Camparino in Galleria

Camparino in Galleria is the most famous bar in Milan and the classic place to begin an evening with an aperitivo. It opened in 1915 at the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II facing the Duomo, created by Davide Campari, son of Gaspare Campari, whose red bitter has been bound up with Milan's drinking culture ever since. The Liberty-style interior, with mosaics, mirrors and polished wood, is one of the best preserved of its period in the city, and the location could hardly be more central.

The bar is arranged in several spaces. The Bar di Passo is the traditional standing bar, where Milanese drop in for a quick drink at the counter, just as they have for more than a century. The Sala Spiritello offers seated service with cocktails and food, and the Sala Gaspare Campari is open by reservation only for a more exclusive experience. Cocktails and mixology are the focus, with Campari naturally at the heart of the list: a Campari soda, a Negroni or a Campari Spritz are obvious choices, and the bar team also creates its own drinks.

Prices are higher than at a neighbourhood bar, reflecting the setting, and seated service costs more than standing at the counter. Drinks usually come with small snacks, in keeping with aperitivo tradition. Expect crowds of visitors at busy times, but the standing bar keeps a steady local trade, especially in the early evening.

Camparino suits almost everyone: couples, friends and solo travellers wanting a taste of Milanese tradition, and anyone who wants a drink with a view of the cathedral square. It is not a late-night venue, so plan to move on to other bars after dinner. Families can visit during the day, as the bar opens from mid-morning.

The Bar di Passo opens daily from mid-morning until late evening, a little earlier on Sundays. To sit in the seated rooms at aperitivo time, book through the website. The bar is at the Duomo end of the Galleria, right by the Duomo stop on metro lines M1 and M3. After a drink, walk through the Galleria to La Scala or across the square for an evening view of the cathedral facade.