Jess Bergin

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Where to Stay in Milan

Jessica Bergin

Wondering where to stay in Milan? Get ready to fall in love with the fashion capital! This in-depth travel guide covers all the best neighbourhoods, from budget and mid-range to luxury lodgings.

Nestled in the north of Italy, Milan mixes contemporary art and cutting-edge fashion with its tantalising traditional roots. From Il Duomo to Teatro alla Scala, this buzzing city boasts many things to do.

But it can be hard to see it all, especially if you’re a newbie. Plan ahead and make the most of your time in Milan with this first timer’s 4-week Itinerary for Europe. You’ll dabble in a world of delights from Italy and France to Portugal and Spain.

Want to take it one step further? Combine your holidays in Milan with this 3-week Mediterranean Itinerary. You’ll tick off top attractions and activities in towns like Rome, Sicily, Barcelona and more. Plus, you can kick the hassle of organising accommodation, because it’s all mapped out for you in this guide. Facile!

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, look no further. This comprehensive guide dives into all the best places to stay in Milan, from the charming Centro Storico to canals in Navigli.

Whether you want to ditch the crowds or stay in the centre of the action, this guide can help you see the city like a local.

So, let’s not waste anymore time. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Milan. Andiamo!

Top 10 Places to Stay in Milan, Italy

Need more inspiration? Make your vacation memorable with one of these 17 Route Ideas for a 3-week Europe Trip.

From the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany to Sardinia and Sicily, we’ve broken down the best destinations. Plus, there’s nearly 20 options to choose from, so you can mix and match them with your Milan trip. Perfetto!

Now, let’s get into it. No matter what type of traveller you are, there’s something here for you. Shopaholics, foodies and all… Here are the top ten neighbourhoods to stay in Milan. Bella Italia!

Centro Storico

Milan’s historic heart, the Centro Storico, boasts beautiful architecture and a traditional-meets-modern flair. Centred around Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo di Milano, you can expect to see everything from soaring skyscrapers to centuries-old churches.

Centro Storico is one of the best places to stay in Milan for convenience. You’ll be within walking distance to the city’s major attractions like Parco Sempione, Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Duomo. Plus, you can eat, drink an dparty the nights away in the top nightclubs and bars. Strut down the streets to popular fashion stores, sip coffee in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and dip in and out the rooftop bars and world-famous restaurants.

Top Places to Stay in Centro Storico:

Porta Venezia

Porta Venezia poses plenty of opportunities to explore local life in Milan. As a neighbourhood that’s particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community, it makes for a great place socialise too. Plus, there’s a huge expat population!

Via Lecco is lapped with lively gay bars and Corso Buenos Aires, the city’s longest shopping street, cuts right through it.

If you’re thinking about where to stay in Milan for the first time, this diverse area offers architecture, nightlife and shopping.

Top Places to Stay in Porta Venezia:

Navigli

Did you know that Milan boasts a few canals of its own? While Venice typically steals the spotlight, Milan’s Navigli district offers visitors something a little similar… slightly. Italy’s fashion capital is interwoven with canals like Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese.

This neighbourhood in Milan flaunts antique stores, vintage fashion boutiques and bar-lined streets. Watch the sunset over the canals from your balcony or sip a Peroni beer from a local terrace. Stroll through popular streets like Colonne di San Lorenzo and Corso Ticinese, and don’t miss Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Milan, Italy, Navigli is a top choice for many. Escape the buzz of the historic centre and whisk your lover away on a romantic getaway in this picture-perfect neighbourhood.

Top Places to Stay in Navigli:

Stazione Centrale

Stazione Centrale is ideal for those who are planning a short trip to Milan. If you’ve got limited time in northern Italy, this area serves as an ideal base. You can enjoy the convenience and ease of a short trek to/from the station and airport.

The main train station, Milano Centrale, is also a popular choice too. You can relax knowing that you’re minutes away from major transportation connections via tram, train, metro and bus. There are lots of trains departing/arriving from the rest of Italy.

If you’re looking for places to stay in Milan near a train station, both Stazione Centrale and Milano Centrale are great options.

Top Places to Stay in Stazione Centrale:

Brera

Are you an art lover who’s looking for places to stay in Milan? Brera sits right next to the fashion centre and is well-known for its artistic flair. This postcard-worthy neighbourhood in Milan is pinned for its influential Italian residents, most of which were famous painters and writers.

Brera is carved with pedestrian-only streets, character-packed buildings and awe-worthy art galleries. Shop for unique goods in the antique stores, admire the architecture at San Marco Church and wander around the medieval Castello Sforzesco. For a breath of fresh air, step into Parco Sempione and don’t miss Napoleon’s Arch of Peace. 

Top Places to Stay in Brera:

Porta Nuova/Isola

Tucked to the west of historic Porta Venezia, Porta Nuova fuses a futuristic take on its traditional past. This former industrial area is arrayed with towering skyscrapers, high-end hotels and luxury apartments. And the contrast between the 19th-century remains and contemporary buildings makes it all the more interesting. Oh yeah, did I mention it’s home to the tallest tower in Italy, the Unicredit Tower?

Wander around the pedestrianised streets, peer up at the Vertical Forest residential complex and dine in some of the city’s coolest restaurants. Sip local vino in the bar scene, shop ‘til you drop and meet up with friends in the Piazza Gae Aulenti.

For the ultimate evening on the town, stroll down Corso Como, a famous street that runs from Stazione Garibaldi south to Porta Garibaldi. For late night evenings and modern finds, Porta Nuova is one of the best places to stay in Milan.

Top Places to Stay in Porta Nuova/Isola:

Duomo

Although we already covered the Centro Storico, this area deserves a special mention. Many people travel to Milan for the Duomo, and that’s why there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in this character-packed corner.

