Many travelers – including ourselves admittedly – tend to overlook Milan for traditionally attractive Italian destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. And to be fair, prioritizing those locales makes sense especially for an initial journey to Italy. For example, our suggested 10 day itinerary targets first-timers and bypasses Milan in favor of exploring those three cities, so we too have been guilty of this perspective.
However, we truly enjoy Milan, and it offers something a little different from those other Italian cities.
To us, Milan seems more contemporary and cosmopolitan. We don`t want to undermine the older look and preserved, restored historical centers of cities like Rome or Florence over the centuries.
However, discovering exceptional Japanese cuisine in Rome is difficult, which Milan has in abundance.
As an added bonus, Milan, which is both the second largest city in Italy and the country’s fashion capital, has some truly top tier people observing. Largely thanks to the presence of the fashion industry.
Deciding where to lodge in Milan will considerably impact the nature of your trip, particularly since most travelers only spend one or two days in the city, which is likely about the proper amount of time if you have limited vacation allotment (we’d advocate for two days in Milan).
Offered that time limitation, you’re probably going to want to stay additional centrally to cut down on travel time between attractions.
In this guide, we’re going to do our best to explain all the information you need to consider where to stay in Milan based on your particular style, budget, and preferences.
We’ll go through four great areas to stay in Milan, and provide you the pros and cons for each as we see it. Then we’ll offer a few hotel, hostel, and apartment options that we came across and think would make a good base for exploring the city.
Our aim through this guide is to provide all necessary information for choosing the suitable accommodation in Milan for yourself and companions by journey`s end.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
The 4 Best Places to Stay in Milan: A Complete Guide
Our approach when selecting where to lodge is to initially opt for the neighborhood, then seek out an excellent hotel, hostel or rental in that area
The charm of Milan, like most big cities, is that each neighborhood has a unique personality. The best neighborhood in Milan for you entirely depends on what you’re searching for.
The disadvantage of that actuality is that it can be TRULY perplexing when it comes time to choose where to remain.
With so many great neighborhood options, each with unique quirks and character, which area should you opt for?
It seems implausible to accomplish in a city as large and spread out as Milan, but we’ve narrowed down the list of the best places to lodge in Milan to just four excellent neighborhoods.
The reality is that different neighborhoods may better suit your needs depending on what you seek. However, we believe the four highlighted are best for 99% of travelers, and we`ve detailed our reasoning to explain our perspective.
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- An overview of each neighborhood and our personal experience with it. We`ve been to and explored (more than once) all the areas on this list, so we`ll try to provide a bit of our perspective on what makes each location special.
- Advantages and disadvantages of staying in this area. The factors you must consider to make your decision.
- A collection of a few lodging options that particularly stood out to us. Sometimes because they have rooms with Duomo views, sometimes because the hotel provides excellent value given the location.
Now, we’re well aware that a few of you are currently eager to toss your left shoe at the screen, saying “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!”
Here is a brief summary of this guide if you have limited time (though we recommend reading the section about where you stay for tips on places to add to your list!).
- Our overall top suggestion is to remain on the northeastern end of the city center nearPorta Nuova and Porta Venezia. The blend of incredible location, easy public transportation connections, and amazing places to eat, drink, and shop make this our top recommendation. It’s also the area we`ve spent the most nights in Milan, for what it`s worth. If you desire the mix of additional space and kitchen facilities that an apartment offers, stay at Casa Mia (which also has the comforts of a hotel, like a front desk and baggage storage). If a hotel is what you’re searching for, stay at the stylish 21 House of Stories, which is a little further out, but is a great value.
- For first-time visitors to Milan looking to explore the main attractions on foot, stay in the Centro Storico(Milan’s historic center). Centered around the Duomo di Milano cathedral, most of your time in Milan will be spent in this area. Accommodations prices match the convenience of the location, though there are some nice hotels within a short walk of Piazza del Duomo worth considering for those seeking to be at the heart of the activity, such as Room Mate Guilia just a half block from the main square.
- If looking to spend time in what is considered the coolest neighborhood in Milan, staying near the Navigli (Milan’s canals) is recommended. This region truly comes alive at night, and is our preferred area in regards to food and drinks in Milan. Combo Milano is a nice hotel/hostel hybrid with excellent communal facilities and reasonable pricing (even for private rooms), and Aethos Milan is a beautiful boutique hotel within a few blocks of both the canals and also some of Milan’s best bars and eateries.
