Our Favorite Hotels in Milan
‧ Inexpensive hotel option: Skyline
• star: Room Mate Giulia
• Mid-range: Brera Prestige
• Accommodation: Bulgari
• For couples: Palazzo Parigi hotel
• For families: Brera Apartments
• For visitors near the train station, consider lodging at the Excelsior Gallia in Milan.
The Best Areas to Stay in Milan
- Map of hotels in Milan
- Highly Rated Accommodations in Milan
- Top Accommodations for Families visiting Milan
Milan, Italy’s second biggest city, is a dynamic fusion of history and modernity that captures the essence of Italian culture. Renowned as a center for fashion and higher education, Milan is also home to some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Duomo, Da Vinci’s renowned Last Supper, and the majestic Scala opera house. However, Milan offers more than just a tourist destination. It’s a city where you can discover cutting-edge art galleries, like the Fondazione Prada, and marvel at greenery-covered skyscrapers. You can also drink coffee in a Wes Anderson-designed café or explore the city’s hip bars and stylish boutiques. Despite being Italy’s second biggest city, Milan has maintained its authentic character, providing an array of Renaissance churches, Italian trattorias, and charming coffee shops – without the crowds of tourists found in Venice, Florence, and Rome.
Neighborhoods in Milan
The famous Piazza Duomo in Milan serves as the geographic and cultural center of the city, spreading outward in concentric circles. Many tourists activities and the bulk of the city`s museums and art centers are located nearby. To the north is the fine art found at the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery and nearby is the “Quadrilatero d`Oro”, an area packed with top designer fashion boutiques. Those willing to venture a bit farther can find a great atmosphere for aperitivo, Milan`s version of happy hour, at the Park Sempione and Arco della Pace (Peace Arch) to the west, in addition to the impressive Castello Sforzesco.
For individuals seeking out the city`s lively nightlife, the Navigli district towards the southwest is a premier destination, characterized by its two canals and energetic atmosphere. West of the cathedral, the Zona Magenta`s Museo Archeologico gives a taste of Roman Milan, while the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses Leonardo da Vinci`s renowned Last Supper. Milan`s attractions extend beyond the historic city center, with the glittering skyscrapers and haute cuisine of Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi in the north and the parks and conservatories of Porta Venezia towards the east. Whether one is seeking history, culture, fashion, or nightlife, Milan`s concentric circles of neighborhoods offer a wide range of quality hotels and ample sights for all.
Transportation in Milan
Navigating is relatively straightforward, as Milan is mostly level and of manageable size. The historic city center, known as the Centro Storico, can be walked from one end to the other in under an hour.
Visiting Milan without a car is made easy through its extensive network of trams, buses, and underground metro system. The Stazione Centrale (Central) and Duomo intersections serve as the key transit hubs, connecting the city’s different neighborhoods. A single trip on Milan’s public transportation costs €2, but a 24-hour ticket (€7) is recommended for travelers planning to use any type of transport more than three times. While taxis are available, they are not the most practical way to get around Milan, and walking or using public transit is frequently the preferred method of transportation.
Accommodations near Milan subway stations: Excelsior Gallia (Stazione Centrale) • Hotel Zara (Zara Station) • Urban Hive Milano (Stazione Moscova) • Hotel Fenice (Stazione Porta Venezia) • Amabilia Suites (Stazione Duomo) • Hotel Tocq (Stazione Garibaldi) • Portrait Milano (Stazione San Babila)
The Best Places to Stay in Milan
- Best Luxury Hotels in Milan
Grand Hotel et de Milan • Four Seasons • Mandarin Oriental • Palazzo Parigi • Portrait Milano • Armani - Best Boutique Hotels in Milan
Château Monfort • Bulgari • Aethos • Room Mate Giulia • Senato • The Street Milano Duomo - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Milan
- Highly recommended moderate hotels:Roxy Hotel Padungan • Harbour View Hotel • The LimeTree Hotel • Meritin Hotel • Pine Garden Hotel
- Best Hostels in Milan
The hostels Babila,Ostello Bello,Ostello Bello Grande, and YellowSquare were mentioned as options
Best Places in Milan for…
- Best Area for Sightseeing: Brera
- Immediately northwest of Milan`s city center lies a tangled web of narrow roadways called the Brera. It`s a trendy locale with light car traffic where locals and visitors alike enjoy shopping, dining, drinks, and attractions like the Pinacoteca de Brera art museum, considered one of the city`s most important. The Brera is near some of Milan`s most impressive spots – Castello Sforzesco, Park Sempione, and the Duomo/Galleria area are all within easy walking distance. A bit further west sits Santa Maria delle Grazie housing Leonardo da Vinci`s renowned fresco The Last Supper.
