Where to Stay in Milan: 8 Incredible Areas & Epic Hotels

Ciao! I’m so eager to start this guide on where to stay in Milan, Italy’s exciting fashion hotspot! I lived in Italy for 2 years and Milano is one of my favorite cities there. I have been there numerous times and would come back again in a heartbeat!

Centro Storico is the best area to stay in Milan and it’s home to the city’s most iconic attractions and dreamy hotels! 

Read this post to learn about 8 areas that are perfect for tourists to base themselves while in Milano. Each with a unique vibe, accompanied by a list of hotels for all budgets!

I compared pretty much all the options out there and made a short list of top-rated hotels for you. We have all price categories in the list too – from budget to luxury – this will make your job (of picking a favorite) much easier!

It’s needless to say that Milan is a super popular tourist destination and a bit pricey, so make sure to book your hotels here in advance!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

If you are in a rush and don’t have the time to read the article, check below some of the best hotels, all located in central Milan, Italy:

• Best luxury hotel: Park Hyatt Milano
• Best mid-range hotel: HeMi Luxury Suites
• Best budget hotel: Le Texture Premium Rooms

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Which area should you choose?

Here’s a map of the main Milan neighborhoods, that will help you visualize all the areas that I’ll talk about in this post:

• Where to stay in Milan for first-timers: Centro Storico
• Best place to stay in Milan for art lovers: Brera & Parco Sempione
• Where to stay in town for nightlife: Navigli & Tortana
• Best places in Milan with an urban atmosphere: Porta Nuova & Porta Garibaldi
• A great area for shopping lovers: Porta Venezia & Quadrilatero d’Oro, Brera
• Best place to stay for families: San Marco
• Where to stay in Milan for budget travelers: Citta Studi
• Best for taking day trips: Central Station

1. Centro Storico – best place to stay for the first time

There’s no better place to stay in Milan for first-time visitors than Centro Storico! Home to the iconic Duomo di Milano, its grand piazza and art galleries, this area is absolutely unmissable!

If you book your hotel here you’ll be just a short walk away from popular tourist attractions, fabulous restaurants and bars where you can enjoy fancy aperitivos!

A great spot to do that is Camparino bar which has been open since the 1900s!

It’s true, the hotel and restaurant prices are a bit higher but at least you won’t have to waste any money on public transport (Milan has a pretty good metro system) nor the time!

Like I mentioned, Centro Storico is home to the city’s main attractions including the famous Duomo Square, Gallerie d’Italia, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, which is housed in a historic building and boasts high-end stores and Palazzo Reale di Milano, an 18th century royal palace turned into an art gallery!

Centro Storico is a super vibrant area and although it’s pretty crowded at times with both tourists and locals that’s kind of part of its magic! And if you want to escape the madness for a bit go grab a snack from Panzerotti Luini (map), a super famous bakery from the 1950s that sells traditional (mouth-watering) panzerotti.

While here, make sure you go to San Babila, an area right near Centro Storico where you can see the first Milanese skyscrapers built back in the 1930s! 

NOTE: For this and all other areas – Italy has a tourist tax that all visitors have to pay when visiting a city. Usually it ranges from €3 to €7 per person and it’s collected by your accommodation. So basically they’ll add it on top of your total sum and sometimes you’ll have to pay it in cash, so make sure you keep some extra money aside for this!

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Park Hyatt Milano – luxury at its finest! This charming hotel is set right near Piazza del Duomo and it offers incredible rooms with marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and some even have a private balcony! You’ll also find a spa center, a restaurant and private parking. 
• The Street Milano – this Centro Storico luxury hotel is located just a few steps from Piazza del Duomo, this boutique hotel offers contemporary-style rooms with flat-screen Tvs, and a furnished terrace.

Mid-range (from €150 to €350)

• HeMi Luxury Suites – located just to the south of Piazza del Duomo, this property has great rooms (some with a spa bath) , a shared terrace and garden and offers a daily breakfast! 
• Duomo Hotel & Apartments – with a convenient location just a short walk from Milan Cathedral, this hotel features modern rooms that come with free Wi-Fii, a dining area and a fully-equipped kitchenette!

