The Salone del Mobile in Milan includes a large number of cocktail events, but there are a small number of locations above ground level from which you can put the city and its obsession with design into perspective. Here is our selection.
Sky Terrace
If your idea of balmy Italy consists of beautiful views over terra cotta-tiled rooftops, Milan is not the best place, but Sky Terrace comes fairly close. It provides all-round views onto the city from its central position, not far from the major sights. Low beige settees and candles contribute to the atmosphere, with a complete menu of cocktails and appetizers. From here, you can take a stroll in the Brera district (more nightlife) or head to La Scala and Piazza Duomo.
LUXOS Recommends: the mojito served in jam-jars
Hotel Milano Scala, Via dell’Orso, 7 20121 Milan,Tel. +39 02 870 961, more information
Related: 10 things you need to know about Milan
La Rinascente
On the top floor, you can enjoy aperitifs, and stay for dinner if you like, but the best feature is the view. You are on the 7th floor right opposite the Cathedral, and you get a splendid view of the spires and gargoyles of the massive building entirely in marble. It’s open until midnight, seven days a week, either from the store in Piazza Duomo, or from the address shown below after the store has closed.
LUXOS Recommends: Lady Killer, made with Greygoose vodka, basil, ginger, and Guanabana juice
Via Santa Radegonda 1, 20121 Milan, Tel. +39 02 8852 471/455, www.rinascente.it
Il Globe
Another bar on the 8th floor, at the top of a department store, Coin, il Globe has a terrace with excellent views, where cocktails are good, served with appetizers that can include raw fish delicacies.
LUXOS Recommends: tartare of tuna, salmon, swordfish and amberjack
Palazzo Coin, Piazza Cinque Giornate 1, 20129 Milan, Tel. +39 02 5518 1969, www.globeinmilano.it
La Terrazza di Via Palestro
Aperitivo here runs until 9.30 p.m. every day except Sunday, with a terrace overlooking the park opposite, from the 4th floor of the Centro Svizzero building. Aperitifs are accompanied by tasty finger food served at the table.
Via Palestro 2, 20121 Milan, Tel. +39 02 7602 8316, www.laterrazzadiviapalestro.com
Related: What’s on in Milan this month
Maison Moschino
Maison Moschino is a trend-setting hotel, veined with the same brilliant humour that underpins the brand’s fashion collections. No surprise, then, that aperitivo on the terrace outside the hotel (actually on ground floor level) with its lovely Neoclassical façade has become a favourite for aperitifs. It’s close to Corso Como, one of the prime nightlife districts of the city. No need to hurry: the terrace is open every evening from 6.00 p.m. to midnight.
LUXOS Recommends: the Passion sakè cocktail
Maison Moschino, Viale Monte Grappa, 12, 20124 Milan, Tel. +39 02 2900 9858