10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Milan

Teatro all Scala is the place to go for a display of Italian artistry in Milan. There’s the 18th-century building and its lavish architecture, the operatic and ballet performances on stage and then the theatre’s museum, which not only houses some of the world’s premiere operatic artefacts but also gives visitors a glimpse behind the curtain, into all the work and artistic talent that goes into putting on one of the theatre’s many performances.

Check Teatro all Scala’s event calendar before your visit and pick a show to add to your itinerary. Even families will find child-friendly performances on the schedule, as the theatre aims to entertain even the youngest spectators.

Leonardo3 is an exhibition centre is devoted entirely to (as you might've guessed) Leonardo da Vinci and his artwork and inventions. Also known as Musée le Monde de Léonardo, this interactive museum is found at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping arcades in Milan.

Permanent exhibits include researcher-built machinery based on da Vinci’s work. Something new and exciting regularly takes place at Leonardo3, as the museum hosts a range of rotating and travelling exhibits. Best of all, it opens late into the evening, making it a popular after-dinner activity for families and fans of Da Vinci.

Mercato Centrale Milano offers late-night shopping in a casual environment. The market hosts an array of artisan vendors and plenty of seating – pets are even welcomed to tag along.

While a range of delicious eats is the market’s main draw, you’ll still find plenty to love even if you’ve already had your dinner. Sample some local wines and handmade truffles or join a cooking class. It’s a good idea to check the market’s event calendar for tasting sessions, cultural events and kid-friendly activities.

Piazza del Duomo (not to be confused with the piazza by the same name in Florence) is one of Milan’s most photographed spots. While crowds flock to the city’s main square during the daytime, you may find a quieter yet equally picturesque setting after dusk.

Piazza del Duomo is home to Milan Cathedral, with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants surrounding the iconic landmark. Dozens of Milan’s important museums and art galleries are also within walking distance of the square.

Torre Branca is one of the tallest structures in Milan, offering stellar views from its top. Situated in Milan’s main park, Parco Sempione, this steel tower dates back to the 1930s. Take the stairs or elevator up 109 metres to enjoy panoramic views of Milan, both night and day.

Torre Branca is a convenient stop for many travellers. If it’s a clear day, try to make it to the tower before sunset for vistas stretching as far away as the Alps.

Navigli is a Milanese neighbourhood set around remnants of a once-grand canal system. Built as early as the 12th century, the canals have dwindled but are still the heart of lots of activity well into the evening hours.

The neighbourhood provides lots to explore along its manmade waterfront. You can find market stalls, gourmet restaurants, pretty cafes, and canalside bars that stay busy until late. Naviglio Grande usually gets busy after 5 pm, when locals unwind after work with an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink).

QC Termemilano in Milan shows that there’s no need to restrict your spa treatments to daytime hours. The luxurious spa features manicured gardens in the middle of the city, surrounded by ancient Spanish walls. Onsite facilities include thermal pools, a salt room and saunas, along with a long list of spa treatments.

QC Termemilano also hosts the world’s first bio-sauna that’s set inside a repurposed tram carriage, plus a transparent pool built around ancient ruins. A visit to this late-night spa will have you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of your trip.

Brera is widely known as Milan’s artistic hub. Home to art museums and galleries, cafes, and shops, this compact district is a great choice for a leisurely stroll at any time of the day.

Shopping options range from antiques to clothing, with offerings for the latter including both local boutiques and internationally renowned designers. If you've yet to grab dinner, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and bars in Brera.

Milan’s rooftop bars combine the city’s prominent aperitivo culture with spectacular views. The food and wine scene in Milan is a major draw for many travellers, so you’d certainly not be at fault if you chose to skip sightseeing for an evening (or even 2) at these elevated nightlife spots.

You’ll have no shortage of rooftop bars in Milan, all of which offer their own unique views of the historic city streets. Standouts include La Rinascente Rooftop, set atop a luxury shopping mall and offering a food court-style experience with views of Piazza del Duomo, and Terrazza Aperol, named after the famous aperitif cocktail.

A nighttime walking tour of Milan is an easy way to see the city after dark without really doing any planning at all. You’ll find no shortage of available night tours, with options for varying interests and group sizes. You’re not even limited to walking tours, as Segway tours are also available.

Many tours focus on Milan’s top historic and artistic attractions, though you can find more specialised tours focusing on food and wine, or even with a scavenger hunt slant.