Where to Stay in Milan 🇮🇹 – Best Areas & Places to Stay

When planning a stay in Milan, finding the right neighborhood and hotel is key to getting the most out of your visit to Italy’s iconic fashion capital. If you’re looking for an insider’s guide to where to stay in the city, you’ve come to the right place.

Our pick of the best hotels in Milan

While choosing where to stay is one of the hardest parts of planning a trip to Milan, it also has a huge impact on your experience.

Hotels in Milan range from budget options to downright lavish five-star hotels, often with staggeringly luxurious offerings. After all, understated style, attention to detail and opulence aren’t just fashion industry trademarks, but markers of Milan itself.

From funky artsy neighborhoods to the elite shopping district, I’ll help you find your perfect Milan home base. No overrated tourist traps here – just the neighborhoods and hotels that reflect each unique slice of Milan life and culture.

Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Milan 📋

1. Centro Storico (City Centre) – Best Place to Stay in Milan for Sightseeing 🕍

🏛️ Historic hub: Nestled in the heart of Milan, the Centro Storico (Old Town) neighborhood contains some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. It is bordered by major streets like Via Torino and Corso di Porta Romana.

💒 Famous cathedral: The district has a distinctive radial layout stemming from the Piazza del Duomo. It is home to the famous Duomo di Milano, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Many pedestrian zones crisscross the area, making Centro Storico ideal for wandering by foot.

🖼️ Top attractions in Centro Storico beyond the Duomo include:

  • The Rotonda della Besana – this circular porticoed building was once a cemetery and now hosts art exhibits.
  • Pinacoteca di Brera – Milan’s top art gallery located in a historic palace, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and more.
  • Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio – An impressive 4th century basilica honoring Milan’s patron saint, Ambrose.
  • Teatro alla Scala – The famous opera house where Verdi’s works premiered. Even if you don’t catch a show, you can tour the ornate interior.
  • Via Dante – A posh shopping street lined with high-end boutiques.

As the oldest part of Milan, Centro Storico exudes old-world charm. It feels quaint yet lively, bustling with tourists by day and locals by night.

🛍️ Lively streets: High-fashion boutiques sit alongside food shops selling Milanese specialties like panettone and osso bucco. Street performers and musicians add to the lively ambiance.

Accommodation can also be found to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury hotels to inexpensive hostels.

All hotels in Centro Storico →

Where to stay in Centro Storico? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Park Hyatt Milano – a luxury hotel in a historic building with elegant interior design and first-class service.
  • Galleria Vik Milano – an exclusive boutique hotel with exquisite interiors and panoramic views of the Duomo.
  • The Glamore Milano Duomo – a chic hotel with contemporary design located in the heart of Milan.

Medium price category:

Budget Hotels:

2. Quadrilatero d’Oro – Where to Stay in Milan for Shopping 🛒

💰 Elite shopping: Right in the heart of Milan’s ancient town is Quadrilatero d’Oro, also called the Golden Quadrilateral; it is believed to be the most posh shopping area in this city. As the name suggests, this area is shaped roughly like a square formed by four streets – Via Monte Napoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga and Via Manzoni.

🚌 Well-connected: First-time visitors are lucky because they can quickly get to Quadrilatero d’Oro from such popular places as Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the world’s oldest mall), La Scala Opera House and Sforza Castle which are among the main attractions of Milan. Public transportation like trams, buses and the metro make it easy to access.

🔥 What one must see in this district are:

  • Via Monte Napoleone – An elite street having global luxury brands like Prada, Gucci & Armani.
  • Via della Spiga – Elegant boutiques and historical Antico Caffè Cova café.
  • Via Manzoni – This is an elegant shopping street that leads to La Scala theater.
  • Via Sant’Andrea – High fashion labels mixed with micro bars and restaurants.

The neighborhood is very walkable and compact, making it easy for shoppers to pop in and out of stores and cafes as they explore on foot.

💳 Shopper’s paradise: Whether you’re looking for designer clothes or just window shopping, Quadrilatero d’Oro offers a refined experience befitting Milan’s status as a global fashion capital.

