Where to stay in Milan in 2023 | The best areas and hotels

Wondering where to stay in Milan, Italy? You have come to the right place. After reading this post you will be able to choose the best hotel in the best area of Milan for your needs.

Located in the north of Italy, in the region of Lombardy, Milan is a fascinating city, filled with beautiful architecture, great food, historical sights, and warm culture, so you have plenty of options.

The vibrant city is also the fashion capital of Italy, if not the world, so come prepared with your chicest outfits and get ready for photos in stunning locations.

When it comes to where to stay in Milan there is no shortage of great neighborhoods. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for adventure, a couple in search of a more romantic area, or a family keen to see the sights, this guide will help you find the best neighborhood for your needs.

I lived in Milan during my University time and right after, before leaving Italy and becoming an eternal expat, but I always love to go back and explore like a tourist.

It’s an incredible city full of atmosphere and things to do. You should stay there for at least three or four days to enjoy it fully.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the best hotels in Milan.

Milan Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Mila Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – Photo From Canva

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Milan, Italy by area

Centro Storico (historical center)

The Centro Storico, literally ‘the historic center is the ideal place to stay in Milan if you’ve never visited the city before.

It has all of Milan’s most famous attractions, such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio, the Teatro Alla Scala Opera House, and the city’s famous main square.

You will also discover plenty of boutique and designer shops, excellent Italian restaurants, art galleries, museums, and more.

Centro Storico is a convenient place to stay because you will be just a short walk from many of the major sights, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Painting the Last supper near the beautiful church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie.

Plus it has plenty of metro stops to connect to other areas of Milan.

The only downside to staying in this neighborhood of Milan is that it can be expensive.

Milan is generally an expensive city, but costs in the Centro Storico are particularly high in summer, so it is best to visit in the winter for better rates.

At Christmas is amazing as it may snow in Milan too and the festive atmosphere is quite charming.

Pros of staying in Milano Centro

👍🏽 Very central neighborhood, with almost all of the most famous and historic sights, plus lots of shops and restaurants.

👍🏽 Compact neighborhoods, everything is just a short walk away.

Cons of staying in Milano Centro

👎🏽 The most popular and expensive area to stay

👎🏽 It can get extremely busy, especially in high season, so there will be crowds or you may need to book a hotel a long time in advance.

1. Armani Hotel Milano $$$

Armani Hotel Milano
Armani Hotel Milano – photo © Expedia

The Armani Hotel Milan, like the designer it was named after, is one of the most luxurious among all Milan hotels located right at the heart of the city, with the Duomo di Milano just a ten-minute walk away.

The entire property features Armani furnishings, along with marble bathtubs and an iPad in all the guest rooms.

The stunning onsite restaurant serves some of the finest cuisines in the city, offering both Lombard and international cuisine, as well as a buffet breakfast.

It is conveniently located close to some of Milan’s most famous designer boutiques, and afterward, you can return to enjoy the Turkish bath or sauna for some relaxation.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

2. Bulgari Hotel Milano $$$

Another spectacular hotel owned by a luxury designer brand, Bulgari has hotels across the world, but Milan is one of the best.

The hotel sits in the center of Milan, next to the popular Via Montenapoleone shopping street.

It is also less than ten minute’s walk from the Duomo and other main attractions, as well as Metro, stops for getting around the city.

The hotel also has its own extensive gardens for guests to enjoy and has views over the pretty nearby botanical gardens.

Bulgari also has its own spa, complete with a stunning indoor swimming pool, and an onsite restaurant and bar where you can enjoy local and international food, wine, and snacks.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

3. Hotel Spadari Al Duomo $$

Hotel Spadari Al Duomo
Hotel Spadari Al Duomo – photo © Expedia

The 4-star Hotel Spadari is one of the most centrally located hotels in Milan, just 150 yards from the Duomo!

It is also only 650 yards from La Scala Opera House and a short walk from Milan’s best shops and restaurants.

All of the rooms are super comfortable, with minibars and WiFi, and the hotel features beautiful artwork inside created by local designers.