- Most Romantic Neighborhood: San Lorenzo
Just south and west of the Duomo is a small, tranquil enclave around the ancient columns of Piazza San Lorenzo and adjacent Basilica. It`s a frequent gathering place for locals meeting friends or starting dates exploring the town. Several small hotels and hostels are nearby and along Corso di Porta Ticinese – featuring impressive street art, an assortment of local shops, and charming restaurants serving top-notch Milanese cuisine. - The city neighborhoods renowned for nightlife entertainment include Navigli and Isola.
- Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi
While great food abounds in Milan, serious foodies should head north to Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi. There you will find the Eataly complex, a 4-story emporium devoted to Italian cuisine, as well as numerous exciting restaurants off Corso Garibaldi, with a mix of traditional Milanese fare (including the renowned osso bucco) and newcomers featuring farm-to-table menus and impressive seafood-based creations from Sicilian chefs. Top picks include northern Italian Ratanà, Michelin-starred Ristorante Berton, and high-end Japanese restaurant Yoshinobu. Just to the west, Milan’s Chinatown is packed with East Asian restaurants and stalls (like dumpling specialist Ravioleria Sarpi), as well as traditional osterias and old-school wine shop Cantine Isola.South Memphis is best known as the location of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley’s Graceland, both major tourist attractions. Though Stax tends to primarily attract soul music fans, even people not interested in Elvis should consider visiting Graceland, a fascinating mix of whimsical elements, glamor, and musical history.
The canals in the southern edge of town that previously transported building materials for the city`s main cathedral in the center are now home to Milan`s most lively nightlife district. Stretching along the dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops lining the Navigli canals, the Navigli area saw upgrades after the 2015 World Expo and improved connections to the rest of the city through the renovated Porta Ticinese entrance. Locals flock there every night to enjoy aperitivo, Italy`s version of happy hour. Many establishments offer entire spreads of complimentary snacks (though you must purchase a beverage), competing to attract the largest crowds. Of the two waterways, Naviglio Grande is at the epicenter of activity, although the smaller southern Naviglio Pavese canal also sees its fair share of foot traffic. Be sure to explore the side streets and avenues off the canals themselves; you`ll discover many excellent drinking and dining spots hiding in the shadows. Notable options include the crafted cocktails at Rita (home to the “Cazzi Tuoi” cocktail), Pinch Spirits & Kitchen, the Blues Canal pub, and bohemian chic Zog
Those interested in live music and clubs should head to Isola further north; here you’ll find a variety of electronic music options, as well as the Milan outpost of the internationally renowned Blue Note jazz nightclub. Other cocktail bars worth exploring include Bob Milano,Bar BAH,Cru Isola (for wine), and Bar Frida.
- Most suitable neighborhoods for local atmosphere: Porta Venezia and Porta Romana
Situated in close proximity to the culturally vibrant Duomo yet maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, Porta Venezia is a popular gathering place renowned for its thriving artistic scene and authentic local flavor. Many tourists bypass this neighborhood, allowing residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in its charms away from heavy crowds. Abundant galleries and museums dot the area, such as the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and Padiglione D’Arte Contemporanea, providing cultural enrichment. The LGBTQ community frequently socializes at various bars while beautiful churches and lush greenspaces invite recreation. Offering proximity to top attractions amid reasonable lodging prices, Porta Venezia proves a worthwhile residential option, especially for families seeking parks and open areas.In a similar way, Porta Romana located just south is generally a residential area well known primarily for its nightlife spots and redeveloped industrial areas (one of which is planned to become the Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Games). Notable attractions here include the Rem Koolhaas-designed Fondazione Prada arts complex, featuring the stylish Bar Luce designed by American filmmaker Wes Anderson, but there are also some of the city’s best clubs and snack stands, like the roasted chicken sold at Giannasi dal 1967, on Piazza Bruno Buozzi.