All hotels in Quadrilatero d’Oro →

Where to stay in Quadrilatero d’Oro? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Four Seasons Hotel Milano – a luxury hotel with elegant interior design and upscale service in the heart of Milan.
  • Grand Hotel et de Milan – historic premium hotel with luxurious neoclassical interiors and panoramic views of the Duomo.
  • Hotel Manzoni – an elegant boutique hotel in a neoclassical building with a prime location across from the Manzoni Theater.

Medium price range:

Budget Hotels:

3. Zona Magenta – Best Neighborhood to Stay in Milan with Family 👪

💄 Shopping & Old charm: Known as the “SoHo of Milan” thanks to its abundance of fashionable boutiques, Zona Magenta offers fabulous shopping opportunities while surrounded by Old World architecture and charm.

🚇 Well-connected: Close proximity to major metro stations like Sant’Agostino makes it easy to access other popular sites:

  • Located just 1 mile from Milan’s magnificent Duomo, the iconic gothic cathedral that is a must-see for every tourist
  • A quick 10-15 minute ride from high-end shopping areas like Via Montenapoleone and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

🍝 Authentic experiences: During your visit, make time to:

  • See Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting “The Last Supper” at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
  • Stroll through Milan’s largest park, Sempione Park, home to the renowned Sforzinda Castle
  • Try Panettone Cooking Class, learn to make Milan’s classic Christmas cake

It’s the perfect home base for those looking to balance tourist sights with neighborhood charm on their Milan getaway.

Where to stay in Zona Magenta? 🏩

Expensive Hotels:

Medium price range:

Budget Hotels:

  • IMHOME - Cadorna House – cozy apartments with fully equipped kitchens and a homely atmosphere.
  • Boccaccio's Flats – simple and inexpensive apartments without frills, suitable for budget accommodation.

4. Brera – One of the Trendiest Milan Neighborhoods 💎

The charming Brera district is a must-see for first-time visitors.

📍 Central location: It is centrally located, just north of Milan’s main train station, Milano Centrale, and a short walk from the iconic Duomo di Milano cathedral. It’s also close to major attractions like the Castello Sforzesco, the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, and the Teatro alla Scala opera house.

🚶🏻‍♂️ Walker’s paradise: Getting around Brera couldn’t be easier. The neighborhood is compact enough to navigate entirely on foot. Or you can hop on Milan’s efficient Metro system – there are stations along Brera’s borders at Lanza, Montenapoleone, and Cadorna.

🔝 Top sights include:

  • Pinacoteca di Brera – Milan’s top art gallery housing works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Piero della Francesca, and more.
  • Basilica di San Marco – a historic church with a tranquil cloister.
  • Orto Botanico di Brera – a hidden botanical garden with a secret vineyard.
  • Via Fiori Oscuri – an atmospheric street lined with antique shops and galleries.

Beyond the landmarks, Brera enchants with its classy yet creative spirit. Designer boutiques and vintage shops tempt on charming lanes like Via Madonnina and Via Brera.

💃🏻 Hip hub: Come nighttime, Brera transforms into Milan’s hippest destination for dining and drinks. Restaurants offer al fresco seating on piazzas, dishing out delicious local cuisine. For nibbles and wine there are enotecas, and cool cocktail bars draw the evening crowds.

All hotels in Brera →

Where to stay in Brera? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Bulgari Hotel Milano – a luxurious neoclassical-style hotel with elegant interior design and upscale service.
  • Hotel Milano Scala – stylish boutique hotel in a historic building overlooking the Teatro alla Scala, offers personalized service.
  • Flowers' Lane – elegant apartments in typical Milanese style with a high level of comfort and amenities.

Medium price range:

5. Porta Venezia – Milan’s Multicultural Neighborhood 🔮

🌈 Diverse hub: Located to the north of the city centre in Milan, and named after one of the largest gates in Milan, Porta Venezia is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. It has grown to be one of the most multi-cultural areas in Milan.