Guests can enjoy a great buffet breakfast each morning, and if you’re visiting in the summertime, you can take advantage of the free fruit and water on offer all day when it gets very hot in the city.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

4. Hotel Gran Duca di York $

Gran Duca di York
Hotel Gran Duca di York – photo © Expedia

Hotel Gran Duca di York is an excellent budget-friendly option if you want to stay in central Milan, although it is always going to be a little more expensive than anywhere else.

The hotel is inside a stunning 18thcentury palace, and it has retained its pretty architecture and historic paintings inside.

The hotel has a convenient location within walking distance to both the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, plus it is surrounded by many Metro stations.

The rooms here are spacious and comfortable and they even include drinks in the minibar for free, not to mention they serve a lovely buffet breakfast each morning.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

5. Città Studi

Citta Studi is the student neighborhood of Milan, which makes it ideal for visitors who are searching for somewhere to stay on a budget.

Students also famously have far more affordable bars and restaurants, so you’ll find more than enough great food options to keep you satisfied.

Citta Studi is located on the east side of the city in Zone 3 and contains some of the city’s universities.

Although it is not a touristy area, you can enjoy a more authentic Milan experience, visit local bookstores and independent shops and cafes, and browse the markets which take place on the weekend, and it is still only a short distance on foot or by Metro into Milan city center.

Although Citta Studi is less expensive than Centro Storico, the downside is that it can get noisy when students go out partying in the evenings and weekends, however, if you are traveling alone, or are keen to visit less touristy bars then this is definitely where to stay in Milan.

Tram Milan
Tram Milan – photo from Canva

Pros of staying in Città Studi

👍🏽 Much more affordable neighborhood than staying in the city center

👍🏽 Lots of local stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore

👍🏽 Easy access to the tourist sights

Cons of staying in Città Studi

👎🏽 It can be noisy since there are many students who go to bars and clubs in the area

👎🏽 You will find more budget and midrange options here rather than luxury hotels

6. Magville $$$

Magville is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Citta Studi.

The property offers spacious rooms, living areas, and a pretty courtyard dining area that has beautiful designs throughout.

The bigger family rooms also come with a terrace where you can enjoy a morning coffee.

Magville has a 24-hour reception and friendly staff who can help with anything, and they also offer airport transfers, which is perfect if you have a late flight.

They serve both continental and buffet breakfast options each morning. It is also less than a mile to walk to San Babila Metro Station, but there are also many different bus stops close to the property for traveling into the city.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

7. Dreams Hotel Citta Studi $$$

Dreams Hotel Citta Studi
Photo © Dreams Hotel Citta Studi

Dreams Hotel is a perfect place to stay for those looking for somewhere with lots of room and self-catering.

The hotel offers fully self-contained units, which are beautifully designed with their own living space, bedroom, kitchen, and even outdoor terrace.

The nearest Metro station is Lambrate Metro Station which is just one mile away and offers quick access to Milan’s famous Centro Storico.

The staff who manage the units are extremely friendly and helpful, and Dreams is a great place to stay if you’re planning to cook for yourself in Milan – you can find lots of local markets in the surrounding Citta Studi neighborhood.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

8. 21WOL Milano Centro $$

21WOL Milano Centro
21WOL Milano Centro – photo © Expedia

21WOL is a fantastic mid-range hotel with quick access to Milan’s city center.

The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and fitness center, and the rooms all have WiFi and flat-screen TVs.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast every day, but you can also enjoy food and drink in their dining room during the day and in the evening.

The hotel is just over one mile from GAM Milano (Milan’s Gallery of Modern Art), or alternatively just a few streets from Piola Metro Station which takes you straight into the heart of Milan.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

9. Meininger Milan $

Meininger Milan hotel
Meininger Milan Hotel – photo © Expedia

Meininger is an affordable, stylish, and modern hotel in Citta Studi, which is conveniently located for exploring Milan.

The hotel is located directly in front of Milano Lambrate Train Station and is just five minutes walk from Lambrate Metro Station, which connects to the Centro Storico.

The hotel is great for meeting new people, with private spacious rooms, but also shared living areas, a kitchen, and a games room.

