The 10 Best Nightclubs in Milan

Buried underneath Stazione Centrale, the fascist-inflected station inaugurated by Mussolini, lies Tunnel Club – one of Milan’s more alternative spots for a night of dancing. Dark, grungy and undeniably cool thanks to its location in a literal tunnel (a former railway depot, complete with a curved ceiling and exposed steel pipes), the club has attracted a loyal following of indie, electronic and techno fans since opening in 1995. At the end of the night, crash for next to nothing at one of the city’s best cheap hotels.

Situated in an impressive restored Baroque church, Il Gattopardo transports guests to a bygone era. Chaise lounges, an enormous chandelier and white marble balconies set the scene for a night of elegance and luxury – some nights acrobats even twirl in silk ropes, suspended from the high ceilings. To avoid the long entrance lines, book an early table for the delicious aperitivo, and stay until you’re ready to dance. End your night in style too, with a stay at one of Milan’s top luxury hotels.

A veritable Milan institution since its inception in 1980, Plastic is the place to see and be seen. In its heyday, the clientele included Madonna, Elton John, Andy Warhol, Freddie Mercury and Bruce Springsteen, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a famous face or two on the dance floor. Crowded and chaotic, sporting crystal chandeliers, neon signs and disco balls, the music varies on any given night, from house and electronic to ’80s and ’90s favourites.

Not far from the Duomo, Apophis Club is both a cocktail bar and nightclub spinning hip-hop, electronic and house music by a range of international DJs from Thursday to Saturday. Unless you’re willing to pay the (rather steep) annual membership fee, don’t expect to just waltz in the door – this club is about as exclusive as they come. They do, however, host frequent event nights open to the public – just make sure to RSVP to the guest list on their Facebook page. The lavish venue offers premium liquor and drinks in a sleek environment with colourful LED lights illuminating the dance floor.

By day, it’s the perfect spot for a decadent brunch or lunch, but come night time, Apollo Club transforms into one of Milan’s hottest clubs. The immense space is divided into four areas, where you can eat, drink or dance. The furnishings are sumptuous and chic – black-and-white tiled floors, dark wooden bars, leather and velvet couches, as well as a ping-pong table and retro pinball machine. Electronic nights alternate with DJ sets on weekdays and live bands on Saturdays, as well as film screenings on Sundays.

In spite of its unfortunate name, Toilet Club is one of the LGBTQ community’s favourite spots for a night out in Milan. Toilet features regular events, parties and themed nights, all set to a variety of electronic and house tunes. The club prides itself on its inclusivity, with a friendly and alternative vibe making everyone feel welcome.

This bar is about as Milan Fashion Week as it gets, but it can be fun as there’s always a lively atmosphere. Located at the base of Parco Sempione’s Torre Branca, a viewing tower designed by iconic Milanese architect Gio Ponti, the club-restaurant is the brainchild of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli and architect Italo Rota. There’s an outdoor terrace for sweltering summer evenings, and after 11:30pm the music ramps up when Milan’s fashion crowd come out to play.

Don your best shoulder-pads, fluoro, sequins and big hair for a night unlike anything else on offer in Milan. Taking you back to the golden age of the 1980s, Club Haus 80’s blasts all the classics every weekend for a wild night of debauchery. Don’t miss the regular theme nights, each with a specific ’80s-related dress code. Disco balls and lasers illuminate the crowded dance floor, making for a colourful and vibrant atmosphere.

During the week, you can catch international concerts, fashion shows and conventions here, but each weekend Alcatraz turns into Milan’s biggest nightclub, hosting up to 3,000 people. Located in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Isola, there’s something to cater to all musical tastes, with three separate rooms in the immense warehouse dedicated to different genres, from rock, pop and house to R&B and Latin.

Part cultural centre, part nightclub, Tempio del Futuro Perduto (“Temple of the Lost Future”) was started by a young group of creatives looking to build a community of like-minded individuals. As well as art exhibitions, yoga classes, theatre courses and film screenings, Tempio is the trendiest place in Milan for a night raving to electronic music in an expansive, formerly abandoned industrial warehouse. Keep an eye on their ever-changing event page for special nights as well as local and touring DJs.