- Best Neighborhood for First Time Visitors: Centro Storico
Milan boasts many impressive sights, but none surpass the Piazza del Duomo, with its huge Gothic-inspired cathedral and the looming, Baroque Galleria complex housing flagship stores for Prada and Bulgari, along with dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars. (The iconic Camparini bar has served Campari-based cocktails for over one hundred years.) After exploring the Duomo and strolling through the Galleria, a brief walk north – past rows of 18th century façades and the historic opera house Teatro alla Scala – leads to Via Della Spiga; a narrow, pedestrian-only avenue full of beautiful and stylish hotels, and world-class window shopping. Staying in the Centro Storico also places you within walking distance of all other major attractions: the Brera and Quadrilatero d’Oro shops; Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione; and da Vinci`s Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie - Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: Quadrilatero d’Oro and San Lorenzo/Tortona
Though exploring the many shopping options in Centro Storico – such as those located in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and along Via Torino – visitors should head to the upscale boutiques located within the Quadrilatero d`Oro where spectacular window displays can be found amongst luxurious stores and prominent fashion houses. All four streets of the “Quad” are worthwhile to stroll along – Montenapoleone, Manzoni, Corso Venezia, and especially Via della Spiga. Corso Buenos Aires is the northern extension of Corso Venezia and similarly has many retail establishments, with high-end designers sharing space with mainstream brands like Levi’s and Mango. To experience a more local scene containing cult fashion boutiques and specialized shoe makers, travel south along Corso di Porta Ticinese toward the Navigli district where vintage clothing can be found at 👉 Lo Specchio Di Alice🤼, handcrafted shoes are sold at 👉 Panca’s🏄♂️, jewelry is available at 👉 Laboratorio Tam Tam🎩, and vinyl records can be found at 👉 Serendeepity👽. Venture west to the Tortona district for a handful of emerging designer boutiques such as the 👉 Boglioli Showroom🚌 and 👉 Lanificio Luigi Colombo🧶 - Safest Areas in Milan
Milan has made enormous progress over the last several years, and while some parts of town formerly presented somewhat risky scenarios regarding pickpockets and property theft, you are now more or less OK anywhere in the city centre. The regions east and southeast of the Duomo are the least touristy, with fewer scam artists looking to take advantage of out-of-towners. Risks are lower too in the north part of the city, all the way up from the shopping district and fancy hotels around Via Della Spiga into Porta Nuova and the Isola district. Navigli, the main nightlife district, should also be fine. - Unsafe Areas in Milan
Nowhere in central Milan is entirely careless, but stay vigilant at Central Station, where clusters of inebriated individuals, drug dealers, and homeless persons regularly congregate. It’s been improved noticeably over the last decade, but you still could meet tricksters wanting to provide you “assistance” while obtaining train tickets, and unregulated “taxi drivers” who will overcharge you on your ride to the hotel. It’s intelligent to keep an eye out while at the other train stations, too, like those situated at Garibaldi near Isola, and at Cadorna, near Sforza Castle. Other regions in which to be cautious include neighborhoods outside the city center, specifically the area around San Siro where Milan’s main soccer field is located.
The 9 Best Neighborhoods in Milan for Tourists
1. Centro Storico and San Babila
Art museums, world-class shopping experiences, cultural landmarks, bars, and restaurants, all topped by one massive cathedral: for those stopping in Milan for a short while, this is the one part of town that must not be missed. Any Milanese experience should commence at the Piazza del Duomo, a stunning square with its huge gothic-inspired cathedral, the glittering Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, Palazzo Reale di Milano (the old royal palace), modern art in the Museo del Novecento, and the medieval Palazzo della Ragione. Be certain to try a Campari at the cocktail bar overlooking the square known as Camparino in Galleria.
Taking a stroll from the Duomo through the Galleria past the Leonardo3 Museum, towards the Piazza della Scala allows one to see the world’s most renowned opera house from up close (you can learn more about it at the Teatro alla Scala Museum), or peruse the 19th- and 20th-century art housed inside the Gallerie d’Italia. There’s even more lavish art exhibited within the nearby Museo Poldi Pezzoli, while the Casa del Manzoni celebrates Italy’s most renowned 19th-century author. Strolling east up the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II to San Babila, a tranquil enclave of piazzas and well-to-do Milanese provides an escape from the crowds of tourists. End the day at the Ginrosa bar on Piazza San Babila, home of the Ginrosa aperitif.
Accommodation options in this area are relatively limited, and given the prime location, prices tend to be high. Expect the spaces near Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to see significant crowds, at least during daylight hours.