The interior is designed in a cool, retro style and the games and communal areas are great for both families with kids and solo travelers.

Meininger also serves a varied sweet and savory buffet breakfast each morning and has a bar onsite to enjoy in the evenings.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Milano Navigli
Milano Navigli

Milano, Navigli

Although Citta Studi, with its large student population, would be expected to be the neighborhood to stay for nightlife, in fact, the best place to stay in Milan if you like to party is the ancient and historic neighborhood of Navigli.

Navigli is named after the Naviglio Grande Canal, which lies in its center and you can even take a boat trip down the canal for a fun day trip.

However, there is lots to see in Navigli itself and the canal is lined with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants.

During the day, it can be a lovely, quiet area to explore and is home to many Milanese artists who have galleries there.

You can also take a lovely walk from the Navigli to the trendy Corso di Porta Ticinese that leads you to the historic sights of San Lorenzo and Sant Eustorgio basilicas, which are two of the prettiest in Milan.

In the evenings, Navigli transforms into the hottest neighborhood in Milan, with locals and tourists having fun in the many bars, clubs, and wine bars, including one of the oldest in the world!

Milano Navigli reflection of the buildings in the water
Milano Navigli – reflections on the water

Pros of staying in Navigli

👍🏽 It is a very local area, with some of the coolest shops, bars, and restaurants

👍🏽 It offers great nightlife, from bars to clubs, ideal for those excited to party and meet new people

👍🏽 It is very quick to walk or take public transport into the city center

Cons of staying in Navigli

👎🏽 It can be very noisy due to the nightlife, not a great choice if you need peace and quiet

👎🏽 It also gets very crowded both at night and during lunch and dinner, since there are so many restaurants in Navigli.

10. Magna Pars L’Hotel A Parfum $$$

Magna Pars is a 5-star luxury hotel, and it is named one of the best hotels in the world.

Not only does it have huge, ultra-modern rooms, but the hotel also has its own wellness center with a gym and Turkish bath.

The Porta Genova Train Station is a 2-minute walk away, which has trains into the historic center of Milan.

All of the rooms are elegantly designed, with 46-inch TVs, a small library, and leather furniture.

They also have their own onsite restaurant and bar, where you can either enjoy the buffet breakfast each morning or visit for a drink and dinner when they serve a selection of fine Italian wines.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

11. Maison Borella $$$

Maison Borella Milano hotel
Photo © Maison Borella

Maison Borella sits on the banks of the Navigli Canal, one of the best locations in this area.

The hotel is set in an 18th-century building, and all of the comfortable rooms have free WiFi and TVs, plus balconies with views across the city.

Maison Borella has its own restaurant which serves both Milanese and international cuisine and is also where you will enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning that includes homemade cakes.

Although it is not centrally located, it has great transport connections and Porta Genova Metro, on the Green Line, is 650 yards from the hotel which connects you with Milano Centrale Train Station.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

12. Art Hotel Navigli $$

Art Hotel Navigli
Art Hotel Navigli – photo © Expedia

Art Hotel Navigli is an embodiment of its name and is filled with cool local artwork and sculptures, including pieces by international artists like Dali and Man Ray.

The rooms here all have free WiFi, and TVs and some have balconies.

The hotel also has indoor parking, a bar in the lobby to enjoy a drink, and on the top floor, it has a beautiful terrace with views over the city, plus a wellness center with a gym, sauna, and Turkish bath.

In the morning you can opt for a buffet breakfast with sweet and savory foods, before heading out to Porta Genova Metro Station, which is just five minutes walk and connects you to Milan city center.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

13. Savona 18 Suites $$

Savona 18 Suites is one of the best hotels that also encapsulates the artistic nature of the Navigli neighborhood. It has beautiful rooms which come with flat-screen TVs, living areas, and coffee machines.

The hotel also has a quiet and stylish outdoor courtyard area where you can relax, and enjoy a drink or some breakfast.

