How to make friends in Milan as an expat: aperitivo, Italian classes and Navigli evenings

30 October 2026 · 3 min read · By the I Am Mate team

Milan is stylish, international and busy, but locals often keep friends from school and many newcomers find the city works hard and socialises in closed circles. Where people in Milan actually meet (aperitivo, Italian classes, running groups, five-a-side football, volunteering), the best things to do alone, and a first-month plan.

Milan is Italy's business and fashion capital, with a busy, international feel that's different from the rest of the country. Lots of people move here for work, from Italy and abroad. But newcomers often find Milanese social life hard to break into: people work long hours, many locals keep the friends they made at school, and on weekends a lot of residents leave for the lakes, the mountains or family elsewhere in Italy. August is famously quiet, when much of the city goes on holiday.

The good news is that Milan has a ritual built for meeting people: aperitivo. This guide covers where people actually meet, the best things to do alone and a first-month plan.

Why Milan can feel lonely

• Work comes first. Long hours and busy weeks leave little time for new friendships.
• School friends. Many Italians keep their circle from childhood.
• Weekend exodus. People head to Lake Como, the mountains or family, and the city empties in August.

Where people in Milan actually meet

Aperitivo

From early evening, bars across Milan serve a drink with snacks, and the Navigli, Isola, Brera and Porta Venezia fill with people. Becoming a regular at one bar, and inviting colleagues or classmates to join you there, is the classic way Milanese friendships start.

Italian classes

Many Milanese speak English, but social life happens in Italian. A weekly Italian course gives you classmates in the same situation, and language exchange evenings pair you with Italians who want to practise English.

Running, calcetto and padel

Running groups meet in Parco Sempione, around the Monte Stella hill and along the canals. Five-a-side football (calcetto) is a weekly ritual for many Milanese, and padel has become hugely popular. Ask colleagues if their group needs an extra player.

Volunteering

The Banco Alimentare (Italy's food bank network, which started in the Milan area) and many local associations need regular volunteers. It's a great way to meet Milanese people and practise Italian.

Libraries

Milan's public libraries (Biblioteche di Milano) run free events, reading groups and language groups across the city.

Great things to do alone in Milan

• Walk on the Duomo's rooftop terraces among the spires.
• Stroll along the Naviglio Grande at golden hour, then stop for aperitivo.
• Spend an afternoon in Parco Sempione by the Castello Sforzesco.
• Wander Brera and visit the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery.
• See Leonardo's Last Supper (book well ahead).
• Take a day trip to Lake Como, about an hour by train.

A first-month plan for Milan

• Week 1: Find your bar (for morning espresso and evening aperitivo), your market and your nearest library.
• Week 2: Try a group run in Parco Sempione and one language exchange evening.
• Week 3: Sign up for an Italian course, a calcetto or padel group, or a weekly volunteer shift.
• Week 4: Make one specific invite: "Aperitivo on the Navigli on Thursday?" It's the easiest yes in Milan.

Chat while you settle in

Isabella, I Am Mate's AI fashion designer character, runs a small label in Milan. She's great for building a capsule wardrobe that works for Milan's style-conscious offices: see Isabella's capsule wardrobe guide. Every character chats in your language, so you can also practise Italian with her. She's an AI character, not a real person, and she's there to help you get out and meet people. The general method is in our new city friends guide.

If it gets heavy

If loneliness lasts for weeks or turns into thoughts of hurting yourself, please talk to a person. Telefono Amico Italia offers a listening line on 02 2327 2327. Your family doctor (medico di base) can also help. In an emergency, call 112.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to make friends in Milan?

Many newcomers find it takes time, because of long working hours and established friend groups. Aperitivo, Italian classes, sport and volunteering are the best ways in.

What is aperitivo in Milan?

An early-evening drink served with snacks, usually between about 6pm and 9pm. It's Milan's main social ritual and a relaxed way to meet people.

What are free things to do alone in Milan?

Walking the Navigli canals, Parco Sempione, the courtyards of Brera, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and library events.

Do I need Italian to live in Milan?

You can work in English in many international companies, but Italian makes friendships and everyday life much easier.