DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes : Bars & Nightclubs

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C-Side

This is high-tech nightclubbing, with TV screens, internet feeds, concerts broadcast live and a magnetic card that keeps track of your tab (you pay when you leave). The music ranges from modern pop and hip-hop to 1960s and 70s revival – the owners are a group of Serie A footballers who are often seen here when not on the field.
Caffè del Tasso, Bergamo

This historic café on the main piazza has been a local living room (and site of rebellious debates) since the 16th century.
Caffè del Tasso, Bergamo

For over 500 years, the Tasso has been Bergamo’s meeting spot for everyone from princes to rebels. Garibaldi and his red shirts met here in revolutionary days; in fact, it was once such a hotbed of discontent that a decree (displayed on the wall) was made in 1845 prohibiting rebellious conversations here. Now the only seditious sentiments are grumbles about the price of a cappuccino.
Caffè Letterario, Milan

When Teresa D’Ambrosio opened this place, she envisaged the fin de siècle cafés where artists met, writers scribbled away at corner tables, professors spent an hour or two poring over the papers and political thinkers made plans in hushed tones. And, indeed, Milan’s intelligentsia do appear to have taken the bait and placed themselves at appropriate tables.
Caffè Martini

This café may be overpriced but is great for Duomo views and watching the people, processions and protest rallies at Milan’s heart.
Concerts and Opera at Fondazione Teatro Ponchielli, Cremona

Fancy hearing a string quartet composed entirely of Stradivarius instruments? Cremona’s Teatro Ponchielli is about the only place in the world where this happens regularly.
Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi

Top conservatory with free concerts by Milan’s philharmonic orchestra.
Corso Como 10, Milan

Run by former Vogue fashion editor Carla Sozzani with the same over-priced, excruciatingly trendy verve that has made her attached boutique such a popular success, the café offers great aperitivi and a chance to hobnob with Milan’s elite.
Cova

Nestling in the heart of Milan’s boutique district since 1817, Cova offers excellent coffee and pastries (see Cova, Milan).
Cova, Milan

The Faccioli family opened Cova near La Scala theatre in 1817 and, though it was later moved to Milan’s prime shopping street, Via Montenapoleone, it has remained in the family – and continues to be café of choice for the city’s elite – ever since. Its made-in-house pastries, chocolates and sandwiches are some of the most exquisite in town, and they brew up a mean cappuccino to boot. There’s an elegant little tea room with refined service if all the window shopping has left you too tired to stand, but since this is still Italy, you’re also welcome to just run in and toss back an espresso.

Cova, Milan

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20-€30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- over €50