The hotel is a really convenient place to stay in Milan, as it is just 1.6 miles from Teatro Alla Scala, and even less from the Duomo. Porta Genova train station is less than five minutes walk away meaning you can easily explore the entire city and its surrounds.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

14. NHow Milan

NHow Milan straddles the Navigli and Tortona districts and is a great budget art hotel, filled with cool pieces of contemporary artwork.

Each room is unique and comes with a minibar and TV, plus the hotel even has an onsite fitness center with a gym and Turkish bath.

There is also a bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch and dinner each day, and it is here that the buffet breakfast is served each morning.

It is only a ten-minute walk to Porta Genova station, which has Metro trains to take you eight stops into the city center.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Milano Brera

Brera is technically a part of Milan’s Centro Storico, but it is classed as a neighborhood in itself due to its high concentration of boutique and luxury hotels, high-end designer shops, and top-class restaurants.

Brera is most definitely the most trendy and luxurious area to stay in Milan and is most known as being the artistic center of the city, due to its many art galleries and museums.

Some of those you should visit are the Palazzo di Brera, the Museo Astronomico, and Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses artworks by Caravaggio, and the famous painting ‘The Kiss’.

Another beautiful sight during the day is the Giardino Botanico (Botanical Gardens) which you can walk around.

Brera is already in the city center, so you can also visit all of the most famous sights, including the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, two of the most popular attractions in Milan.

Pros of staying in Brera

👍🏽 Centrally located and close to Milan’s famous attractions, including many museums and galleries, historic buildings, and a shopping district

👍🏽 Lots of options for food, drinks, and shopping, plus great transport links for traveling around the city

Cons of staying in Brera

👎🏽 A trendy and high-end neighborhood, so accommodation and dining can be expensive

👎🏽 Its central location means it is also very busy, and is often crowded with tourists

15. Hotel Milano Scala $$$

Hotel Milano Scala
Hotel Milano Scala – photo © Expedia

Among the five-star hotels, Hotel Milano Scala is named after La Scala Opera House, which is located just 400 yards away.

The rooms here are beautiful and have flat-screen TVs and free WiFi, not to mention the hotel is carbon neutral and eco-friendly!

They also have a panoramic terrace outside, with great views of Milan and a bar.

The hotel serves an extensive buffet breakfast every day, including cheeses, fruits, and yogurt while a musician plays in the dining room.

Their restaurant also serves traditional Lombard cuisine for lunch and dinner, using vegetables from their garden.

Cairoli Metro is just a short walk away; however, you can easily walk to many of Milan’s attractions.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

16. Locanda Pandenus Brera $$$

Locanda Pandenus Brera hotel
Locanda Pandenus Hotel – photo © Expedia

Locanda Pandenus sits right in the center of the Brera neighborhood, offering elegant rooms with lots of amenities.

The hotel serves breakfast daily in the Mercato Pandenus, and you can also enjoy lunch and dinner here which is cooked by their Michelin-star chef.

Alternatively, they also have a cozy lounge area with a fireplace where you can relax with a drink.

Locanda is only four Metro stops from the Piazza del Duomo, and Lanza Brera Metro station is just 200 yards from the hotel.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

17. The Unique $$

The Unique is exactly like its name suggests – unique!

It is located just 500 yards from Sforzesco Castle, in the heart of the Brera district. It is also within a 10-minute walk of Teatro Alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Milan Cathedral.

All of their rooms are spacious and have minibars, TVs, and coffee machines, and some also have a balcony.

The hotel is one of the best in the neighborhood, and offers drinks and snacks, although breakfast is not included.

To travel around and outside the city, you can walk to the nearby Lanza Metro station with is less than ten minutes away.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

18. Hotel Rio $

Hotel Rio
Hotel Rio – photo © Expedia

Hotel Rio is one of the best budget hotels in the center of Milan, it is located on Via Mazzini, less than five minutes from Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.

The Duomo Metro station which connects you to the rest of the city is also just 100 yards from the hotel.

The rooms are very clean and comfortable, and Hotel Rio has its own onsite bar where you can enjoy some drinks and snacks.

The hotel is surrounded by many of the best shops in Milan and is not far from Sforzesco Castle.

