Aperitivo in Turin walked, so that aperitivo in Milan could run. Milan has long been the capital of drinking in Italy–which one could attribute to its work hard, play hard lifestyle, or the healthy roster of bitters that were invented here–and it’s got a thriving aperitivo scene to show for it. To be like a real Milanese, you relax with a tipple after work, and, more than you would for a meal, you meet friends for a drink (and perhaps eat enough to call it apericena). Here, 20 of the best places to do so, including both old-school and new-school options, whether your drink of choice is a Spritz, wine, or a spicy margarita. (We’ve included a few of our favorite wine bars below, but for the full list, check out this roundup.)

THE BEST OLD-SCHOOL SPOTS FOR APERITIVO IN MILAN

Camparino in Galleria – You can’t get more classic than Camparino, opened by Gaspare Campari’s son Davide in 1915. Installed with a soda water system, the bar was the first to serve the family’s famed Campari with the sparkling water–a lightened cocktail perfect for enjoying before dinner. (Some could claim that the whole concept of having a mixed drink for aperitivo was born right here.) In the ornate Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the spot has got the tiled floor, the wood-paneled bar, and bowtied bartenders–all the makings for a classic. There will be tourists here, but it’s somehow managed to evade being touristy–perhaps thanks to the loyal locals that still pass by for their daily Campari Seltz. 

Bar Basso – This legendary 1950s bar is the birthplace of the internet-famous Negroni Sbagliato, and it’s still one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the cocktail, served in delightfully oversized glasses. The bar’s vintage red neon sign, grand chandeliers, and pink walls and ceilings are as retro as the staff’s starched white button-downs. The crowd is as diverse as it gets, from cashmere-clad sciure to teenagers on a night out, from fashion setters to fashion followers, from Milanese to non.

Bar Quadronno – A longtime, late-night meeting point for drunk panini, Bar Quadronno, open since 1964, has now made a name for itself during aperitivo-time too. You can get all the classics here, though they also have a tight menu of more inventive cocktails–all accompanied by chips, taralli, and little open-faced sandwiches of sorts. What you most certainly shouldn’t forget (though you might after a few of their Negronis) is to come back at the end of your night for a  “Pazza idea !!!!! ???” panino, with whatever has inspired the sandwich slinger that day; it’s open until 2 AM. 

Pasticceria Cucchi – Around since 1936, Milanese institution Cucchi needs little introduction. Come morning, it’s a go-to for rice pudding for breakfast; come Christmas, the place for a superlative panettone, and come aperitivo-time, the best sciura-watching in the city. Here, they line the velvet armchairs, Spritzes in hand, while checking their perfectly-coiffed hair in the mirrored walls. Also an aperitivo favorite of the fashion crowd, Cucchi is as classic as you’ll get in Milan. 

Giacomo Tabacheria – It doesn’t get more charming than this spot from the Giacomo group–it’s small but beautifully done, with wooden paneling, aging mirrors, and period furnishings. By day, it functions as a grocery store; by evening, a great place for wine by the glass or a tight selection of cocktails accompanied by top-tier bocconi. And, yes, it’s also (sort of) a tabaccheria, so you can get your nicotine fix. We like that it perfectly toes the line between contemporary and classic, while remaining not overly priced, hyped, or trendy. 

La Coloniale – This seriously old-school wine bar and shop has managed to bridge the generational gap, and, come aperitivo, you’re just as likely to be sipping a glass next to a young creative or a 60-something nonno. With over 1,000 labels to choose from, they’ve got a great selection of red wines from northern Italy, as well as champagne that you can get by the glass. Top it off with an excellent meat and cheese tagliere, and you’re in for a real local Milanese treat.  

Pasticceria Sissi – You know and love Pasticceria Sissi for its cornetto, cut in half and stuffed (stuffed!) with crema, but you shouldn’t miss experiencing this slice of Milanesità for aperitivo too. Cigarettes chicly drooping from their fingers, sciure dominate the pale green tables with their tall, thin glasses of Spritz… from about noon onwards. Do as they do and come for the “midday” aperitivo, as Sissi only stays open until 8 PM most evenings.   

THE BEST NEW-SCHOOL SPOTS FOR APERITIVO IN MILAN

LùBarino – The casual sister of hotspot LùBar, this kiosk in Piazza del Carmine, steps from the Castello Sforzesco, perfectly captures the essence of Milan—a place where people of all backgrounds and ages, whether Milanesi or not, come together to enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or a homemade popsicle while soaking in the open air and engaging in some great people-watching.

e/n enoteca naturale – Located in the Casa Emergency building near the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, E/n Enoteca Naturale is a vibrant wine bar that has quickly become a go-to spot in the city for natural wine enthusiasts. The bar boasts an impressive selection of natural wines, meticulously handpicked by Rocco, who, along with the owners, has cultivated a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The charming garden is a true oasis during the warmer months. 

Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali – In the ritzy Brera neighborhood, this enoteca-osteria on Corso Garibaldi is a must-visit for natural wine lovers. Head there for aperitivo, grab a table in the garden out back, and pair your wine–you’ll have options that range from Italy’s natural evergreens to funky, experimental bottles–with a tagliere of cured meats and cheeses.

Cactus Joe – This newcomer to Milan’s aperitivo scene is for the tequila and mezcal lovers. While there are many spots that focus on whisky or gin, this contemporary spot on the Naviglio Grande fills the niche for the aforementioned spirits, with over 100 labels to choose from. You can’t go wrong with Joe’s Margarita, or spring for one of the experimental gems found throughout the cocktail menu–all served with aperitivo snackies like chips and guac and spicy corn nuts. 

Tipografia Alimentare – There are too many good things to say about this hip spot by the Naviglio della Martesana canal, which is really fantastic at all hours of the day. That said, aperitivo time is as good as any, when Milan’s young, alternative crowd flocks to the outdoor benches and tables. They can make cocktails, but what they’re known for–and what you should choose from instead–is their thoughtfully curated natural wine list. Accompany your tipple with a selection of seasonal small plates–think Cunzati tomatoes and fermented carrots or marinated gherkins with gomasio and chili oil–or, if you’re feeling simple, the homemade taralli and olives. 

Minerale  – Minerale used to be one of those old-school institutions where artists, writers, and philosophers would meet to, well, philosophize, but you wouldn’t know it from the minimalist, modern interiors and creative small plates. Grab a glass of a natural wine or something from their fun mixology offerings and linger on the street corner with the others–perhaps long enough that you decide to stay for dinner. 

Portrait Milano – This Ferragamo-owned hotel is the place for aperitivo in Milan right now, with notables from the fashion scene crowding the majestic courtyard on a daily basis. You’ll pay a pretty penny—but it’s a penny well spent!—and it’s great if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated–or to see and be seen. 

Silvano Vini e Cibo – Just off the 1 metro line in NoLo, this contemporary tavern is another go-to for the bourgeois-bohemian locals. Go for something from the thoughtful wine list or the secret house drink that’s sort of like a Negroni but also sort of not. Small plates are the name of the game here, so get a few to pair with your drink, and don’t miss the tartare if they have it. 

Bar Paradiso – This cozy little spot near the outer ring of the city is a go-to for good wine, good cheese, and good prosciutto; aperitivo here can easily transition into apericena. Bar Paradiso comes from the masterminds behind SPACEDELICIOUS, who turned their passion for recommending food into a physical space where they can welcome both old and new friends. 

SI Ma Townhouse – Cocktails in all shades of pinks, reds, and oranges line the bar and tables of this spot on the third floor of a townhouse in the Quadronno neighborhood (the other two floors are for dining purposes) which formerly housed a porcelain shop. Books, magazines, and small table games like checkers and pick-up sticks are provided for your entertainment–fantastic accompaniments to the simple cocktail twists on offer (the Gin & Tonic is made “properly” with fresh cucumber and cracked pepper). It’s decidedly vibey, and the house drinks are well priced for such a cool spot. 

Bicchierino Bar – With dim lighting and funky illustrations on the front window, Bicchierino Bar screams cool. Come for a bicchierino (a little glass) of wine, stay for a whole bottle, and join in the likes of Milan’s creative crowd. Just beyond Viale Tibaldi, this bar is proof that the Giambellino neighborhood is up and coming. 

Mag Cafè – Come to this old-timey spot on the Naviglio Grande for the intimate atmosphere and the excellent cocktails, courtesy of award-winning barmen Flavio Angiolillo and Marco Russo. Antique glasses (and spoons, shakers, etc.) and blues and jazz music round out the picture. And make sure to befriend the aforementioned bartenders/owners–they’re also the ones behind the after-hours 1930 Speakeasy, one that’s actually a secret. They can help you not only find it but make sure you experience it the real speakeasy way.  

Fioraio Bianchi – Fioraio Bianchi will forever be the go-to aperitivo spot in stylish Brera. This Parisian-style bistrot is an urban oasis–quite literally, thanks to gorgeously-arranged floral bouquets and plants, all for sale. Sit inside for the full flower-filled effect, or outside for some top-tier people watching. Aperitivo is available from 6 to 8 PM–after that, dinner service begins.