Magazzini Generali: The Ultimate Party Guide

If you're thinking about hitting up Magazzini Generali, you’re probably after more than just another night out. This place isn’t just a club—it’s practically a Milanese rite of passage. But showing up unprepared? Rookie move.

First thing: tickets. Don’t assume you can just stroll up and waltz in. Popular nights sell out fast, so get your passes online days ahead. No one wants to be the sad group arguing with the doorman while the bass thumps inside. Got your ticket? Great. Don’t overlook the dress code either. Milan takes style seriously, and the bouncers do too. Leave the sneakers and shorts at home. Think sharp, even if you’re going for that ‘effortless’ look.

Finding the entrance isn’t hard, but if it’s busy, the crowd will give it away. Arrive before midnight for shorter lines and a friendlier vibe at the door. Rolling in late? You’d better have something to impress—whether it’s confidence, a reservation, or just an awesome attitude. Trust me, it counts.

• How to Get In Like a VIP
• The Best Nights & Music Vibes
• Surviving and Thriving Inside
• Local Hacks and Hidden Surprises

How to Get In Like a VIP

If you want the real Magazzini Generali experience, start by playing it smart at the entrance. This club gets about 1,000 partygoers on weekends, and the line isn’t the place for winging it.

• Book in advance: Head to their official site, magazzinigenerali.it, or trusted ticket platforms. Fridays and Saturdays regularly sell out, so grab your tickets at least a few days early for special events and DJ nights.
• Arrive early: Doors usually open around 11 PM, but the line gets wild by midnight. Walk up before 11:30 PM for the breeziest entry—and a better shot at snagging a drink without the wait.
• Dress to impress: Think sharp—jeans and a clean tee can fly, but leave the sneakers, gym clothes, or touristy stuff at the hotel. Gents, a blazer helps; ladies, heels or fashionable boots are the move. Security isn’t shy about turning people away if the vibe’s off.
• ID and age checks: Magazzini Generali runs a tight ship. You must be 18+ to enter. Bring photo ID—passport or a current national ID card works best. They won’t make exceptions, even for international visitors.
• Skip the line: Want to roll in like a regular? Consider a VIP table booking. It’s not cheap (think €200+ for a small group), but gets you inside fast, with bottle service and a prime spot to watch the crowd. Email them ahead—tables fill up way before show night.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what works:

Cash isn’t king here—they accept cards, but bring some euros for text cloakroom service (a lifesaver in winter) and emergencies. Pro move: add yourself to the guest list when you buy online. You’ll often pay less, and sometimes score a free drink coupon.

The Best Nights & Music Vibes

If you’re picky about your beats, Magazzini Generali has you covered. There’s a reason this place is at the top of every Milan nightlife list—it doesn’t stick to just one vibe. Friday and Saturday are the big hitters. On Fridays, it’s mostly about electronic and house, perfect for getting lost in the rhythm. Saturdays flip the switch a bit: you’ll hear everything from hip hop to international pop, with the occasional throwback set that lights up the dance floor.

What’s cool? Their guest DJs aren’t just local acts. In 2023, Magazzini Generali brought in names like Peggy Gou, Solomun, and even Steve Aoki. Pick your night based on who’s spinning—major acts usually sell out fast and the crowd feeds off that energy.

Here’s a quick look at what goes down most weeks:

• Friday: Electronic, house. Expect packed dance floors, especially when a guest DJ is in the booth.
• Saturday: Hip hop, pop hits, old school mixes. More variety, draws a slightly younger crowd.
• Special Events: Live concerts, theme parties (Halloween at Magazzini is legendary), and big New Year’s Eve bashes.

Curious about the crowd? On regular weekends, you’ll find a mix of students from Politecnico di Milano and young professionals. International students love this place—it’s basically their main headquarters for a wild night.

