BROKE IN MILAN, BUT MAKE IT CHIC Clubbing

As a girl who could barely scrape money together for rent, just started earning an actual income and still is blown away by the cost of living in Milan, a girl has to get creative! I’ve now been living in Milan for 3 months, broke the entire time- but nevertheless had the best fucking time! So, in the spirit of financial survival, I’m here to share my best money-saving hacks! And since I literally got fined on the tram yesterday (because I am an idiot) I really need to follow my own advice this month. We’re in this together- so listen closely (especially you, Karoline, get it together, girl).

CLUBBING:

First things first, let’s talk about the club scene. Milan is amazing for nightlife, but if you’re not careful, it will drain your wallet faster than a bartender pouring your overpriced cocktail. Milan’s club scene thrives on exclusivity, with posh venues where you can easily drop 20-30€ just for entrance. But fear not- your girl has become the biggest, fattest club rat in this city, so trust me when I say I know exactly how to finesse Milan’s nightlife for free. There’s an insane amounts of clubs in Milan, however my favorite clubs with free entry for girls includes:

VOLT

(Free entry for girls before 00.30) but very picky bouncers- wear all black, sunglasses and a bitchy face! Or.. read my sneaky tip below:)

ARMANI

Free entry for girls all night! But be there early especially under fashion week, design week etc- or they’ll hit you with the “Do you have a table?” excuse.

DESCO, ALCA, TERRAZZA DUOMO & MORE

Other nice clubs that I know of with free entry on specific dates/days includes Desco, ALCA & Terrezza Duomo (usually only for girls though- sometimes you can be lucky and sneak your guy-friends with).

RECOMMENDATION:

Download nightlife apps like DICE and RAGuide. Here you’ll always find venue’s with free entry. After finding an event, check the club’s instagram for extra details. But if you want guaranteed entry (regardless of dress code, group size or bad luck) you need to get on the guest list.

THE SECRET OF GETTING ON THE GUESTLIST

1. Go to Instagram.

2. Find the club’s page.

3. Check who they follow.

4. Look for accounts that have the club tagged in their bio. These are likely promoters.

Follow them. If they follow you back, slide into those DMs and ask to be put on the guest list. BOOM—you’re in.

DRINK SMART NOT EXPENSIVE:

Now that you’re inside the club, let’s talk about how to drink without blowing your budget. Never pay for the wardrobe, instead go up to a table and kindly ask someone to leave your jacket there- if you are able to make conversation too, you might even get offered a free drink; a win-win situation.

Don’t buy overpriced club drinks, most cocktails cost 10-30€ inside the club- HELL NO. Instead, if you are really desperate for a drink- step outside the club and find a tabaccheria (tobacco shop). Some are open all night and sell cheap drinks. For example: At Volt, there’s a tabaccheria right across the street selling shots for 3€ and drinks for 6€. And, as you still have your club-stamp on your wrist, you can calmly walk back into the club after finishing business. BAM.

That’s it for this week! Stay broke, stay thriving, and stay out of trouble-

Best, Karo<3