Budget (up to €150)

• Le Texture Premium Rooms – here’s a more affordable place in Central Milan, within walking distance of all the attractions that has great rooms with large windows and air-conditioning.
• Ostello Bello – an amazing hostel in Milan city centre that comes with everything you need for your holiday including a bar and free Wi-Fi.

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2. Brera & Parco Sempione – best for art lovers

With a convenient location just a 15 min walk away from Centro Storico and the Duomo Cathedral, this artsy area will become your favorite place in Milan!

I coupled Brera and Parco Sempione (which leads into Sforzesco Castle) as they’re set right next to each other and share the same dreamy and artistic vibe!

Over the years, Brera has been a home for many Italian painters and writers. As you explore its cobblestone streets you’ll still feel that bohemian atmosphere lingering around! 

Many prefer this area because it’s super close to the center and because it has a more local feel to it with its streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries, small restaurants and cafes where you can have the usual cappuccino and cornetto. By far one of the best things to do in Milan!

Teatro Alla Scala (also known as La Scala Opera House), one of Milan’s best theaters, is also set here, in case you’re in the mood to see a play before dinner! 

While here, make sure you visit all the cultural attractions like Pinacoteca di Brera, an art gallery filled with Renaissance paintings, Orto Botanico di Brera, where you can see centuries old trees, Arco della Pace and Parco Sempione which is home to the Branca Tower and the grand Sforzesco Castle that has inside its walls works of art by Leonardo Da Vinci!

NOTE: If you’re visiting Milan during Fashion Week, you can stay in Brera as a lot of shows are held here, in places like Palazzo di Brera (map).

You can also head to the nearby Zona Magenta, to see Da Vinci’s famous Last Supper painting that’s located in Santa Maria delle Grazie church (map). Or head over to San Firo and Fiera if you’re a football fan, as there you’ll find the stadium of Milan’s 2 major football teams (Inter Milan and AC Milan).

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Bulgari Hotel Milano – you’ll never want to leave this place! Boasting cozy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and private bathrooms this hotel is a keeper! Their restaurant serves Italian cuisine and they also have a spa and an indoor pool. 
• Grand Hotel et de Milan – by far one of the top luxury hotels in Milan, Italy. The 5-star venue has multiple restaurants and bars, a high-tech fitness center and the rooms are adorned with 18th-century furniture.

Mid-range (from €150 to €350)

• Brera Boutique Suites Milano – you’re going to love this place that has rooms with a contemporary design, a flat-screen Tv and air-conditioning! 
• Charming Milan Apartments – such an incredible apartment that offers a super comfy bed and a coffee making machine set in a cute-kitchen.

Budget (up to €150)

• Loft nel cuore di Brera – this great apartment comes at a fab price and it offers a lot of space, a private kitchen and a living room.
• Modern Apartment – perfect for 3 guests, this place offers a small kitchenette, a private bathroom and a great location!

3. Navigli & Tortana – best neighborhood for nightlife 

Looking for a place to party while in Milan, Italy? Then Navigli and Tortana will be perfect for you!

I combined these 2 areas as they’re right next to each other and have the same vibe. Both are set around 3 km (2 miles) away from Centro Storico but don’t worry because you have the Porta Genova metro station here and will get anywhere in no time. 

Milan is a super safe city so you don’t have to worry about traveling around! Just take usual precautions and avoid doggy areas at night and clandestine alleyways.

But let’s get back to what you can do here! Which is partying! This area is famous for its nightlife, trendy bars, boutique shops and lively atmosphere! 

NOTE: Before booking your accommodation make sure you check for any important facilities like parking (if you’re bringing a car or renting one) and also elevators. Many buildings are old and might not have one (which you’ll need if your apartment is on a high floor).

There’s such a thrilling atmosphere reigning over this place that you’ll never get tired of just roaming the streets and exploring!

Plus you’ll get to admire, in their full glory, Milan’s 2 famous canals: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. There are lots of bars near the banks of the canals where you can enjoy a drink and a gorgeous sunset. Vinoir and Mag Cafe are 2 great spots where you can start the night!

