In order to fight any further diffusion of Covid-19, people are advised to be cautious when meeting others. A distance of a meter or so should be kept.
.:. Starting from May 1st, 2022, providing evidence to be vaccinated or healed when entering some venues has no longer been compulsory, and from October 1st, 2022 face masks are requested in retirement homes and hospitals only.
.:. Official news at the YesMilano website.

.:. Bar Basso
Off the beaten track, yet on top of the Milanese cocktail scene since 1947. All-wood rustic setting in one room, 19th century posh style in the other. The house's special is called Negroni sbagliato, i.e. wrong Negroni; sparkling white wine instead of gin.
 

evergreen
 

 Via Plinio 39
Città Studi district
Piola
 map

closed Tuesday
[+39] 02 29400580

.:. Bar Jamaica
When the Brera district was like a small Milanese Montmartre, here you could meet painters, intellectuals, bohemians and poets. Now the crowd has definitely changed (and prices, too). Small, with a verandah and outside tables in the summer months.
 

evergreen
 

 Via Brera 32
Brera district
Lanza
 map

open daily, 8am-2am
[+39] 02 876723

.:. Camparino in Galleria
Right where the Galleria starts, Duomo side, this used to be to the historic Zucca bar, established in 1919. Toscanini was among the habituès in bygone days. The art déco setting is still the original one. Though since January 2012 the venue has been under the flag of a competitor - the world-renowned Campari, of course - you can still order the most Milanese of aperitifs: a Zucca (rhubarb based) with crushed ice, soda water and orange peel.
 

evergreen
 

 Piazza Duomo 21
Duomo district
Duomo
 map

7:15am-8:40pm, closed Monday
[+39] 02 86464435

.:. Corso Como Cafe
Designed by American artist Kris Ruhs, the courtyard café is part of Carla Sozzani's complex which includes a photographic gallery, a bookstore, a boutique selling clothes, accessories and luxury goods, a restaurant and a b&b. The ultimate in style. Excellent cocktails, try their N. 1
 

voguish
 

 Corso Como 10
Brera district
Garibaldi FS
 map

open daily
[+39] 02 29013581

.:. Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar
Shop till you drop... in. Walk through the D&G menswear store and head to the courtyard bar to enjoy a cocktail (made with Martini, the business partner) while sharing the stage with posturing supermodels and fashionistas. Black and red setting, leather sofas, small tables and a huge Murano glass chandelier.
 

modish
 

 Corso Venezia 15
Monte Napoleone district
San Babila
 map

Mon-Sat 7:30am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm
[+39] 02 76011154

.:. Emporio Armani Caffè
A taste of the 'gorgeous Giorgio' style. On the ground floor of the Armani mini-mall, this small café is the ideal spot for an after-shopping drink.
.:. In the same premises, the Japanese Nobu restaurantt is a must for after work drinks and sushi.
 

modish
 

 Via Croce Rossa 2
Monte Napoleone district
Montenapoleone
 map

closed Sunday
[+39] 02 72318680

.:. Gattullo
Not far from Porta Ticinese, established 1961, Gattullo is renowned as one of the best pastry shop (pasticceria) in town. But it's strong on apéritifs too. Try a Rose (dry vermouth, kirsch and cherry brandy), and indulge on the yummy titbits.
 

evergreen
 

 Piazzale di Porta Lodovica 2
Navigli district
no metro
 map

7am-9pm, closed Monday
[+39] 02 58310497

.:. Just Cavalli Hollywood
Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli boasts the best location in town for his café-cum-restaurant, a glass shell at the foot of the Branca Tower, surrounded by the oak trees of Parco Sempione. Try it for a drink - the restaurant's not easy on your pocket - and you can mix and mingle with the glitzy, well-tanned vip crowd.
 

modish
 

 Viale al parco Luigi Camoens 
Triennale district
Cadorna
 map

open daily from 6pm
[+39] 02 311817

.:. Le Biciclette
A crowd of creatives and professionals in their 30s flock here for a Milanese-style happy hour that goes on until 10pm. Take your time, keep informed about their events, and take a look at the artworks exhibited. The music's sometimes too loud.
 

voguish
 

 Via Giovanni Battista Torti 2
Navigli district
Sant'Agostino
 map

open daily
[+39] 02 58104325

.:. Roialto
Not far from the Fiera. From the outside you would expect to see a Fiat in the windows - it used to be a car dealer. Inside, the style is Spanish colonial, with a huge Cuban bar counter. Crowded with under-40s, packed in for after-work apéritifs (the buffet is generous but not worth a fight) and all-night drinks. Try the Piña Colada, served in a fresh sliced coconut. Music not too loud, chatting's ok.
 

voguish
 

 Via Piero della Francesca 55
Paolo Sarpi district
no metro
 map

Tue-Sun 6pm-2am
[+39] 02 34936616