😍 Grand gate: The neighborhood itself radiates out from the grand neoclassical Porta Venezia gate, one of the historic entrances to Milan built in the 19th century. Today, the gate leads to the vibrant Corso Buenos Aires shopping street, where you can find big name designers alongside cool vintage stores.

🌳 Green oasis: Among other highlights of this area are Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Milan’s oldest public garden. Take a walk on alleys covered with trees, admire different statues and fountains or just sit on a bench to breathe in its atmosphere.

Porta Venezia’s diversity is what makes it so special. For example:

  • There are Eritrean and North African cafes, restaurants and shops.
  • Via Lecco is home to gay-friendly clubs and events making it an important area for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • The area also boasts groovy boutiques, old-fashioned stores that sell used clothes as well as art galleries, hipster bars and cafes.

🚇 Well-connected: First time visitors will find Porta Venezia conveniently located along Line 1 subway with Porta Venezia subway station at its center. Only two stops from here are needed in order to get to such famous sights of Milan as Piazza del Duomo with Duomo di Milano Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, Teatro alla Scala opera house at La Scala Theatre etc.

All hotels in Porta Venezia →

Where to stay in Porta Venezia? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Casa Cipriani Milano – an elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with sophisticated interiors and top-notch service.
  • The Couper Spiga – a luxurious neoclassical style hotel with spacious rooms and an excellent location near the Duomo.
  • Ai Suma Hotel – a fashionable hotel with modern design, spa center and Japanese restaurant.

Medium price category:

Budget Hotels:

6. Navigli – Enjoy Scenic Canals 🚤

🌊 Scenic canals: This atmospheric neighborhood is centered around a series of scenic canals that once were used to ship goods into the city. Nowadays the Navigli canals provide a beautiful backdrop for lively outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars and boutique shops.

🛶 Canal district: The Navigli neighborhood stretches along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals. It include a maze of cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, like Piazza 24 Maggio with its antique market on the last Sunday of each month.

👣 Start exploring: When visiting Navigli, start your exploration at the Porta Genova metro station. From there, you can stroll along the charming Via San Marco and Via Santa Maria alla Porta, admiring the old workshops and warehouses now converted into fashionable shops and eateries.

🖼️ Must-see highlights of Navigli include:

  • The Vicolo dei Lavandai – picturesque “alley of the laundresses”
  • Street Art along Ripa di Porta Ticinese – colorful modern graffiti murals decorate the canal
  • Evening aperitivo – sip an Aperol spritz at a lively bar patio overlooking the water

The neighborhood offers many boutique hotels and Airbnbs close to the metro.

All hotels in Navigli →

Where to stay in Navigli? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Art Hotel Navigli – elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with panoramic views of the Navigli canals.
  • House Navigli – luxury apartment in the heart of the Naviglio Grande overlooking the canals.
  • HBHALL Navigli 2 Apartment – comfortable apartment in the center of Navigli with modern design.

Medium price category:

Budget Hotels:

7. Porta Romana – Where to Stay in Milan for Local Vibe ✨

🏛️ Historic hub: Porta Romana is named after the grand neoclassical gate of the same name located on Piazza Medaglie d’Oro. This gate once served as an entrance through the old Spanish walls surrounding Milan. Today, it stands as a monument to the neighborhood’s past.

🔥 Some top things to do in Porta Romana include:

  • Relax in the Giardino Botanico garden filled with exotic plants
  • Browse the antique shops and weekly flea market on Via Orti
  • Visit the Basilica di San Calimero, known for its collection of relics

🚃 Well-connected: Public transportation like trams, buses, and the metro system connect Porta Romana to the rest of Milan. The neighborhood is served by the green line, with stops at Porta Romana and Largo la Foppa.

Basilica di San Calimero
San Calimero Bazilikası
Basilica di San Calimero
San Calimero Bazilikası
Basilica di San Calimero
San Calimero Bazilikası
Giardino Botanico garden
Trädgården Giardino Botanico
Giardino Botanico garden
Trädgården Giardino Botanico

🌆 Lively nights: The neighborhood comes alive in the evenings and late into the night on weekends. With its authentic vibe Porta Romana immerses you in the real Milan.