- Best Hotels in Centro Storico & San Babila
Spadari Al Duomo – Hotel contact number: +39 02 7200 2371• West East Suites on Booking.com
Palazzo Touring Club • Hotel contact number: +39 02 1241 28300
Room Mate Giulia” The contact details for this accommodation are: “+39 02 8088 8900
Hotel Indigo Manchester – Hotel phone: +44 161 359 7499 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The Street Milano Duomo – Hotel phone: +39 02 3676 5691 - Top Hotel: Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel
- Best Hostels
Brunelleschi Hotel – Hotel phone: +39 02 88431
BC Maison Hotel phone: +39 334 946 5964
Babila Hostel – Hotel phone: +39 02 3658 8491
2. Brera and Parco Sempione
Directly northwest of downtown Milan is a tangle of narrow roads known as Brera. Previously the city`s artistic quarter, today it`s an affluent and lively area, with relatively little traffic allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the upscale shops, eateries, and bars. The neighborhood`s central street, Via Brera, caters to high-end fashion and perfume retailers, but Brera`s crown jewel is the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, arguably the city`s most significant cultural institution. Brera is nestled between the Quad shopping district and the splendid Parco Sempione to the west, its many attractions easily filling a day or more. The unmissable Castello Sforzesco castle provides a scenic entrance to the park. Constructed by the ruling Sforza family, along with their Visconti predecessors who governed Milan like royalty for centuries, the castle currently houses some of the city`s most engaging museums (wonderful for children), though you can stroll the main courtyards at no cost. The northern end of the park is framed by the imposing Arco della Pace archway leading to a glorious boulevard lined with bars and eateries (Corso Sempione, perfect for pre-dinner drinks). Standing within the park also is the Torre Branca viewing tower and the Triennale di Milano museum showcasing the city`s fabulous design heritage.
If you want to be near Milan city center but without the hustle and bustle, Brera is a great area to lodge. It’s the primary base for the city’s major luxury chains and hip boutique hotels, and rates tends to correspondingly high.
- Best Hotels in Brera & Parco Sempione
The Bulgari Hotel can be reached by phone at +39 02 805 8051
A grand Milan lodging • Hotel phone: +39 02 723141
Mandarin Oriental in Milan can be contacted at +39 02 8731 8888
The elegant Palazzo Parigi palace located in Milan provides accommodations and can be reached at +39 02 625625 - Best Midrange Hotels
Brera Prestige B&B • Hotel contact number: +39 393 857 8228
UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano • Inn contact number: +39 02 85601
The Unique hotel in Milan can be contacted at +39 02 2416 5185
3. Quadrilatero d’Oro
This renowned area of Milan epitomizes certain qualities that position this city on equal footing with locales like London, New York, and Paris. The so-called `Golden Quadrangle`, otherwise termed the Quadrilatero della Moda, refers to Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Corso Venezia, and Via della Spiga – the four routes anchoring Milan`s premier luxury shopping district situated somewhat to the northeast of the historic center. The neighborhood holds the biggest names in fashion and accessories (as well as exceptionally lavish food and lodging choices to match the experience). Noteworthy sights here cover the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, a beautifully preserved 16th-century townhouse, and the Palazzo Morando, housing its collection of paintings, sculptures, costumes, and fashions from years past.
Like the close by Brera neighborhood, lodging rates here are extremely costly, with extravagance lodgings overwhelming – it’s a simple walk or metro ride from the remainder of the city.
- Best Hotels near Quadrilatero d’Oro
Armani Hotel – Residential building phone number: +39 02 8883 8888
The Four Seasons hotel can be contacted at +39 02 77088
The Hotel Manzoni can be reached at +39 02 7600 5700
Mandarin Oriental in Milan can be contacted at +39 02 8731 8888
Portrait Milano • Hotel contact number: +39 02 3679 95800
Senato • Hotel contact number: +39 02 781236 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
Hotel Cavour • Hotel phone: +39 02 620001
4. Zona Magenta
Just southwest of Parco Sempione (and a mile or so west of the Duomo), the Zona Magenta neighborhood holds three of Milan’s great treasures: the Civic Archeological Museum, the Science and Technology Museum, and the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which accommodates one of the most renowned art works in history – Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Opposite the church, a relatively fresh museum, La Vigna di Leonardo, maintains a beautiful old palazzo and Da Vinci’s own vineyard. Meanwhile, the Civic Archeological Museum, situated near a small part of the medieval city wall and exhibiting a Roman dwelling from the 1st century, offers a magnificent insight into the city’s ancient past. The interior of the adjacent church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is covered with wonderful frescoes; it’s just one of several breathtaking churches in the neighborhood, including the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and Basilica di San Vittore al Corpo.
