Milan is Italy’s economic and design capital, and it moves faster than most Italian cities. People come here from all over the country and abroad to work in fashion, finance, design, media and tech, so many residents are building their social lives from scratch. Milanese style matters, and people tend to dress well even for casual plans, but dating is fairly modern and pragmatic. The aperitivo, an early-evening drink served with generous snacks, is the classic way to meet after work.
The Navigli, the old canal district in the southwest, is the city’s most popular area for evening drinks along the water and has a monthly antiques market. Brera is artistic and elegant, with narrow streets, galleries and the Pinacoteca di Brera. Isola, next to the modern skyscrapers of Porta Nuova, mixes old workers’ housing with new design studios; Porta Venezia is multicultural and home to much of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife; and NoLo, north of Loreto, is a younger, community-driven neighborhood. Milan has a lot of fitness studios and running groups, and on weekends many residents escape by train to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or the mountains.
The entrepreneurs tribe and artists tribe fit a city built on design and business, and the vegan tribe connects people in what is often considered one of Italy’s best cities for plant-based food. Souldaters is completely free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other. Friends mode helps newcomers find company for aperitivo and weekend trips.
Tribes to join in Milan
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Milan
- Walk along the Naviglio Grande canal at dusk, when the waterside comes alive.
- Climb to the rooftop terraces of the Duomo for a close-up look at its spires and views over the city.
- Stroll through Parco Sempione from the Castello Sforzesco to the Arch of Peace.
- Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera and then wander the surrounding streets of the Brera district.
- Walk through Biblioteca degli Alberi, a modern park among the towers of Porta Nuova, and see the Bosco Verticale buildings.
- Take a train to Lake Como for a lakeside walk and a ferry ride between the villages.
How to make friends in Milan
- Join a running group that trains in Parco Sempione or along the canals.
- Go to design and art events, especially during Milan Design Week, when the whole city opens up.
- Take part in language exchanges, which are popular with Italians and internationals alike.
- Join a hiking group that heads to the Alps and lakes by train at weekends.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Milan
Milan is one of the best cities in Italy for plant-based food, with vegan restaurants, bakeries and gelato shops, particularly in Porta Venezia, Isola and the Navigli.
Meet plant-based people in Milan through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Milan: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Milan?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Milan, with no premium tier and no paid boosts. Likes are private, and chat opens only when both people like each other, so there are no unsolicited messages. Tribes like entrepreneurs, artists or vegan help you meet people with similar interests.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Milan?
Porta Venezia, Isola and the Navigli have many vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, and plant-based events are common. On Souldaters you can join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians, in and around Milan.
How do I make friends in Milan as a newcomer?
Many Milan residents moved there for work, so people are often open to new friendships. Join running groups, language exchanges, design events or hiking trips to the lakes and mountains. Souldaters Friends mode lets you find people nearby with shared tribes, and you chat once you have both waved.