By the way, if you’re trying to save some euros you can order the typical aperitivo which costs around €10-12 and you’ll get a drink and some (usually unlimited) snacks!

For anyone looking for more areas where they can party until late, then head to Porta Romana, another fab area with lots of bars!

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Magna Pars l’Hotel – chill in the Turkish bath of this incredible 5-star hotel that has a central location and a wellness center! After a night out you can order some room service and just chill in the super comfortable rooms, watching some Tv. 
• Aethos, Milan – you’re going to love the stylish rooms of this hotel! Each has an individual design and gorgeous vintage aesthetics. The accommodation comes with a restaurant and a bar as well.

Mid-range (from €150 to €350)

• Nhow Milan – another design concept hotel, this time the theme being modern and contemporary art. This concept makes for some truly unique rooms that are colorful and vibrant. The property also has in-house dining and a gym!
• Savona 18 Suites – sleep like a baby in the simple yet chic rooms of this modern hotel that offers a yummy breakfast and has a bar.

Budget (up to €150)

• Studio Apartment Vicolo Lavandai – located in the heart of the Navigli area, you will be able to stay near the famous canals and not pay an exorbitant amount! The apartments of the property have conditioning, a kitchen and a private bathroom!
• 2 Navigli – not only is this place super affordable but it also offers a complimentary breakfast and parking spaces.

4. Porta Nuova & Porta Garibaldi – for the urban atmosphere

Milan, Italy has the perfect mix of old buildings and super new and modern ones! If you’re a lover of everything urban then you might like staying in this area!

Porta Nuova and Porta Garibaldi are connected by Piazza Gae Aulenti (a square filled with cafes) and for the past few years this part of town received a complete makeover!

That’s right! I’m talking about new and fancy buildings, unique concepts like the Bosco Verticale residential buildings which are covered in trees and greenery and the BAM Tree Library Milan, Italy. 

You can also find lots of shops, especially on Corso Como (map) where you can shop for some cool souvenirs!

If you’re an architecture enthusiast or just want to snap some pretty pics, then you’ll love every minute spent exploring Porta Nuova and Porta Garibaldi! Although the prices are pretty high (more or less like the ones in the city center) it’s totally worth it, and you’ll be just a 15 min metro trip away from Centro Storico.

Right near this area you’ll also find the charming (yet smaller) Isola neighborhood which is home to the Isola market and quirky cafes and then right near it you’ll find Milan’s Chinatown (in case you’re in the mood for a change of scenery).

I’m telling you, there’s never a dull moment here!

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Hotel Principe Di Savoia – relax in the spa center of this luxurious hotel that has such an elegant design, rooms with dark-wood furniture and a restaurant that serves American-style buffet breakfast. 
• Palazzo Cornalia – you’re going to love the suites of this hotel that is located a short walk away from Milan’s fashion district. The accommodation features family rooms with a seating area and a bar. 

Mid-range (from €150 to €350)

• Windsor Hotel Milano – cozy and modern rooms that have everything you need for your stay including a flat-screen Tv, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
• NH Collection Porta Nuova – chill in your comfy bed after a day of window shopping and exploring, at this hotel that offers a fitness center, a bar and a yummy breakfast. 

Budget (up to €150)

• Milanoverse Junior Apartment – here’s something a bit more affordable where you’ll get rooms with a small kitchen, a Tv and a city view!
• Relstay – a well-equipped apartment in Milan, Italy that boasts incredible facilities, including a kitchen, a lot of space and a dining area.

5. Porta Venezia & Quadrilatero d’Oro – best area for shopping

Sitting on the North-Eastern edge of the Centro Storico is Porta Venezia and Quadrilatero d’Or, a place that all fashion lovers will absolutely adore!

Porta Venezia is also the city’s LGBTQ district (this is usually where the Milan Parade begins) and of course it has lots of fun bars and restaurants as well as some fun attractions like the Natural History Museum, the Indro Montanelli Gardens and Villa Reale, a gorgeous palace! 

Here you can find the famous Corso Buenos Aires, which is home to around 300 shops (definitely a bit more affordable than the ones I’ll talk about below). Porta Venezia gate even has its own metro stop!

