Milan has a timeless charm. And a unique elegance. There are many places that still preserve that antiquity, tradition and “Milanese-ness” of the past, where it seems to go back in time, to the time when cafes were real meeting places for artists and intellectuals, of the upper middle class. Places of exchange, meeting and conviviality. Let’s find out which historic cafes in Milan are still active today.
They are places to stop for a snack, a coffee, a pleasant break or to take an “Instagrammable” photo, but above all, they are locations to appreciate an ancient, rare beauty of times gone by and breathe in the culture of a city that never ceases to surprise with its charm.
Table Of Contents
Cova Patisserie Cafe
Cova is a place that cannot be more historic. It dates back to 1817. The center of Milanese life, it is a place of multiple gatherings. Patriots, politicians, artists. It became even more famous thanks to Ernest Hemingway who mentioned it in his stories. Cova is still synonymous with elegance, sophistication and quality. If you want to stop at a magical place Cova is for you
Where: Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121 Milan
Taveggia
An active café for over a century, Taveggia opened its doors in the early 1900s. A quiet and secluded place in which to find the atmosphere of yesteryear when men of culture, politicians, men of letters and conspirators frequented it. A cup of coffee and a sweet treat to step back in time.
Where: Via Uberto Visconti di Modrone, 2, 20122 Milan
Camparino in Galleria
Another iconic place in Milan view Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the city’s living room. Here a break is due for an aperitif. Iconic and legendary, or a coffee with a taste of Milanese charm and history. Refined, fashionable and bright location that fills eyes and heart as you cross its threshold.
Where: P.za del Duomo – Milan
Café Bistrot Savini
Another place that represents “milanesity.” A meeting place of great men of yesteryear, of when Callas sang at La Scala or before her Umberto Boccioni painted his most famous paintings. A place, a certainty. Nestled in the light and luxury of the Galleria, Savini is still now synonymous with grand class and good taste. If you take a stroll through the Galleria, a break, a good meal or a chic aperitif are worthwhile to relive the golden times of a glittering Milan.
Where: Via Ugo Foscolo, 5, 20121 Milan
Bar Magenta
Another venue to be included among Milan’s historic cafes is Bar Magenta. It has been a meeting place for the Milanese and non-Milanese for over a century. It opened its doors back in 1907 and has never gone out of fashion since. Bar Magenta looks like a traditional bistro with wood-paneled walls, rustic tables and a large counter. From breakfast to aperitifs, Bar Magenta is a great stop.
Where: Via Giosuè Carducci, 13, 20123 Milan
Bar Basso
More than a café, Bar Basso is famous for being one of the most renowned cocktail bars on the Milanese scene. A point of reference of the movida meneghini for centuries, we owe to this place the invention of the one and only true Negroni Sbagliato. A picturesque and atmospheric place where you can still breathe the air of the Milan of yesteryear. If you want to have a real aperitivo, in the place where it was born, Bar Basso is your next stop.
Where: Via Plinio, 39, 20133 Milan