9 Things to do on a Hen Party in Milan

Last weekend I visited Milan for the first time on a hen party weekend for my best friend Naomi, who is getting married in July. As one of her Bridesmaids and a travel fanatic, it was my job to plan the whole weekend. Naturally, I turned to the web for ideas and inspiration for our weekend and became the reader instead of the blogger. Other than the usual sightseeing Top 10s, I was surprised to find that content about hen parties in Milan was non-existent. I wasn’t planning on blogging about Milan or the hen party, but when I discovered the lack of information online I couldn’t resist. Here are 9 great things to do on a hen party in Milan, all of which I included on our own hen do itinerary.

Sipping on Aperol spritz with friends in Milano. What a way to spend the Easter weekend 🐣🇮🇹

A post shared by Jess Gibson (@thetravelista) on Apr 14, 2017 at 10:10am PDT

1. Do a Segway Tour

For something fun and cultural at the same time, book yourself onto a Segway tour with Segway Tour Milan. Our friendly tour guide took us through the most iconic areas of central Milan including the Castello di Milano, Sempione Park, The Porta Sempione, The Duomo di Milano and the iconic Galleria Vitorio Emanuelle II shopping mall. We learnt a bit about the history of the city whilst having so much fun in the process.

Top Tip: It costs 60 euros per person for a 1 hour 30 minute guided tour, but if you’re booking for a large group be sure to ask about group booking discount. For our booking of 6 people they offered us 20% off.

2. Aperitivo Hour in Navigli

This is one of the most fun and authentically Italian things you can do on a hen party in Milan. Navigli is one of the most picturesque areas in Milan and sits on a series of canals. Alongside the canals are an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy al fresco food and drink. Many of them take part in Aperitivo hour, which typically runs from 6-8pm. If you buy one drink during this time (for about 9 euros), you’ll also get free access to a buffet of unlimited Italian food. Imagine delicious pastas, salad, meats, cheeses, breads. If you get involved in Aperitivo hour, I would recommend making this your evening meal as you certainly wouldn’t need to eat again afterwards. By night Navigli really comes alive so expect bustling scene with crowds and street entertainers.

A special thank you to Giulia from food and travel blog Mondomulia for recommending Navigli to me!

Navigli by night ✨The area of Navigli in Milan is THE place to come to experience the classic ‘Aperitivo’ hour. Come between 6-8pm and you’ll pay around €9 for a drink and unlimited food. Imagine a dreamy Italian spread filled with pasta, cheese, breads, meats and salads. With canals, charming bridges and colourful buildings, it feels like a mini Venice in itself. We sat by the water sipping prosecco and soaking up the atmosphere. Aperitivo in Navigli is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Milano. Happy Easter everyone 🇮🇹🐣

A post shared by Jess Gibson (@thetravelista) on Apr 16, 2017 at 8:41am PDT

3. Hop onto a Prosecco Bike

As far as hen party destinations go, Milan is as fabulous and as glamorous as they come. But no hen weekend is complete without a little public embarrassment right? If the segways weren’t enough, you need to check out Beer Bike Milano. This company have had an 8 person tandem pedal beer bike shipped in from Holland and it’s a beauty. There’s no need to worry about balancing or steering, just hop on, pedal away and sip your favourite tipple. You’ll have a host who will steer the bike and serve the drinks (of course). The classic option is to do the experience with beer, but the owners are flexible and allowed us to provide our own booze (prosecco) at a cheaper cost. As ridiculous as it was, this was a definite highlight of our hen party in Milan.

4. Marvel in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, so no hen weekend would be complete without a little retail therapy. Start your shopping trip at the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. With a glass dome ceiling, classical paintings and marble floors, it feels more like a palace than a shopping mall. Prada’s original flagship store has been in business here since 1913 and it was recently joined by the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Even if you can only afford to window shop, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-do.