Whether you’re heading to Milan for a long weekend or a week-long getaway, the Duomo serves as the perfect base. This is the beating heart of Milan and it’s fit for soaking up all of those big city vibes.

Admire the Gothic Cathedral, people-watch in the piazza and meander through Europe’s oldest shopping mall.

Shop at big-name stores like Gucci and Prada and dabble in the finest experiences the city has to offer. Don’t miss hot spots like Via Sant'Andrea, Via Spiga, Via Montenapoleone and the 18th-century Palazzo Morando.

This is the best place to stay in Milan for luxury hotels and boutique accommodations. If you’re willing to splurge a little extra, the Duomo is where it’s at!

This is the very heart of Milan, and if you’re ready to splash some pretty serious cash, you can stay around there on your trip. 

Top Places to Stay near the Duomo:

Porta Romana

This Roman-inspired neighbourhood is situated in Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro and anchors Corso Porta Romana. As one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Milan, Porta Romana is packed with restaurants, hip bars and cute cafes.

Linking the historical heart of the city with upcoming areas, there are plenty of things to admire. From the 16th-century Spanish walls to the bar-lined Via Muratori to the high-end boutiques, you can mix sightseeing and shopping into your itinerary here. After a day of activities, head to the steam rooms at the iconic QC Termemilano Spa. If you’re wondering where to stay in Milan, Italy, Porta Romana is ideal for high-end experiences.

Top Places to Stay in Porta Romana:

Città Studi

Città Studi is one of the top places to stay in Milan for families. This affordable area is well-known as an academic village, and there’s a wide range of hotels and pocket-friendly apartments to choose from.

The neighborhood in Milan is well-connected with public transport, so you can jump aboard the bus or metro to explore the rest of the city. Citta Studi is located close to the central station, so it’s also great if you plan on taking a day trip too. With shops, restaurants and a tranquil ambience, it’s easy to see the appeal here.

Top Places to Stay in Citta Studi:

Porta Vittoria

Last, but not least! Porta Vittoria is sandwiched next to Cittá Studi. Sitting just a stone’s throw away from Milan’s Centro Storico, this is a residential district that’s dowsed with unique attractions. Plus, it’s surprisingly close to the Duomo, making it an ideal place to stay in Milan for the first time.

Porta Vittoria has a variety of accommodation options for budget and mid-range travellers. But as a general rule of thumb, the closer you get to the historical centre, the higher the prices go.

Some of the highlights here include the comic book museum, WOW Spazio Fumetto, and the serene Vittorio Formentano Park. If you’re looking for a tranquil stay close to the city centre, this area in Milan is a smart pick.

Top Places to Stay in Porta Vittoria:

Best Time to Visit Milan

The most popular time to visit Milan is usually during May, June, September and October. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, affordable prices and fewer crowds. Autumn and spring boast beautiful colours too, making it a photographer’s dream!

While July and August are the hottest months, they are also the busiest. So if you plan your holidays in Milan during this time, expect to pay more and battle the crowds.

During my last trip to Milan, I visited in mid-late October. The weather was quite nice, although there were a few rainy days. We were able to do lots of sightseeing and visit Lake Como. And the best part was, there were hardly any crowds at the big attractions.

If you’re interested in seeing the museums, art galleries and sampling the dining scene, opting for the winter months is a great option. November to March boasts cooler weather and discounted rates on accommodation, airfares and activities. Just be prepared for the cooler weather!

Ultimately, the best time to visit Milan depends on your personal preferences, travel style and budget.

Things to do in Milan

Now that you’re all caught up on the top places to stay in Milan, let’s take it one step further. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to add to your bucket list:

  • Get creative in the kitchen and learn how to master the art of making pizza & gelato. Imagine coming back home and showing off your new skills!

  • Lock eyes with the world-famous Last Supper by Da Vinci. This iconic, must-see artwork is definitely one for you bucket list.

  • Soak up the views from the towering terraces of Milan Cathedral. Locally referred to as Il Duomo, this is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Milan.

  • Keep your Europe trip pocket-friendly with the Milan Pass. Because every penny counts, right?

  • Step away from the city buzz and jump aboard the St. Moritz & Bernina Express.

  • Relish the flavours of a street food walking tour. Italy is well-known for its food scene, and this is the perfect chance to dive in.

  • Get enchanted by city lights on a charming Navigli District canal boat tour. Could it get any more romantic?

  • Get up early for a day trip to Lake Como. See spots like Varenna, Como and Bellaggio and cruise around the famous lake. Bella Italia!

  • See it all on a hop-on hop-off bus. Short, sweet, and simple. Like me (just kidding). But seriously, this is a great activity if you only have a few days in Milan.

How to Get Around Milan

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy. If that ain’t rap, I don’t know what is. Anyway. We’ve broken down the most popular time to visit, things to do, and the best places to stay in Milan. Now, we’re going to cover transport. So you can strut your stuff on a hassle-free holiday. Yeehaw!

The best way to get around Milan is by the public transport system called the ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi).

This network is efficient and affordable, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. It includes an extensive system of subways, buses and trams. Whether your hotel in near the Duomo or your accommodation is further out, public transport proves to be one of the most reliable ways of getting around Milan.

Google Maps is one of the best apps to use in Europe, so be sure to download it and plan your route ahead of time.

Taxis are also another decent option, however they can get fairly expensive if you rely on them frequently. Keep in mind that traffic and parking in the inner city (as with most major European cities) can be a nightmare. So sometimes, it’s better to simply walk to/from your desired destination.

Milan is home to two main airports:

Where to Stay in Milan

So, now you’re up to speed on where to stay in Milan, Italy. We’ve covered the top neighbourhoods and best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations. Save this guide before you jet-set off to Italy’s fashion capital. Ciao!