Back in my Uni years (“only” some 15 years ago, gosh!) I had this dream where I would pontificate with my friends about the best translation of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land or something while enjoying an Americano sitting on a sofa, as seen on the best sit-coms.
A few years later, I get my MA and move on to real life, and there comes a dreamy cafè that is literally in front of to my alma mater and also sells lovely books: I'm talking about Colibrì, the literary coffee shop that might as well be my dream come true.
Colibrì is close to the main branch of the Università Statale di Milano. It's a small and colourful bookshop/bar/bistrot that is comforting enough when your brain hurts from reading too much Hegel, and serves as the coziest post-lecture aperitivo place. Morning to evening, there's always a good excuse to pop in and browse between the books or have a slice of that wonderful cheesecake they serve.
To be honest, I think it's a bit too expensive to have lunch here, especially if you're a student, but if you're strolling around or you've just passed that awfully, afwully hard exam it could be worth the treat, wouldn't it?
Back in my Uni years, in my dreams we also had bunks to sleep in between the lectures. See if they can make that happen in the near future too!
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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It's a magical place, a mix of art, politics, history, philosophy and really loud music. Every week there's a musical event and the entrance is cheap.
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Colibri is not a touristy place, but a spot where you can feel the vibe of Milan with its best and most vital inhabitants, the young intellectual students.
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"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.
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"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...
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