If you arriving or leaving for elsewhere in Italy, Milano Centrale Train Station is 5 metro stops away.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Milano Fiera / San Siro

San Siro is quite different from the other neighborhoods in Milan since it is mostly residential and isn’t located in the city center.

San Siro is in the west of Milan in Zone 7, and is much quieter, making it ideal for families.

Although there are not many attractions in San Siro itself, you will often find many tourists and locals here since it is the home of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium which hosts popular sporting events and is the base of AC Milan.

If you want to avoid any sports crowds, San Siro adjoins the neighborhood of Fiera which is very similar, quiet, and local with much more affordable accommodation.

Both areas are home to beautiful parks where children can play and have metro stations that take you to the historic center in just a short time.

Milano Financial districts at sunrise
Milano Financial districts at sunrise photo from Canva

Pros of staying in Fiera or San Siro

👍🏽 Residential neighborhoods, meaning they are much quieter and less crowded than the center

👍🏽 Great for families since there are lots of parks and affordable restaurants

Cons of staying in Fiera or San Siro

👎🏽 Outside of the city center with few attractions, so you will need to travel into the city if you stay in San Siro or Fiera

👎🏽 San Siro can occasionally be busy due to sports fans if there is a football match at the stadium

19. Lancaster Hotel $$$

Lancaster Hotel
Lancaster Hotel – photo © Expedia

Located in the pretty neighborhood of Fiera, the Lancaster Hotel may be in a quiet area but it is actually just a fifteen-minute walk to the city center.

The hotel has beautiful old-style rooms with a 24-hour front desk, as well as a buffet breakfast each morning and a bar where you can enjoy a drink.

The reception also sells bus and metro tickets, to save you time and the staff will be happy to help answer your questions about Milan.

The hotel is just a short distance from Sempione Park, or you can walk ten minutes to the Domodossola Metro station to get into the city center even faster.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

20. Hotel Capitol Milano $$$

Hotel Capitol Milano
Hotel Capitol Milano – photo © Expedia

Hotel Capitol Milano is one of the best places to stay in the quiet area of Fiera, just a few steps from Pagano Metro station which has connections to the city center.

In the morning the hotel offers a huge sweet and savory breakfast buffet, and in the evening, they offer appetizers and wine at the bar.

Their restaurant also serves local Italian cuisine at lunch and dinner time.

The rooms are beautiful and have either a spa bath or a hydromassage shower.

You can walk to Castello Sforzesco in just fifteen minutes, and the concierge service can help you with any questions or travel issues. 

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

21. Melia Milano $$

Melia is world-renowned for its beautiful hotels, so it is amazing to find this stunning design hotel in Milan for such an affordable price.

The hotel is just a two-minute walk from Lotto Metro Station and has its own onsite 24-hour gym. The rooms are very luxurious, with minibars and TVs.

Melia serves a daily breakfast buffet in the Mami restaurant, and in the evening or at lunchtime their Elyxr bar serves snacks and cocktails.

The hotel is also just 8 metro stops from the Piazza del Duomo, making it an ideal quiet location to stay while in Milan.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

22. Hotel Lido $

Hotel Lido
Hotel Lido – photo © Expedia

Hotel Lido is a great budget option in Fiera, which is an area that mostly has more Airbnbs than hotels.

It is just 100 yards from Lotto Metro Station, and you can reach the city center in either ten minutes by car, or in 15 via Metro.

The rooms all have TVs with Sky and minibars, and you can enjoy a great Italian breakfast every day with croissants, fresh pastries, and hot drinks.

The staff at Hotel Lido are also really friendly and helpful with anything you might need, plus the bus stop for the shuttle to Milan Malpensa Airport is only 350 yards from the hotel.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Milano Porta Venezia / Zona Buenos Aires

Two neighborhoods which are beside each other in the center of Milan, Porta Venezia and Zona Buenos Aires are two popular and classy neighborhoods to stay in.

The main road in Zona Buenos Aires is one of the busiest in the city, with more than 350 shops and cafes lining the street.

However, the shops you can find here are not the designer shops of the Centro Storico, but more high street fashion and Italian brands, meaning it is a more affordable place to stay if you want to do some shopping.