Zona Magenta offers surprisingly few places to stay – beyond the main sights it’s much quieter and residential than the Centro Storico.
- Best Hotel near Zona Magenta
B&B Hotel Milano Duomo – Telefono dell`hotel: +39 02 8901 0685 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
B&B Sant’Ambrogio Their telephone number is +39 02 4810 1089 - Best Hotel: Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa
5. Navigli and Tortona
A brief 10-minute stroll southwest from the Duomo brings visitors to San Lorenzo, a small artistic neighborhood anchored by the striking Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore and nearby Roman columns, a popular meeting place for locals before wandering down Corso di Porta Ticinese. Adorned with street art, independent boutiques, and gelaterias, this street concludes at another grand church, the Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio, and the ancient Porta Ticinese gate on Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio, a significant intersection. This serves as the entrance to the fashionable Navigli district located further south.
This hip region is situated along and around the banks of the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, two freshwater canals that flow into the Darsena basin at Porta Ticinese. No visit to Milan is complete without spending some time in Navigli. Not only can you spend hours wandering the towpaths and finding charming boutiques and flower-filled courtyards filled with artist studios, but at night, it becomes the beating heart of Milan’s nightlife as the restaurants and bars fill up and spill out onto the streets. (It’s also popular with students at the nearby IULM and SFU universities). On the north side of Naviglio Grande, Porta Genova gives way to an emerging Zona Tortona, a former industrial district where you’ll find one of Milan’s best museums, David Chipperfield’s Museo delle Culture (Mudec), which draws notable exhibitions and houses a Michelin-starred restaurant. The area is also home to the futuristic Armani/Silos, which hosts traveling art exhibitions as well as an extensive permanent collection of Armani fashion. Nearby BASE Milano serves as the cultural hub for the district, an event venue with café and bar. This area is home to the annual Milan Design Week, and the “Mercatone dell’Antiquariato” antique and flea market lines the Naviglio Grande on the last Sunday of each month.
Navigli is the premier area of Milan for nightlife. It also offers more affordable options as it`s farther from central attractions. The walk in is pleasant but expect reliance on trams, buses or taxis more if staying here.
- Best Hotels in Navigli & Tortona
The Aethos Milan can be contacted at +39 02 8941 5901
The Nhow Milan hotel can be reached at +39 02 489 8861 Palazzo Parigi. Contact number: +39 02 625625 The Savona 18 Suites hotel phone number is +39 02 255 5201.
Hotel Gotham can be reached at +44 161 413 0000 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
• Close to: Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri, Caldera Beach, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
Combo Milano • Hotel phone: +39 02 3668 0930
Maison Borella • Hotel phone: +39 02 5810 9114
6. Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi (including Chinatown & Isola)
The previously minimal Porta Nuova and Porta Garibaldi areas were transformed for the 2015 World Expo, and are now populated with parks and futuristic towering structures, and anchored by modern Piazza Gae Aulenti. Behind the two jungle-cloaked Vertical Woodlands skyscrapers and the Library of Trees park lies the quickly developing Isola neighborhood, where you’ll find a lively marketplace ( Mercato dell’Isola), the Italian outpost of New York’s famous Blue Note jazz cafe, and all the trendiest bar and restaurant openings.
- Premier Budget/Reasonably Priced Hotels:Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites – Hampton Inn Downtown – Holiday Inn Express Downtown – Little America Hotel – Salt Lake Plaza
There’s a wider range of accommodation up here, with slightly cheaper rates, though not as inexpensive as around the train station further north. The advantage here is that you’ll still be able to walk just about everywhere in the center, though Porta Garibaldi also is a convenient transport hub.
- The best hotels are near Porto Nuova & Porta Garibaldi.
