5 places for reading and drinking coffee in Milan

Situated in the Lambrate district, this is both a library cafe and a cultural project. The spaces, which were designed by the students of renowned architect Stefano Boeri, are fresh and bright, even outdoors. Read under the covered terrace or in the sun, and in the evenings there’s always something on, including courses, workshops and concerts.

A tiny publishing house that promotes independent and original voices that are just waiting to be heard. Browse the shelves for your next read and have breakfast, a light lunch or aperitivo with friends. The mixologists at the bar are happy to suggest great cocktails and reading tips!

The RED (RED stands for Read, Eat and Dream) is LaFeltrinelli chain’s fifth branch in the city. The bookshop/bar is located on two floors (350 sqm) in two renovated, early twentieth-century buildings and can seat 80. From the upper floor balcony that looks just like the case di ringhiera (guard rail houses), you can look right into the ground-floor bar/bistro.

A cosy corner behind the State University that draws a young crowd. This literary cafe has a pleasant patio in the evenings, at aperitivo time. There’s a free book exchange, they often organise events and live music concerts. In Italian, colibrì is a little bird, but also the contraction of the words ‘coffee’ and ‘books’ (libri in Italian).

Publishing is the core business of BookCity, but the pleasure of reading is also an ‘event’ here. At BookCity you can meet writers, attend performances, listen to readings by the author, take workshops, and see exhibitions. And of course participate in a reading marathon.