The road crosses into Porta Venezia, which contains the beautiful Giardini di Porta Venezia, and Milan’s Natural History Museum.

Both neighborhoods are within walking distance of Milan city center, and have multiple Metro stops for getting around easily.

Although the two areas can sometimes get busy, they offer a range of accommodation options, so are ideal for those wanting to stay centrally without the high price tag. 

Pros of staying in Porta Venezia / Zona Buenos Aires

👍🏽 Very central location, so you will have easy access to all of the city’s attractions either on foot or by public transportation

👍🏽 Good option for affordable shopping, restaurants and cheap hotels

Cons of staying in Porta Venezia / Zona Buenos Aires

👎🏽 Can get very busy due to the huge number of shops here, where people are constantly browsing in the day

25. Starhotels Ritz

Starhotels Ritz
Starhotels Ritz – photo © Expedia

Starhotels Ritz is an ideal luxury place to stay in Corso Buenos Aires since even the best hotels in this area are well-priced.

The hotel is just 350 yards from Lima Metro Station, and 10-minutes from Milan Central Station, which can take you to the city center, or you can easily reach sights such as the Duomo in fifteen minutes by foot.

The rooms here are spacious and have TVs, designer furniture, and WiFi. There is a wellness area on the 8th floor with a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, and fitness center.

Guests can also enjoy the panoramic terrace with views across Milan.

The Grill Bruschetteria by Eataly restaurant serves a wide range of local and international cuisine, while the Lounge Bar by Eataly is ideal for coffee or lunch.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

26. Ibis Styles Milano Centro

Ibis also has a hotel right in the center, so make sure not to confuse the two, as the Styles Milano is in the Buenos Aires neighborhood and although it is a chain, offers all the comfort you expect from Ibis’ around the world.

The hotel is in an early 20th-century building and has spacious, stylish rooms.

The hotel offers a light buffet breakfast every day in its restaurant, and also has an onsite bar that is open 24 hours.

The Ibis is only 50 yards from Lima Metro Station which travels directly to the Piazza del Duomo, and the hotel is surrounded by all of the best shops in the neighborhood.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

27. HD8 Hotel Milano

HD8 Hotel Milano
HD8 Hotel Milano – Photo © Expedia

The HD8 Hotel is right in the center of Milan in the Stazione and Buenos Aires districts.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and concierge service, and it is less than 100 yards from Centrale Metro Station, although you can walk to the Duomo and other famous sights in as little as 10 minutes.

Guests can enjoy either a continental or buffet-style breakfast each morning, and the rooms are very comfortable with flatscreen TVs and safes.

This is the perfect hotel to stay in Milan if you want to explore the city on a budget, or want easy access to the train station to continue to Lake Como.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

28. Ostelzzz Milano

Ostelzzz Milano hotel
Ostelzzz Milano – Photo © Expedia

Ostelzzz is one of the coolest and most affordable budget places to stay in Milan while still being in the city center.

The hostel offers a shared lounge, and super comfortable dormitories with individual pods, plus shared bathrooms with hairdryers.

The hostel gives everyone a welcome drink on arrival and serves a delicious Italian breakfast each day.

It is only 1.5 miles from La Scala Opera House, and around a five-minute walk to Lima Metro Station which goes directly to the Piazza del Duomo.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Sforza Castle Aerial view
Sforza Castle Aerial view – photo from Canva

Things to do in Milan – Top-rated tours

There are obviously many things to do in Milan for any kind of traveler, from Museums to window shopping, eating your way around, and going on a day trip. Here I am going to share a few ideas. For a full list of things to do in Milan, head over to my article linked above.