There aren’t too many places to stay in the Porta Romana, but you can all choose from several hotels of varying grades.

All hotels in Porta Romana →

Where to stay in Porta Romana? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • Hotel Five – an elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with exquisite design and upscale service.
  • YellowSquare Milan – a modern premium hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and restaurant with city views.
  • UNAHOTELS Mediterraneo Milano – a comfortable hotel in southern Milan with good value for money.

Medium price category:

  • Cirene Apartments Milano – an apartment hotel with spacious studios and apartments, convenient for longer stays.
  • Hotel Mec – a simple and inexpensive hotel with basic amenities, ideal for budget travelers.
  • Sigieri Residence Milano – reasonably priced apartments with fully equipped kitchens, a good option for families.

Budget Hotels:

8. Porta Nuova/Isola – To See Milan from the Other Side 👀

🏙️ Ultra-modern: Once a post-industrial area, Porta Nuova is now Milan’s most modern neighborhood, anchored by the striking Unicredit Tower.

The neighborhood boasts excellent metro, bus and tram connections, allowing effortless transport around Milan. Key highlights include:

  • Unicredit Tower and Piazza Gae Aulenti – Striking modern architecture and vibrant public gatherings
  • Corso Como – Tree-lined street packed with fashionable cafés and boutiques
  • Biblioteca degli Alberi – Innovative new park

🎨 Artsy spot: Northwest from Porta Nuova lies Isola, Milan’s hipster capital. Centered on the pedestrian-only Via Borsieri, Isola charms with its street art and wealth of independent bars, shops and eateries.

The neighborhood stays lively into the night, making it perfect for evening strolls. Top attractions include:

  • Farmers’ market – Every Wednesday morning along Via Borsieri
  • Bars and nightlife – Creative cocktails at Bar Frida

✅ Don’t miss: Visit to Milan isn’t complete without venturing out to Porta Nuova & Isola districts.

All hotels in Porta Nuova →

Where to stay in Porta Nuova/Isola? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

Medium price category:

Budget Hotels:

  • Ibis Milano Centro – a simple and functional Ibis chain hotel with comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
  • Moscova Luxury B&B – a small guest house in a historic building with an authentic atmosphere.
  • PORTA NUOVA 52 APARTMENT – an economy apartment with simple furnishings, suitable for longer stays.

9. Central Station Area – To Have Quick Access to Everything 🚆

🚉 Convenient hub: Located right in the center of Milan, the Central Station Area is a convenient and fascinating neighborhood for visitors to explore. Surrounding the city’s main train station, Stazione Centrale, this district puts you within easy reach of Milan’s top attractions.

The iconic Gothic Duomo cathedral, the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, the historic Sforza Castle, and the boutique-lined Quadrilatero della Moda are all between a 10 to 20 minute ride.

🏘️ Blend of old & new: Wandering the streets, you’ll discover stately 19th century apartment buildings alongside sleek modern skyscrapers. Be sure to visit Piazza della Repubblica, a large square with a carousel.

💞 Charm meets energy: The Central Station area wonderfully blends Milan’s historic charm with its cosmopolitan energy. Whether you’re in Milan for the first time or the tenth, the Central Station area would be an excellent choice.

All hotels in Central Station Area →

Where to stay in Central Station Area? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

  • HD8 Hotel Milano – a modern premium design hotel with elegant rooms and a restaurant overlooking the city.
  • Household Settembrini – luxury boutique hotel in a historic building with a personalized touch and high level of service.
  • Teodora B&B – luxury boutique hotel with a high level of personalized service in a historic building.

Medium price category:

Budget Hotels:

  • AV Hotel Milano – a simple and inexpensive hotel with basic amenities and good value for money.
  • Casa Vacanze Macchi – a guest house for budget travelers with a friendly atmosphere.
  • Spice Hotel Milano – a budget hotel with minimalist design and basic amenities at a reasonable price.

