Milan for years now has taken on the colors of the iconic rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are many associations born in the city that protect gay rights, the pride is now a regular event every summer. There is also an area famous for being the rainbow district par excellence, Porta Venezia. But what are the gay friendly venues 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 anywhere else.
We at Secret Milano have selected 11 places open to everyone, where no form of sexual discrimination or prejudice prevails. Where to feel free and serene.
Table Of Contents
LeccoMilano
Since 2014, Leccomilano has been a reference point for anyone who wants to spend a carefree evening sipping a drink, listening to good music and nibbling 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: 5 Via Lecco, 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 spend a cheerful and unpretentious evening.
Where: Via Lecco 5, ang. P. Castaldi 29, Milan.
Mono Bar
Rounding out the shortlist of venues on Via Lecco is Mono.
Mono is the perfect place to stop by for an aperitif or pre-evening 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 on 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 places in Milan LOLA cannot miss. Also in Porta Venezia, on Via Tadino, we find this small cocktail bar, a reference point now for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Small but welcoming to anyone who comes along for the ride. A gem in which to find kindness and helpfulness as well as excellent cocktails to spend a pleasant evening. Everyone fits in at LOLA’s. Irreverent, chaotic, but fun and colorful, LOLA will charm 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 proposed to 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 Milan’s noteworthy gay-friendly venues 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 entertainment of course for those who want to spend time with friends, or even alone, so many people are always there.
A good philosophy behind the two founders. Zero-mile, organic and highly selected food and drinks 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 of Milan in a really suggestive 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 in Sicilian “my mother” 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 place with its own specific identity open to everyone from morning to night. Whether it is for a breakfast, an aperitif or an evening, Memà is the place for you. Right next door recently opened a wine bar, champagneria with a fine selection of French bubbles and strictly Sicilian wines. There is something for everyone.
Where: Piazza Bellintani 2, Milan.
Noloso
With Noloso we move a little further up Viale Monza to the Pasteur metro stop.
In this area, so-called Nolo, stands Noloso. It is a club a little bit cocktail bar, a little bit art gallery, a little bit karaoke. At Noloso anything can happen. It has an excellent drink list and a lucrative aperitif 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 an evening there anyway.
Where: Via Luigi Varanini 5, Milan.
Patchouli
If, on the other hand, you want all-around fun, Patchouli is the solution: aperitivo, djset and animation all in one with the hottest Wednesday queer night in town: Virgin Camilla.
Patchouli is a viable alternative for a sizzling 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 The Grace Club is transformed by hosting the newly opened queer soiree,‘Il Borgo delle Perse.’ 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 Arcangelo Corelli, 62
La Boum
Among the Milanese nights most appreciated by the LGBTQ+ community are definitely those of La Boum at Magazzini Generali. Overwhelming drag queens conquer the stage with unique performances, on the notes of icons such as Mina, Raffaella Carrà or Marcella Bella, involving the audience with their charisma. Every week the party lights up, including sensual performances and a libertine atmosphere, and everyone is welcome.