Apr 29, 2025

Backdoor43 Milan

Smallest, Most Mysterious Bar

"Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance."

In the lively heart of the Navigli district, amid the vibrant bars and bustling crowds, there’s a secret that only the curious find: Backdoor 43—Milan’s tiniest bar, and possibly the smallest in the world. Marked only by a discreet window of quirky ornaments and a wooden door with a tiny shutter, this 43-square-foot hideaway invites those who knock to experience a night unlike any other.

Inside, you’re greeted by a bartender donning a V for Vendetta mask, who welcomes you into a neo-Victorian escape filled with vintage memorabilia and rows of whiskey bottles embedded in the walls. The cosy, wood-panelled room can hold just three guests, creating an intimate experience that’s a refreshing contrast to the usual Navigli scene.

Whiskey is the star here, with a small but carefully curated cocktail menu that changes often. Every sip emphasizes quality and simplicity, and you can even set the vibe by playing your own music over the speakers. Booking is essential, and a week in advance is the minimum—this little door only opens to a lucky few.

So if you’re ready to step into a pocket-sized world of mystery and crafted cocktails, find Backdoor 43. It’s an unforgettable experience carved into the wood, just waiting for you to discover it.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Ripa di Porta Ticinese 43

Drinks from:

15

3409628890

Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Frizzi & Lazzi

Your favorite beer garden ever

"Frizzi & Lazzi" is one of my old-time favorite beer gardens in Milan. It's an unassuming, easy-going place that has become a point of reference since '82.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Susanna

Baggio

Jun 6, 2025

Ofelé

My go-to place for Sunday brunch

"Ofelé" in Milan is a bistrot bakery that makes some of the best (Sunday) brunches around. It's simply one of my favorite pancake spots in town...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Carmen

Condeescu

Jun 6, 2025

Terrazza 12 Bar

Back to the '50s

"Terrazza 12 Bar" is reminiscent of Tokyo, in that sometimes you have to look up to find the gems. So in Milan - it's on the top floor of Bryan & Barry...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Living Liqueurs & Delights

Fashion and aperitivo

"Living Liqueurs & Delights": one of my favorite aperitivo spots in Milan and its first real vodka bar. It has a beautiful bar ambiance & a nice lounge...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Wasabi Bar

Williamsburg in Milan

"Wasabi Bar" is one of the greatest bars in Milan. Why? Because it's great! It's actually tiny, but don't be misled: the drink selection & design are...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Via Solferino

Independent shopping

"Via Solferino" is a central Milan street, yet far away from the crowds. I go there to just look around the shop and I'm sure I can always find I...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

DOU

Dim Sum paradise

"DOU" was the first (Asian) restauarant I bumped into in Milan, and it remains one of my favorites in the city. What I like is the selection of cuisines...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Scalo Farini

Great aperitivo

"Scalo Farini" in Milan is a bar recommended to me by an Isola local as the best aperitivo in town. I can say that I haven't tried any better than this.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Straf Bar

Unexpectedly cool

"Straf Bar" Milan is a peculiar place - even though it's next to Duomo, it's one of the coolest spots in town. Protip: grab one of the "benches" outside...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Camporino in Galleria

To the roots of Campari

"Camporino in Galleria" in Milan is where the drink Campari was born. Every time I grab a drink at the bar, I feel as if I stepped into the old city...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

San Cristoforo Church

Old Milan

"San Cristoforo Church" is one of Milan's corners that can really take you back through time. Protip: take a walk along Naviglio Grande in the evening...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Al Fresco

A meeting place with food and dining

"Al Fresco" is my Milan cafe/restaurant I'd never visited because it was just next door to my place! Let me tell you, that was a mistake, if only for...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Jun 4, 2025

Heading to Milan?

185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Milan?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

185 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
28
Filters