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Heart Hotel Milano – Hotel contact number: +39 02 8003 0401
Eleven Didsbury Park – Hotel contact number: +44 161 448 7711
Brera Apartments” The contact details for this property are: “+39 02 3655 6284
ME Milan Il Duca” The contact details for this hotel are: “+39 02 8422 0108
Principe di Savoia” The contact details for this accommodation are: “+39 02 62301
The Westin Palace can be reached at +39 02 63361
Another option is the NH Milano Machiavelli, reachable at +39 02 631141
LaFavia Milano • Accommodation phone: +39 347 7842212
7. Stazione Centrale & NoLo
Milan’s splendid Central Station ( Stazione Centrale) building is worth strolling by even if you did not come into the city this way. Taking up nearly a whole block, the 1931 fascist-era building is still one of the largest stations in Europe and now home to the Mercato Centrale Milano, one of the city’s best food halls (Davide Longoni’s vaunted pizza by the slice is found here). On the northwest side of the station, old rail warehouses have been transformed into Dimorecentrale, a cultural hub comprising studio, office, and gallery spaces like Gluck50 and Gluqbar. Northeast of the station, NoLo (“north of Loreto”) is another once edgy and now fashionable area that remains primarily working class and multicultural, with a smattering of hotels, an eclectic dining scene (with especially good East Asian restaurants), and a small but vibrant LBGTQ nightlife ( NoLoSo and GhePensi MI are favorite gay bars).
As anticipated, there is a vast array of lodging in the surrounding streets, with some of the most affordable rates in the city, much of it good value (the quality can be unpredictable at the budget level but has improved in recent years and good deals are noted below). The area lacks atmosphere at times and can feel somewhat precarious at night (Milan’s homeless tend to congregate near the station), but there are usually plenty of people (and police) around. Given the convenient transport connections, staying here isn’t a bad idea if you are aiming to save money.
- Best Hotels near Stazione Centrale & NoLo
A prestigious hotel Gallia • Hotel phone: +39 02 67851
Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum. Contact number: +39 02 833 8371 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Ostello Bello – Hotel phone: +39 02 3658 2720 - Best Photography Tour: Iconic New York Photo Safari
- Best Hostels
That lodging • Hotel contact number: +39 02 3672 3255
Also consider the Ostello Bello Grande, contactable at +39 02 670 5921.
The Glam Hotel Milano provides lodging with a phone number of +39 02 8398 4000 for guests to contact NYX MILAN Hotel phone: +39 02 2217 5500
8. Porta Venezia
Just north of the Quad, the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens provides an area where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet amid open green spaces, grand water fountains, and outdoor sculptures leading to the Porta Venezia neighborhood, which, in addition to being the city`s main LGBTQ district (where the Milano Pride Parade begins), offers wonderful drinking and dining options for all. The park contains Milan`s Natural History Museum, the Palazzo Dugnani, the city planetarium, and the Villa Reale, a Neoclassical palace (home to the trendy LùBar restaurant), but beyond the grand Porta Venezia gateway itself there isn`t much in the way of attractions. The neighborhood is better known for shopping on the Corso Buenos Aires, East African/Eritrean cuisine (try Adulis), art galleries like Spazio Maiocchi, and nightlife – with Bar Basso (inventor of the Negroni Sbagliato) a perennial favorite. Architecture fans should seek out the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a Modernist showplace, the ivy-covered Villa Mozart, and Art Nouveau Casa Galimberti. Popular LGBTQ+-friendly bars include Leccomilano,Mono Bar, and Pop.
Accommodations here are more scattered and apartment rentals more common; away from bars, you`ll find it`s a quieter, more local neighborhood seeing few tourists.
- Best Hotels near Porta Venezia
Here is a highly-rated hotel located in Milan that may interest visitors: ” Casa Cipriani Milano” located in Milan. You can contact them at +39 02 2506 4088.
The Château Monfort hotel can be contacted at +39 02 776761
Hotel Indigo – Corso Monforte Their telephone number is +39 02 38254
The Worldhotel Cristoforo Colombo in Milan. Hotel phone: +39 02 2940 6214 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Didsbury House Lodging • Lodging phone: +44 161 448 2200
B&B Via Fontana Milano Their telephone number is +39 370 361 5375 - Best Hostel
43 Station Hotel – Hotel phone: +39 02 2217 9900
9. Porta Romana
The southeastern edge of central Milan is encompassed within the Porta Romana area, anchored by the 16th century Arco di Porta Romana city gate. It is another primarily residential local area best known for its nightlife and redeveloped industrial regions. The Rem Koolhaas designed Fondazione Prada is the best example of the latter, a stylish complex hosting rotating art shows and the on site cafe, peculiar Bar Luce, designed in a retro 1950s style by American filmmaker Wes Anderson. Not far away are Magazzini Generali and Plastic, two of Milan’s best known nightclubs, as well as the famous roast chicken at no frills stall Giannasi dal 1967, on Piazza Bruno Buozzi. The railyards opposite Fondazione Prada are being developed into the Milano Cortina Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Games (after the Games, it will be repurposed as student housing and the Olympic Village Plaza will become a neighborhood hub).