Check out averages from last season—these numbers might help you pick your night:

Pro tip: Always double-check the Magazzini Generali Instagram or official site for lineups. Last-minute changes happen and you don’t want to show up on hip hop night expecting pure techno.

Surviving and Thriving Inside

So you’ve made it through the door at Magazzini Generali. Now what? That’s when the real challenge starts: making sure you have a blast without losing your crew, your cash, or your mind. Spoiler: there’s a strategy to lasting all night here.

First, you’ll want to scope out the main floor. It’s legendary for a reason—the sound system is massive, often topping 25,000 watts, and the lighting setup makes every DJ drop feel bigger. If you’re after a chill-out zone, head upstairs where the vibe is more relaxed and you can actually have a conversation without shouting.

Drinks aren’t cheap—think €10 for a basic cocktail and upwards for anything fancy. Best bet? Buy your first drink before the crowd piles in. Also, keep an eye out for “Happy Hour” windows, which sometimes knock a euro or two off. Here’s a quick look at what you might pay:

As for cash, leave your valuables at home and use the cloakroom for jackets and bags. The line can be killer at 3am, so stash only what you absolutely need. Stick together; the place is huge and split-level, so it’s easy to lose your friends to the dance floor chaos. Agree on a meetup spot—most regulars pick the balcony overlooking the DJ booth.

Phone signals can get jammed during peak hours (over 1,500 partygoers on busy nights), so go old-school: actually talk to your friends about the plan before you all wander. Hungry? The in-house kitchen does basic late-night bites—perfect if you need to refuel before round two.

“Magazzini Generali is the beating heart of Milan’s clubbing scene. You quickly learn that it’s not just about dancing, it’s about managing your night like a pro so you don’t miss a thing.” – La Repubblica Nightlife Editor

Here are a few extra survival hacks:

• Bring earplugs—trust me, your ears will thank you.
• Keep some cash on hand; card machines can slow down when it’s packed.
• Treat the bouncers and staff with respect. Problems? Ask them instead of arguing. They know how to solve stuff fast.
• If you need a breather, the smoking area is outside on the right. It’s where you’ll overhear wild conversations and find your friends again.

If you play it smart, you’re in for a legendary night at Magazzini Generali and guaranteed stories by sunrise.

Local Hacks and Hidden Surprises

If you want to get the full Magazzini Generali experience, you’ve got to think like a regular. First up, the club can look intimidating if you’re not used to Milan nightlife, but locals know a few handy tricks to make things smoother.

Here’s one: coat check gets packed fast, and there’s usually only one window. If you have a lighter jacket or don’t need to stash your stuff, skip the line and keep your hands free for dancing or drinks. If you’re coming as a group, have just one person queue with everyone’s jackets rather than all standing around losing time.

Drinks inside don’t come cheap, so most people pre-game at the smaller bars around Via Pietrasanta. The "Birreria Italiana" a couple of blocks away is a local favorite for quick beers before heading in. Once you hit the club, pace yourself—shots go straight to your head in the packed rooms, and it’s easy to lose track of your group in the crowd.

The best dance floor is right in front of the DJ booth, but if you’re looking for a more chill spot, sneak up to the balcony level. From there, you get a killer view and shorter waits at the upstairs bar. People in the know also look for surprise sets—Magazzini Generali is famous for last-minute guest DJs, so keep an eye on their socials for updates. Sometimes, international names drop by for secret shows, and regulars snap up the best spots early.

Bathrooms can get busy, especially around 2 AM. The shortcut? Tucked away near the right side of the stage is a smaller set of restrooms that most people miss. Way shorter lines, and you’re back on the floor faster.

The last local trick: if you’re craving a snack before heading home, there’s a legendary panzerotto spot right outside, often open late to catch the post-party crowd. Nothing hits quite like a fresh, gooey pastry after hours of sweating it out inside.

Put these tips together, and you’re ready to own the night at Magazzini Generali. No confusion, no wasted time—just a killer party, the way Milan locals do it.