Right as you pass all these attractions you’ll come across Quadrilatero d’Oro (also known as Quadrilatero della moda) which is a short walk away from Centro Storico. This my friends, is the fashion heaven!

This is where you’ll find all the high end brands from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, Prada and all the others! So if you were planning to hit the stores or just do some window shopping this area is the place to go.

By the way, if you’re looking for a place to relax after all the shopping, head to the QC Termemilano (map), a spa center, not too far from here, with thermal baths and many other incredible facilities! 

There are also a couple of museums, art galleries and attractions tucked away between the glamorous shops that you can visit in-between your shopping adventures, like the Milan Planetarium, Palazzo Morando and Bagatti Valsecchi Museum.

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Hotel Manzoni – stylish and so fancy! You’ll love staying at this hotel which has rooms with refined wood floors, a restaurant that serves Italian cuisine and a wellness area, where you can relax in the hot tub. 
• The Couper Sant’Andrea – this hotel has individually-decorated rooms that feature art pieces, a coffee machine and a flat-screen Tv.

Mid-range (from €160 to €350)

• Magville – undoubtedly the best feature of this hotel is its charming garden and terrace. The accommodation features family rooms, 24-hour front desk, airport transfers to Milan Malpensa Airport, room service and free Wi-Fi. 
• Della Spiga Suites – these rooms have such a cool, minimalistic design, modern features and a great location just a few minutes away from all the shops in Milan, Italy.

Budget (up to €160)

• WorldHotel Casati 18 – located at only 5-minute walk from the shopping street Corso Buenos Aires, the elegant WorldHotel Casati 18 will offer you classic-style interiors, a free internet point, and very stylish rooms with tea/coffee facilities,
• Brera Apartments in San Babila – if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable then check out this place which offers studios with a seating area and a Tv.

6. San Marco – where to stay in Milan for families

Traveling with the family to such a busy city as Milan can be hard but you can’t get away with a smooth stay by knowing where to position yourself!

And this is where I come in! I think that San Marco is a great place for you and the kids! You’ll be far enough from the crowds but still close (around a 20 min walk) to Milan’s city center and its attractions. 

Set between Porta Garibaldi and Brera (the perfect location if you ask me) this area is also right between 2 huge parks (Sempione and Indro Montanelli Gardens) where you can take your little ones to play and enjoy a walk!

Make sure you also visit the San Marco Church, where a young Mozart once stayed (according to many sources) during his visit to Milan!

P.S. If you’re looking for more old churches to visit, stop by Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, which was originally built in Roman times! 

You’ll also have great metro connections to other parts of the city and if you’re traveling by car there’s actually a gas station (map) here, among the very few in town!

Luxury (€350 and up)

• Brera Apartments in San Marco – this is a great place for families as it has a lot of space, a private kitchen and a flat-screen Tv (perfect for cozy movie nights)!
• Brera Boutique Suites Milano – a super modern apartment that has family rooms, a seating area and city views. 

Mid-range (from €150 to €350)

• Cozy Loft – a simple yet great apartment that has all the facilities you and your family will need, including a small kitchen and a dining area. 
• BePlace Garibaldi Suites – great place with an amazing location that offers parking, an airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi. 

Budget (up to €150)

• Hotel Ritter – located super close to the metro station, this accommodation boasts a free breakfast and rooms with a Tv.
• Lovely Apartment – this affordable place has room for 4 people and it comes with a kitchen, a Tv and it also offers city views!

7. Città Studi – best place to stay in Milan on a budget

Traveling on a budget to this incredible Italian city? Then you might consider staying in Citta Studi and area located a 20 min metro trip from the city center. 

You may have figured by the name that this area is home to one of the city’s universities, the Politecnico di Milano University, so you can expect to see a lot of students here! 

For that reason the prices are a bit more affordable than you’ll find in the more central parts of Milan, that’s why I recommend staying here if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Bicocca is also a great place to consider, if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s also a student area, with lots of bars, located a 30 min metro ride away from Citta Studi to the North. 

