This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit my disclosure page.

Where to have coffee in Milan.

Whether you have it at a café or bar, drink it in 2 gulps or linger over a morning cappuccino in a piazza with a friend- there is no wrong way to have an Italian coffee!

Unless, of course you order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. 😉 (a sure fire way to label yourself as a tourist.)FYI- Italians see cappuccino as a breakfast drink, since it's "heavy" with milk. Never fear, they will still make you one if you ask- especially in Milan they are familiar with Americans & our cappuccino obsession.

Our tips for having coffee in Milan:

1
Many coffee bars have seating and a view to people watch. (not always the norm in Italy)
2
If you order & drink at the counter the coffee prices are still low, even in an old historic café.
3
There are many styles of places to get your fix. Choose a classic corner bar for a simple espresso, or grab a cappuccino and pastry, dessert, or snack and linger at any of the historic pastry shops dotting the city center.
4
Even though it's Milan, it is still customary to pay for coffee with cash. Unless you are ordering food & using table service- but even so, double check if the place you visit accepts credit cards.
5
Break free from your caffé normale (espresso) or cappuccino and try one of these drinks. Marrocchino (espresso with cocoa powder & milk foam) Latte Macchiato (steamed milk with a shot of espresso) or Caffé Shakerato (espresso shaken with sugar & ice & usually ordered during summer months.)

The Coffee Lovers Guide to Milan

a.k.a. my favorite places to drink coffee in the center of Milan. Whether you are in a hurry or have time to linger, there's a spot just right for you!

Bar Camparino

Piazza del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano

This historic cafe sits right at the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on the edge of Piazza del Duomo. I love to go here for the gorgeous mosaics on the walls, waiters in white coats, and excellent cappuccino- what's not to love?

You can order your coffee and drink it at the bar, or pay more and sit down at tables and people watch at the edge of the Galleria. I adore this spot & usually drink at the bar.

Pasticcheria Marchesi

Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano (original location)

This is one of Milan's oldest and beloved pastry shops, which has a reputation for also having great espresso. There are now several locations, one of which is inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, above Prada, for coffee with a bird's eye view of the Galleria.

Pasticcheria Bastianello

Via Borgogna, 5, 20122 Milano

A favorite of the Milanese. Known for their excellent cappuccini, over-the-top sweets & decor and some prime people watching.

Giacomo Caffé

Piazza del Duomo, 12, 20121 Milano

Fancy taking your coffee in a Royal Palace? Just a few steps from the Duomo, this cozy, somewhat hidden spot inside the Palazzo Reale is a great place to meet friends before visiting the current art exhibition, a day out in the city, or to grab a light lunch.

Fioraio Bianche Caffé

Via Montebello, 7, 20121 Milano

If you're looking for a peaceful spot to sit and have a coffee, collect your thoughts or make a plan for your day- this is your place. (also a great place for lunch or drinks)

7's Gio Bakery + Café

Piazza del Duomo, 17, 20123 Milano

This is a small, cozy café- best for standing at the bar and having a quick espresso. Sitting straight across the square from the Duomo, it is a go-to coffee stop for me, whenever I hop off the metro. They have beautiful brioche, panini, other treats and most importantly, a great macchiato.

Planning a trip to Milan? Grab your FREE Mini Milan Guide filled with our favorite places to see, eat & sleep plus a google map of it all! Click below for instant access.

I hope you enjoyed this mini guide on where to have coffee in Milan. There are many more places to have great coffee in Milan, but I wanted to steer you towards some great choices & share my favorites with you. Whichever place you try I hope you love your experience.

Keep reading for a google map of my coffee picks in Milan, and see some resources I've rounded up for you.