How to Plan a Group Hangout in Milan (Without the Drama)

Planning a meetup for two is hard enough.

Planning for three, four, or five people? It can feel like a full-time job.

Everyone lives in a different corner of the city. How do you pick a spot that's fair to everyone?

Step 1: Forget the "Perfect" Spot

With a group, there's rarely one single spot that's the exact same travel time for all.

The goal is to minimize the *total* travel time and make it as balanced as possible.

Someone might have a 20-minute trip while another has 30. That's a win. A 15 vs 50-minute trip is not.

Step 2: Find a Zone, Not Just a Venue

Instead of trying to agree on one specific bar or restaurant, find a well-connected neighborhood first.

Good zones for groups:

Porta Romana (M3): Lots of options for food and drinks, less chaotic than the center.

Isola/Garibaldi (M2/M5): Trendy, tons of variety, and a major transport hub.

Cadorna/Magenta (M1/M2): Classic, central, and easy to get to from many different lines.

Step 3: Choose a Place That Fits a Group

A tiny, cute cafe is great for two people. For six? Not so much.

Look for places with larger tables, outdoor seating, or a more casual vibe.

Parks, food markets (like Mercato Centrale), and bigger beer gardens or aperitivo spots are great for groups.

The bigger the group, the more complicated the planning.

It's a mathematical problem of time and distance. And nobody wants to do that math in a group chat.

Luckily, you don't have to.