- Best Hotels near Porta Romana
Another recommendation is the Grand Visconti Palace, available at +39 02 540341
Residence Milano Sigieri” Hotel contact number: +39 02 5519 9190 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Babila Hostel – Hotel phone: +39 02 3658 8491 - Best Hostel
L’Ottava Guesthouse • Lodging phone: +39 335 695 7302
YellowSquare Milan • Hotel contact number: +39 02 8239 6603
That place • Hotel contact number: +39 340 965 0103
Mars Mara Lodging and Morning Meal • Hotel phone: +39 346 025 5753
More Milan Neighborhoods
We’ve examined our favorite areas to explore and reside in more detail above, but on a more extended trip – or subsequent visit – travelers should also take into account the following locales:
- San Siro: Sports fans should look into visiting this area just west of the downtown area. The iconic San Siro Stadium is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan, two of Italy’s – and Europe’s – most successful football (soccer) teams. Watching a game here is an incredible experience, particularly on derby day (called the “Derby della Madonnina”). Even on non-match days, you can still check out the on-site museum and tour the stadium. The stadium has its own subway station, but you can spend the night at Luci a San Siro or reasonably priced B&B Hotel Milano San Siro.
- Bicocca: Situated just over 4 miles north of central Milan (and connected by metro), Bicocca is a modern business and university district with a handful of intriguing sights worth exploring. The primary attraction is the Pirelli HangarBicocca, a large contemporary art exhibition space in a converted tire factory that hasThe Seven Heavenly Palaces by Anselm Kiefe on permanent display. Nearby, shops fill the indoor Bicocca Village shopping center, concerts take place at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, and lovers of Italian film will enjoy the Museo Interattivo del Cinema. There are some economical yet high-quality hotel options in the region including the AC Hotel Milan Sesto and the Grand Hotel Villa Torretta, as well as more budget-friendly lodging like the Aparthotel Arcimboldi,B&B Hotel Sesto Marelli,Il Girasole, and Hilton Garden Inn Milan North.
- Accommodations near Milan Airport: If you have a very early or late trip, you may want to look at lodging near the airport. For Milan Malpensa Airport, the Sheraton is most suitable for Terminal 1, while the Moxy works best for Terminal 2. The Holiday Inn Express often has lower prices and lies between the two terminals. For those flying through Linate Airport, The Moxy Milan Linate Airport provides a good accommodation option.
Milan Travel Tips
- Milan Malpensa Airport, 30 miles northwest of the city, is the primary international gateway for northern Italy. The Malpensa Express train (€13) quickly connects the airport and city center (to Central and Porta Garibaldi stations) in about 1 hour (twice per hour). Taxis are expensive – at a minimum of €100 into the city center. Milan’s second airport, Linate, is just 4 miles east of the center. It primarily serves European destinations; you can take the metro into the city, or a city bus (taxis are around €40).
- In Milan, a cosmopolitan city, nearly everyone you interact with will be able to communicate or comprehend English, with the sole exception of a few taxi operators and owners of small cafes or stores. However, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Italian words and numbers, as a sign of respect for the local culture. Note that if you venture outside the city for a day expedition, you will encounter fewer English speakers, especially among the older generation in rural Lombardy.
- Bike rental choices in Milan incorporate both bikeshare plans like bikeMi and customary rental shops, for example, AWS. With an overabundance of bike paths and trails, Milan is a tremendous city for cycling, particularly on the off chance that you pick to remain outside the city focus.
- The service `Open Wifi Milano` offers free wireless internet access at approximately 300 hotspots throughout Milan.
- Milan’s official tourism information centers can be found at Piazza Duomo 14 and Via dei Mercanti 8. The complimentary maps are useful.
Several discount cards are offered for exploring Milan within a short time period, with the 48-hour Milan Pass and the MilanoCard (valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours) being most popular. Costing between €79-89, the Milan Pass provides free entrance to over 20 major attractions as well as public transportation access. The MilanoCard, priced from €12.50, covers public transit and includes a free audio tour but only discounts admission to the same sights. However, the value of these passes depends on making use of the included benefits through significant sightseeing within the valid duration. People should realistically consider what can be experienced in 2-3 days