Milan for years now has taken on the colors of the LGBTQIA+ community’s iconic rainbow flag. Many associations have sprung up in the city to protect gay rights; the pride is now a regular event every summer. There is also an area famous for being the rainbow neighborhood par excellence, Porta Venezia. But what are the gay friendly places in Milan to go to?
Incidentally, to confirm this role in the city, Porta Venezia has its subway stop papered with the multicolored colors of the flag. In short, one breathes inclusiveness and a desire to be oneself more than elsewhere.
We at Secret Milano have selected 10 +1 venues, open to all, where no form of sexual discrimination or prejudice exists. Where to feel free and peaceful.
Table Of Contents
LeccoMilan
Since 2014, the Leccomilano has been a landmark for anyone who wants to spend a carefree evening sipping a drink, listening to good music and nibbling on something from the evening aperitif that from 6 p.m., every night, is open to those who pass by.
Colorful, eccentric, irreverent at times, but very welcoming the LeccoMilano knows what it means to entertain and offer its customers memorable moments.
Where: Via Lecco 5, Milan.
Red Café
Right next to the LeccoMilano stands this small venue, another place well known and appreciated by the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Unpretentious, the Red Café offers a wide range of drinks at very competitive prices. Over time, it has become a must for anyone who wants to have a cheerful and unpretentious evening.
Where: Via Lecco 5, ang. P. Castaldi 29, Milan.
Mono Bar
Rounding out the shortlist of venues on Lecco Street is Mono.
Mono is the perfect venue to stop by for drinks or a pre-evening pre-party before going dancing. It is, in fact, a very comfortable and colorful location. However, it has a somewhat cramped interior space. Nevertheless, the problem does not arise since tradition dictates that the drink should be drunk in the street while chatting with friends.
But be careful not to park your car nearby if you don’t want it to become a side table!
Where: Via Lecco 6, ang. P. Castaldi, Milan.
Lola
In the list of gay friendly clubs in Milan LOLA cannot be missed. Also in Porta Venezia, on Tadino Street, we find this small cocktail bar, a landmark now for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Small but welcoming to anyone who comes for a ride. A gem in which to find kindness and helpfulness as well as excellent cocktails to spend a pleasant evening. At LOLA they all fit. Irreverent, chaotic, yet fun and colorful, the LOLA will bewitch you.
Where: Via Alessandri Tadino 6, Milan.
Sui Generis
If you want sympathy and lots of warmth Sui Generis is the place for you. A family-run place, 4 brothers together in business who have offered the city a pleasant, cheerful and joyful place.
Warm welcome and a smile awaits you when you cross the threshold of this cocktail bar.
A fixture in the neighborhood for a spirited rendezvous among friends, in good cheer.
Where: Via Panfilo Castaldi 31, ang. via Lecco, Milan.
Pop
Another among the noteworthy gay-friendly venues in Milan is Pop. Pop is not just a place to have a drink in the evening but a place to have breakfast in the morning, get something to eat for lunch, a cultural, exhibition, and meeting center. As well as fun of course for those who want to spend time together, or even alone, as there are always plenty of people.
A good philosophy behind the two founders. Zero-mile, organic and highly selected food and beverages to offer the best to passing customers. Absolutely recommended.
Where: Via Alessandro Tadino 5, Milan.
Memà café
Of course, Memà could not miss among the gay friendly venues in Milan. Elegant venue next to the old Lazzaretto in Milan in a truly picturesque area of Porta Venezia. Memà is perfect for an evening with friends, especially in warm weather, sitting in the small tables outside is very pleasant. The bar offers creative cocktails and snacks with a Sicilian twist. Memà, which means “my mother” in Sicilian, is inspired precisely by the big Island both in the menu (cannoli, cassata also in single-portion version) and in the ingredients of the drinks and combines the chic atmosphere with “Mediterranean” elements.
In short, a club with its own specific identity open to everyone from morning to night. Whether it’s for breakfast, an aperitif or an evening out, Memà is the place for you. Right next door recently opened a wine shop, champagneria with a fine selection of French bubbles and strictly Sicilian wines. There is something for everyone.
Where: Piazza Bellintani 2, Milan.
Noloso
With the Noloso we move a little further up Viale Monza to the Pasteur metro stop.
In this area, known as Nolo, stands Noloso. It is a venue that is part cocktail bar, part art gallery, part karaoke. At Noloso anything can happen. It has an excellent drink list and a lucrative appetizer bar with many delicacies to enjoy with friends.
A venue you can’t miss if you pass by. And if you don’t pass by, plan a night there anyway.
Where: Via Luigi Varanini 5, Milan.
Patchouli
If, on the other hand, you want all-around fun, Patchouli is the solution: appetizer, DJset and entertainment all in one with the hottest Wednesday queer night in town: Virgin Camilla.
Patchouli is a good alternative for a sparkling soiree in the company of friendly drag queens who will add a touch of effervescence to your evening.
Where: Via Giovanni Battista Cassinis 76, Milan.
The Grace Club (The Village of the Lost)
A fine dining restaurant with live music and entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, on Sunday evenings Grace Club is transformed by hosting the newly opened queer soiree,‘The Village of the Lost. Aperitif from 6 p.m. with karaoke, dancefloor from 8 p.m. with music going late into the night.
An evening without too many frills, cool and crisp just right to end the week with a dash of craziness.
Where: Via Messina 38, Milan
General Warehouses
Last but not least, we mention Magazzini Generali, a venue of concerts and live music, DJ sets and unforgettable evenings, has been hosting for some time now the most awaited and fashionable event of the LGBTQIA+ scene in the city, the Friday night date with La Boum. Elegant and wild drag queens performing to the notes of Mina, la Carrà, Marcella Bella, Loredana Berté and other Italian icons.
Lots of good music for a memorable and carefree evening to start the weekend off right.
Where: Via Pietrasanta 16, Milan.