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Evening

Golden Hour at the Basilica, Then Dinner in the Galleria

Milan’s evening light is brief but bright. Start at the ancient columns of San Lorenzo as the sun begins its final descent, then head into the city center for dinner under the glass roof of the Galleria.

Best time: 20:24About 120 min

Timeline

  1. 19:39

    Bar Magenta

    Grab an aperitivo at Bar Magenta. This is where the tradition likely started. Go with friends, order a drink, and enjoy the free appetizers that come with it. It is a popular spot, so arrive early to secure a seat before the crowd swells.

  2. 20:09

    Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore

    Walk to the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore. The courtyard with the Roman-age columns and the statue of Constantine is bathed in warm, low-angle light. It is a quiet moment to appreciate the 4th-century history before the evening crowds arrive.

  3. 20:39

    Savini

    Dinner at Savini. Located inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this historic restaurant serves Milanese-style risotto and other local classics. The grand setting provides a perfect transition from the ancient outdoors to the elegant indoor evening.

  4. 21:24

    Biffi

    End the night with a drink at Biffi. This old-fashioned restaurant and café in the Galleria stays open late. It is a classic spot to unwind after dinner, surrounded by the bustling energy of the shopping arcade.

Local tip

The golden light in July is late, so your aperitivo will be in full swing by the time you reach the basilica. Savini requires a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends. Biffi is open until midnight, making it a reliable end point.

Check before you go

  • Bar Magenta is open Mo-Su 07:30-02:00.
  • Savini is open Mo-Fr 12:00-14:30, 19:00-22:30; Sa 19:00-22:30.
  • Biffi is open 12:00–24:00.

Worth knowing

  • Savini is open at 20:39 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Milan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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