👉 Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

4.5 ⭐️ 575 Reviews
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 75 USD per person

Includes:

✔️ Small-group walking tour of historic Milan
✔️ Fast access to ‘The Last Supper’, Leonardo da Vinci’s mural masterpiece
✔️ Visit Milan Landmarks such as Sforza Castle, Piazza Della Scala, and the famous Via Dante and Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
✔️ Knowledgeable local guide

👉 Highlights and hidden gems of Milan: Bike Tour

4.5 ⭐️ 293 Reviews
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Includes:

✔️ Visit Milan must-see attractions such as Teatro La Scala, Milan Duomo and Castello Sforzesco

✔️ Explore neighborhoods like Brera and Darsena del Naviglio with informative guide

✔️ Choose the start time: morning, afternoon or evening

✔️ Small group tour

Tiramisu
Tiramisu Italian dessert – photo from Canva

👉 The secrets to learning fresh pasta and tiramisù

5 ⭐️ 222 Reviews
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 70 USD per person

Includes:

✔️ Michelin trained chef and Milanese local as your personal instructor

✔️ Unique and traditional family recipes and easy-to-follow instructions

✔️ Learn pasta making, ravioli, and tiramisu, in a beautiful Italian home

✔️ Dinner and alcoholic beverages included

👉 Milan Food Walking Tour of Brera

5 ⭐️ 172 Reviews
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 80 USD per person

Includes:

✔️ Explore local eateries around Brera with a knowledgeable local guide

✔️ Well-chosen stops give a broad view of regional food and the area

✔️ Food tastings: classic Milanese dishes and other Italian specialties

✔️ Italian artisan beer and aperitivo included

Arco della Pace Milano
Arco della Pace Milano

Where to stay in Milan: Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of Milan is best to stay in?

Personally, Brera is my favorite area, which is very central and close to all the coolest places to visit, museums, the Duomo di Milano and the best places to walk around.

Is Milan a walkable city?

The City center is very walkable. In fact, I used to walk to work when I lived there and loved it. So lively and full of nice shops, cafes and restaurants, gardens, and historical buildings it’s a pleasure to walk around Milan City center.

From Parco Sempione to Via Paolo Sarpi, Moscova, La Isla Neighborhood, Piazza Gae Aulenti, and all the way to the Navigli you can walk around easily maybe while enjoying a delicious gelato.

Is it ok to stay near Milan central station?

Yes, it is although it’s not the best area to hang out at night, it’s ok during the day. But if you can, I would rather choose a different location, between Central Station and the center.

How many days is sufficient for Milan?

Oh well, it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to see many museums check out the shops and enjoy the Milan lifestyle, then you may need at least a week. Otherwise, a couple of days can be enough.

Is Milan cheap for tourists?

It depends on where the tourists are from. If you are from New York, Milan would probably seem cheap if you are from Mexico, probably not. In general, I consider Milan quite an expensive city, but again, it depends on what you are comparing it to.

What is the best way to get around Milan Italy?

Milan is very well connected with Metropolitana (metro), tram, and busses. You can get a ticket in any tabaccheria (T) or at the underground stations. If you are renting a car, which is not ideal to move around Milan, make sure you avoid entering ZTL areas (Zone a traffico limitato – limited traffic area) or parking where you see blue or yellow signs.

Where to stay in Milan, Italy final thoughts

No matter where you decide to stay in Milan, there is definitely a perfect neighborhood perfect for everyone.

Whether you are searching for somewhere to stay that has lots of restaurants, bars, and great nightlife, such as Citta Studi or Navigli, or a much quieter neighborhood with green spaces such as Fiera and San Siro, there are many accommodation options.

Corsa Buenos Aires is definitely one of the best places to stay in Milan, since it is centrally located and close to many of Milan’s best shops, but can be far cheaper than staying in the city center.

Milan has so much history, culture, and great food to offer, so we hope this guide has helped you decide the best place to stay for your trip, whether you are enjoying a short city break, or continuing on to other beautiful places in Lombardy.

The city is instantly recognizable for its famous Duomo di Milano, the historic cathedral which stands in the city center.

Milan Piazza Duomo from the Cathedral roof
Milan Piazza Duomo from the Cathedral roof – photo from Canva

You will also appreciate the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its beautiful architecture and range of luxury designer shops.

The city has a few distinct neighborhoods to choose from, such as the Centro Storico, Navigli, and Brera, among others.

The city is also just a short distance from Lake Como, the Dolomites, and Switzerland, so it makes the perfect place to stay if you plan to travel further afield.