Tours, ensures flexibility with weather-related cancellations or low participant numbers, offering alternative dates or full refunds if needed.

What Makes This Tour Unique in Milan

The emphasis on local hotspots and hidden venues distinguishes this experience from more conventional Milan nightlife tours. The combination of history, insider tips, and diverse bar choices offers a well-rounded evening that showcases the city’s authentic spirit. The small-group atmosphere fosters genuine conversations and memorable connections.

Notable Praise from Past Participants

Reviews highlight Gilberto’s expertise and friendliness, with comments about great drink suggestions and interesting stories. The tour is appreciated for its fun, diversity of venues, and being a fantastic way to start a trip in Milan.

Potential Considerations

Some participants note that additional drinks are paid for separately, which could be a surprise for those expecting all-inclusive pricing. The tour is age-restricted to 18+, and the pace may not suit those with mobility issues, given the walking involved through various neighborhoods.

A Memorable Night with Local Flair in Milan

This bar hopping tour offers an engaging way to experience Milan after dark, with a focus on local bars, lively atmospheres, and insider stories. The combination of charming neighborhoods, historical sights, and social drinking makes it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for a fun, authentic evening.

While it’s not an all-inclusive drinks tour, the initial welcome drink and snacks set a convivial tone that continues with the exploration of Milan’s diverse bar scene. The knowledgeable guides ensure the experience is informative as well as entertaining, making this a worthwhile option for those wanting to see the city from a different perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
The tour is designed for those over 18 who enjoy alcohol, but non-drinkers can still participate in the sightseeing and social aspects, although drinks are paid separately.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking through city streets and neighborhoods.

Are snacks included?
Yes, some bars offer snacks as part of the experience, and the tour includes some snacks along the way.

Can I join if I arrive late?
It’s best to arrive at the scheduled start time. If late, you may need to catch up on your own, as the tour starts at 7:00 pm from the designated meeting point.

Are additional drinks expensive?
Prices vary by venue; since drinks are payable separately, budget accordingly for extra beverages beyond the included welcome drink.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves walking through various neighborhoods, it may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations.

What happens if it rains?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How do I get transportation after the tour?
The tour concludes at Colonne di San Lorenzo, which is well-connected by public transit. Guides are available to assist with transportation arrangements.

This Bar Hopping in Milan experience combines local charm, lively venues, and insider stories, making it a great way to kick off an evening in Italy’s fashion capital. Its focus on hidden spots and authentic Milanese nightlife will appeal to those eager to see a different side of the city beyond the typical tourist trail.