As it happens, the city's trendiest clubs are populated by locals during the mid-part of the week, particularly on Thursdays, as out-of-towners pack the clubs at weekends and the Milanese head to their favourite cafes and bars instead. Entrance fees to clubs are often quite steep, but usually include the first drink.

If you’re looking for live music, the jazz scene is the best, but the rock scene isn’t bad, by Italian standards: both local bands and overseas groups on tour can be found at various venues. There are options to enjoy Milan’s ‘designer’ nightlife, in its very active alternative scene, revolving around the city’s many Centri Sociali.