Bar Magenta, Milan

Yet again, the oldest bar is a hotly disputed topic for most cities, so we chose this one as it happens to be the birthplace of the Aperitivo. Meaning opener, the Italians love this age-old tradition, an alcoholic beverage to whet the appetite. The entire reason that Campari was invented, this light snack/nibble session consists of small drinks or shots, vermouth is a popular choice, and an array of meats, cheeses and pastas meant not to replace your meal, but it certainly can. Senna took an Apperol Spritz and I took a white wine.

Opened in 1907, this has become a hotspot for intellectuals and activists alike. Located in Corso Magenta, it has a large selection of international beers and a few local. It didn’t have such an aged feel and the service was rather relaxed which gave a laid-back feel. We really enjoyed this spot as part of our day and would recommend a short visit, especially for ‘Aperitivo’.