10. Citta Studi – Where to Stay on a Budget 💸

🎓Trendy student area: Despite its focus on learning and academics, Citta Studi has developed a reputation in recent years as one of Milan’s up-and-coming trendy areas, filled with affordable eateries, boutique shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

For first-time visitors, Citta Studi offers an authentic look at modern Milanese student life. The neighborhood is conveniently located along Metro Line 1.

👣Walkable streets: Getting around Citta Studi itself is wonderfully walkable, with leafy avenues and pedestrian zones linking the universities, shops, cafes and residential areas. Key spots to explore include:

  • University of Milan and Politecnico di Milano – See the stately university buildings and relax in the green courtyards
  • Piazza Leonardo da Vinci – A popular hangout spot with restaurants, bars and open air markets
  • Indipendenza Bookshop – Browse books and meet locals at this cozy English-language bookstore & café
University of Milan
Milano Üniversitesi
University of Milan
Milano Üniversitesi
University of Milan
Milano Üniversitesi
Politecnico di Milano
Piazza Leonardo da Vinci

🍻Vibrant nightlife: Citta Studi really comes alive in the evenings when students head to happy hours and congregate in spots like Piazza Leonardo da Vinci.

All hotels in Citta Studi →

Where to stay near Citta Studi? 🏨

Medium price category:

  • Mia Aparthotel – a modern aparthotel with fully equipped kitchens and a convenient location close to the university campus.
  • Hotel Dieci – an elegant boutique hotel with a sophisticated design, offering comfortable and stylish rooms.
  • Donatello 11 Milan apartments – homely apartments in the heart of Milan, ideal for longer stays.

Budget hotels:

Where NOT to Stay in Milan ❌

Loreto

This neighborhood, situated northeast of the city center, is known for its traffic congestion and a more transient population. It’s not the most picturesque part of Milan, and tourists might find the vibe less welcoming compared to other, more tourist-friendly areas.

Bicocca

Despite its ongoing urban redevelopment, Bicocca may not be the first choice for tourists. While it’s home to the University of Milan-Bicocca and a growing number of businesses, it lacks the historical charm and attractions that draw visitors to Milan.

Rogoredo

Found to the southeast of the city center, Rogoredo might not be the optimal choice for tourists. It’s primarily a residential area and lacks the vibrant atmosphere and attractions that other neighborhoods offer.

Best Hotels near Milano Linate Airport 🛫

Belstay Milano Linate

Belstay Milano Linate is a modern, design-focused hotel located less than half a mile from the airport.

There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, 24-hour front desk, and airport shuttle service. With soundproof windows, it’s a quiet escape from the hustle of travel.

Moxy Milan Linate Airport

Moxy Milan Linate Airport is an affordable, stylish option just a 5 minute drive from the airport terminals. It has a lively lobby with a 24/7 bar.

Amenities include a gym, business corner, and free loaner bikes.

Fasthotel Linate

Fasthotel Linate offers no frills accommodation about 10 minutes from Linate by car/shuttle bus. As a budget hotel, rooms are simple yet comfortable with flat-screen TVs, desks, and WiFi.

There’s an outdoor garden and lounge, luggage storage, and airport transfers available. It’s perfect for short overnight stays near the airport.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan on a Map 🗺

FAQs about Visiting Milan ❔

How to get around Milan?

Getting around Milan is convenient, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system. The city boasts an extensive metro network, trams, buses, and trains that make it easy to navigate.

What is the best time to visit Milan?

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, if you enjoy the buzz of fashion and design events, consider visiting during Milan Fashion Week in February or September.

Is Milan a walkable city?

Milan is a fairly walkable city, especially in the central areas where many attractions are clustered. Strolling through iconic districts like Brera or around the famous Cathedral Square allows you to soak in the city’s charm.

How much time do you need to see Milan?

To see the main highlights of Milan, a couple of days should suffice. This timeframe allows you to explore the iconic Duomo, visit renowned museums such as the Pinacoteca di Brera, and wander through fashionable districts like Navigli.

Where is a safe place to stay in Milan?

When looking for a safe place to stay in Milan, areas like Brera, Porta Garibaldi, or the city center are excellent choices. These neighborhoods not only offer proximity to major attractions but also provide a secure and pleasant environment for visitors.