PRO TIP: If you’re planning on booking a hotel here, I’d recommend getting something near the metro station so you can save some time and just jump on the metro super quick, if you want to head to the city centre. 

There aren’t many attractions here but you can definitely find a lot of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an aperitivo! And if you want to get quickly in the city center you have the Piola Subway station right in Citta Studi that will take you there.

Luxury (€250 and up)

• Mia Aparthotel – if you are looking for luxury without having to renounce the comfort of a house, this elegant aparthotel is for you! Spacious rooms with an amazing jacuzzi, great attention to detail and design, and perfect location well-connected to other parts of the city… What more do you need?
• Hotel San Francisco – sleep like a baby in the super-cozy room of this hotel that comes with a lovely terrace and a garden.

Mid-range (from €140 to €250)

• Bronzino House – this cozy bed and breakfast offers apartments that are clean, very comfortable, beautiful and set in a great location. You will also love the Italian breakfast served every morning!
• BB Hotels Aparthotel Città Studi – this hotel has one of the best positions in the city, 5 minutes walk from the Metro Station and next to Milan’s Politecnico University. Check out its modern apartments with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, they are spacious, comfortable and fully equipped!

Budget (up to €140)

• Cà Bèla – check out one of the best budget options in the east area of Milan! You will find well-structured and designed mini apartments that are perfect for long or short stays!
• Hotel Montecarlo – here’s another place in Milan’s student quarter that has rooms with a private bathroom and a flat-screen Tv.

8. Central Station – best for taking day trips

Planning on visiting other cities in Italy while you’re in Milan?

Then staying near the Stazione Centrale (Milan’s Central Station) could help you save some time and even money, as the prices are lower here (compared to other parts of the city).

As one of the biggest stations in Europe, the station kind of re-designed the whole area, making it into a place where people can spend a day or 2 while they’re train hopping around the country!

There are lots of cafes, restaurants and small shops around the Old-Milanese styled station and although you won’t find lots of attractions there still are a few that you can visit before you hit the city center like the Mercato Centrale which is right near the station and Museo Delle Illusioni!

Luxury (€250 and up)

• iQ Hotel Milano – enjoy your stay in Milano while staying at this hotel that has a contemporary design and a spa center. 
• AxyHotels InnStyle Milano – wake-up to a stunning view of the city while staying in this hotel that has rooms with large windows and a flat-screen Tv. 

Mid-range (from €150 to €250)

• NYX Hotel Milan – set just a 3 min walk away from the Central Station, this accommodation has an amazing terrace where you can enjoy the views and a restaurant. 
• IH Hotels Milano Centrale – get a room with a balcony and enjoy your morning coffee there! This hotel is great as it offers a buffet breakfast and a bar. 

Budget (up to €150)

• Spice Hotel Milano – here’s something super affordable that offers a daily continental breakfast, family rooms and some suites with balconies too!
• Il Cortiletto – perfect for budget travelers this hotel comes with spacious rooms, equipped with all necessary facilities.

👑 Luxury price:	€350
💵 Mid-range:	€160
🛏️ Budget:	€120
📍 Best neighborhood:	Centro Storico
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Park Hyatt Milano
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	HeMi Suites
👛 Best budget hotel:	Le Texture Premium Rooms

FAQs about where to stay in Milan

Conclusion

Phew, this was a long one! But I’m glad you stayed until the end of this guide on where to stay in Milan, Italy! 

Today we’ve seen the most incredible areas in town and the best hotels in each of those places! You probably know how popular Milan is, that’s why I recommend booking your favorite accommodation in advance, especially if you’re coming during Fashion Week, when everything sells out!

Don’t worry, if you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, I’ll help you out! Here are my top 2 favorite options, both located in Milan Centro Storico near the famous Duomo Cathedral:

• Park Hyatt Milano – one of the best hotels that has such an elegant design, 2 restaurants and a spa center where you can relax
• HeMi Luxury Suites – here’s another place which offers a delicious breakfast and spacious rooms 

There you have it, the best of the best!

Enjoy your holiday in Italy’s fashion capital and don’t forget that if you have any other questions, you can leave me a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer it ASAP!

Happy travels!

Yulia

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