A shopping mall as opulent as the brands that live within it. The palatial Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the ultimate luxury shopping destination in Milan. Prada’s flagship store has been in business here since 1913, and it was joined more recently by the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The architecture is spectacular and defines the style and spirit of this fashion-forward city. Tag a friend you’d love to buy your first Prada here with ✨😍🇮🇹

A post shared by Jess Gibson (@thetravelista) on Apr 17, 2017 at 11:20am PDT

5. Join the in-crowd at Cereiso 7

Cereiso 7 has to be the most stylish rooftop bar in the city, which is no surprise as it was opened by the design duo Dsquared2. Located on the top of a skyscraper, its two chic outdoor pools are the ultimate place to see and be seen. Inside there is also a bar and restaurant, so you can come for lunch, dinner or drinks. We came to Cereiso 7 to start off our night in style, and sipped prosecco poolside. If you want to stay for the day and swim in the pool, you have to pay for a guest pass. If you want to just come and enjoy drinks and food, there is no charge but the menu is expensive. For a setting as beautiful as this though, what else would you expect?
Address: via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano

6. Picnic in The Park

Sempione Park is a tranquil escape from the busy streets of Milan. Located right in the city centre, it’s an expanse of manicured gardens, pathways, rivers, bridges and woodland. There are cafes within the park, but you can set up camp almost anywhere in here. With a few bottles left over after our prosecco bike tour, we walked over to the park and sat in the sun as we polished off our supply. Although we didn’t take food, I thought it would be the perfect place to have a picnic.

7. Sip Aperol Spritz at Terazza Aperol

I’ll start by saying that the Terazza Aperol is incredibly touristy and quite expensive, but for good reason. Situated in the Piazza di Duomo overlooking Milan’s famous cathedral, it’s location is absolutely incredible. We queued for about 30 minutes to get a table for 6 out on the terrace, but it was totally worth the wait. A glass of Aperol Spritz (or any other cocktail) will set you back 13 euros, and then they become 9 euros for the second and all subsequent rounds. If you’re looking for things a little off the beaten track, it may not be for you, but I personally loved it. 

Cheers to the weekend guys! Wish I was back in Milan sipping on Aperol Spritz. I’m putting together a round up of the best things to do on a stylish Hen party in Milan, which includes a trip to the amazing Terazza Aperol, which overlooks the Duomo di Milano. Is anyone planning a hen do / bachelorette party at the moment and in need of ideas? Let me know! 💡🇮🇹

A post shared by Jess Gibson (@thetravelista) on Apr 21, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

8. Party at Hollywood Club

Take your bride-to-be for a glamorous night out in Hollywood, one of the most famous clubs in Milan. The club feels something similar to what you’d find in London’s West End, with everyone dressing to impress. You can hire a table with a minimum spend or just turn up and dance. Either way, if you’re looking for a great club for a hen weekend in Milan, this is it.
Address: Corso Como, 15, 20124 Milano, Italy

 9. Stay in an airbnb  

As we were a group of 6, we decided to book an airbnb instead of a hotel. It was a much cheaper option and being self-catered meant that we didn’t have to eat out all the time. Being in a large group, the airbnb apartment was much more inclusive and sociable compared to being in separate hotel rooms. It was my first time using airbnb and I loved how much more authentic it felt compared to staying in a hotel. We stayed in a spacious apartment on the Corso Italia which sleeps 6 people. Everything ran smoothly with the key collection and there is a fantastic pizza restaurant over the road called Bio Pizza. It’s also a 5-8 minute walk from the Duomo. I would genuinely recommend this airbnb apartment.

Click here to get £25 off your first airbnb booking.

Beautiful blooms in Milan. This market stall was right outside our airbnb apartment on the Corso Italia. It was my first experience staying in an @airbnb and I loved it! We rented a gorgeous apartment in the heart of Milan with homely Italian touches. It’s a completely different experience compared to staying in a hotel, but in a way it feels much more authentic and gets you closer to the city. Let me know if anyone wants the name of the apartment as I’d definitely recommend it (it sleeps 6). What do you think of airbnb? Not an ad, I’d just love to hear your thoughts 🌸

A post shared by Jess Gibson (@thetravelista) on Apr 18, 2017 at 12:47pm PDT

Milan is not the most typical place to go on a hen party (you won’t see many other hen do or stag groups) but with a little planning and research, you can throw your bride-to-be a fabulous weekend in true Italian style.

What did you think of my 9 things to do on a hen party in Milan? Are you planning a hen weekend to Milan or just trying to find some inspiration? If this post has helped you in anyway or you can add some extra tips, please leave a comment in the box below. Jess x