Monza gives you the racing. Milan gives you everything after it.
For one week every September, Milan is the social capital of Formula 1. Teams, sponsors, drivers and fans fill the bars and restaurants. No other race has anything quite like it. Heading to the 2027 Italian Grand Prix, from 3 to 5 September? This is where to spend your evenings, and how to get there and back.
First, the aperitivo
In Milan, the evening starts with aperitivo. A ritual, not a drink: a Campari Spritz, an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni, served with something to graze on, between work and dinner. The city takes it seriously. Campari was born here, and the Camparino in the Galleria has been pouring since 1915.
For a proper piece of Milan history, head to Bar Basso. This is where the Negroni Sbagliato was invented (swapping gin for prosecco, allegedly by mistake), and it’s still the first stop of a good night.
Porta Nuova and Corso Como
Best for F1 fans. Skyscrapers, rooftop bars and the fashion crowd, plus many of the sponsors’ race-week parties. Corso Como is lined with bars and clubs, and it goes late.
From The Pop-Up Hotel: around 40 to 45 minutes by train to Porta Garibaldi, then a 5 minute walk.
Brera
Milan’s most elegant neighbourhood, and the one locals love most. Cobbled streets, art galleries, wine bars, cocktail lounges and some of the city’s best restaurants. Made for a long dinner and a more grown-up evening.
From The Pop-Up Hotel: around 45 to 55 minutes by train to Porta Garibaldi, then a 10 minute walk.
Navigli
The liveliest, most authentic corner of the city. Canals lined with bars and trattorias, tables spilling out to the water’s edge. Busy, loud and very Milanese.
From The Pop-Up Hotel: around 55 to 65 minutes by train to Porta Garibaldi, then a short metro or taxi ride.
The Duomo and the Galleria
The classic Milan evening. The cathedral lit up at night, a drink in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and dinner at one of the grand dining rooms nearby. Tables are hard to come by during Grand Prix week, so book as far ahead as you can.
What to eat
Milanese food is rich, buttery and northern. Order risotto alla milanese, made yellow with saffron and often served with ossobuco, braised veal shin. Cotoletta alla milanese is the city’s famous breaded veal cutlet, bone in and pan-fried in butter. Save room for gelato on the walk home.
Sunday night
After the race and the podium invasion, Milan takes on a different mood. The big parties are done, and the city’s trattorias fill with fans swapping stories from the weekend. Got the energy? A relaxed final dinner rounds it off nicely. If not, nobody will blame you for an early night.
What to wear
This is Milan. Make an effort. Nobody expects a suit after a day at the circuit, but the city notices style, especially in Brera and around the Galleria. Smart casual works almost everywhere. Leave the team kit for the circuit and bring a light layer, as early September evenings can turn cooler.
A quieter alternative: Lake Como
Milan too much after a long day at the track? Try Lake Como for an evening. Como town is around 40km from Monza, with lakeside restaurants and waterfront bars. It’s a longer trip on busy race-week roads, so it’s best done on Thursday or Friday, with a driver booked for the return.
Getting back
This is where people get caught out. The extra trains laid on for race week are designed to move spectators to and from the circuit, not to bring people home from a late night in the city. After around 10pm to 10:30pm, options thin out quickly.
- Plan your return before you go out, including the last train.
- Pre-book an NCC driver (a chauffeur service with the price agreed upfront) for a late one.
- Uber Black runs in Milan and Monza, but demand spikes on race weekend, so book early.
Pick your night
Friday is ideal for a long dinner in Brera or Navigli, with the Sprint still to come. Saturday is traditionally the biggest party night of the week, across Monza and Milan. Sunday belongs to the circuit and the podium invasion, and after a weekend like that, you might want to stay close to home.
Your base
The Pop-Up Hotel sits a short walk from both Monza circuit and Biassono-Lesmo Parco station, with direct trains to Milan. The race on your doorstep. The city when you want it. And no morning commute to the track.
Quick answers
How far is Milan from Monza circuit?
Around 15km. By train from Milan Porta Garibaldi it’s around 30 to 35 minutes to Biassono-Lesmo Parco, but allow much longer door to door on race days.
Where do F1 fans go out in Milan?
Porta Nuova and Corso Como are the favourites for F1 fans, with rooftop bars and sponsor events. Brera is more elegant, and Navigli is the liveliest.
What time is aperitivo in Milan?
Usually from around 6pm to 9pm, before dinner. Milanese dinners start late, often after 8:30pm.
Do I need to book restaurants in Milan during Grand Prix week?
Yes. The best tables fill up weeks ahead for Grand Prix week, so book as early as you can.
What’s the best night for Milan during race week?
Friday suits a long dinner, and Saturday is the big party night. Keep Sunday for the race and the podium invasion.
Rooms for Monza 2027 are available now.