- If visiting Milan for a short trip (24-36 hours), the most convenient area to stay is near Milan`s main train station, Milano Centrale. We`ve stayed here twice for around 24 hours each time, and it`s extremely convenient for arriving and departing via train (the station is walkable) and airport (the train line arrives at Milano Centrale). For best value, check iQ Hotel. For an cool boutique hostel with affordable private and dorm rooms, stay at Ostello Bello Grande. We`ve stayed at both and would recommend them.
Note: The weeks in Milan for fashion are twice yearly around February/March and September/October. These periods are some of the busiest times in the city and can significantly increase accommodation prices. Try to avoid these times if possible. Or if you are already planning a visit during this, book your hotel as far in advance as you can and avoid hotels near the fashion week venues.
Where We’ve Stayed in Milan
It probably makes the most sense to start with where we’ve lodged in Milan over the span of our trips.
Our initial two visits to Milan were incredibly brief periods – we were utilizing it as a good place to fly into and out of for other parts of Italy – and we were only in the city for approximately 24 hours each time.
For that reason, we decided we wanted to be near Central Station, the main train terminal for arriving by train and for getting to the airport, to make arriving and departing a breeze.
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The accommodation provides a pleasant stay with amenities beyond what may come to mind imagining a hostel, blending aspects of a boutique hotel and hostel for a welcoming option.
It’s reasonably priced, with dormitory rooms and private rooms, and has nice shared facilities like a kitchen and rooftop space.
On our second trip to the city, Matt was with his mom and brother, and we were using Milan as a way to get to and from Cinque Terre. This was another 24-hour visit, and we again stayed near Milano Centrale for the same rationale.
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On the latest trip, I (Matt here!) was finishing up that trip with his mom and brother and spent some extra time in Milan solo. This time, because I had more time, I decided to stay somewhere other than right next to the train station.
I opted for Casa Mia, which is an apartment-style hotel where it’s a building with reception like a hotel, but the units are all apartments with extra space and, crucially for me, a kitchen.
I enjoyed it, and the location near Porta Nuova and Porta Venezia was nice, with excellent transportation connections and a pleasant (but long) walk to the historic center.
Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova: Our Overall Top Recommendation in Milan
We are grouping the two relatively small neighboring areas of Duomo and Mliano Centrale together on the northeastern edge of the city center between those landmarks. Since the two zones sit side by side and share similarities, combining them into one section makes analytical sense.
Both neighborhoods derive their names from the city gates that still stand.
We`ve found ourselves in both areas multiple times throughout our trips to Milan, generally to eat or drink, which offers an introduction to what you`ll experience if you stay here. That, and the simple fact it`s truly effortless to navigate Milan from here thanks to the widespread metro, tram, and bus connections within walking distance.
Porta Venezia is the eastern section of this area, and it blends density, vibrancy, and history.
It`s full of beautiful architecture and is one of Milan`s most diverse neighborhoods, with a sizable expatriate population and LGBTQ+ community (Via Lecco is where one should go if seeking gay bars).
Corso Buenos Aires (Milan`s longest shopping avenue) runs directly through Porta Venezia.
One of the best streets for downtown Milan shopping is packed with premium boutiques, high-end stores selling designer goods, and covered indoor shopping arcades. It`s a very modern avenue, which provides a striking contrast to the historic architecture found just a block or two in either direction.
Porta Nuova sits west of Porta Venezia, is more contemporary than its historic neighbor, but shares a lot of the same vibes (which isn`t surprising given they`re right next to each other).
The once booming industrial area underwent extensive redevelopment to transform it into the sleek, futuristic commercial district that exists today.
The area is now renowned for its impressive skyscrapers and luxury apartments, like the iconic Unicredit Tower – the tallest tower in Italy – and the sustainable Vertical Forest residential complex.
The neighborhood also has plenty of pedestrianized shopping streets and trendy restaurants and bars, many of which are centered around the hyper-modern Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Corso Como, which is a pedestrian street running from Stazione Garibaldi south to Porta Garibaldi, is worth a walk in the evening to truly experience the neighborhood.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova
Advantages of Staying near Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova
- The location is convenient. Both districts sit directly between the main train station and the historic center of Milan, placing you in an ideal position for navigating the city. You can walk to both in approximately 15-20 minutes. Or take public transportation for an even quicker journey.
- Numerous places to eat and drink. Both neighborhoods contain excellent places to eat and drink, particularly if you include the surrounding area (within about 10 minutes on foot).
- Shopping paradise. If shopping is your thing, Porta Venezia is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Milan. The neighborhood is one of Milan’s main fashion and shopping hubs. So you can shop to your heart`s content, then ditch your bags at your accommodation before heading back out for dinner.
- Relatively fewer tourists. While certainly not the quietest neighborhoods, Porta Venezia and Porta Nuova don’t have the huge crowds of tourists that the area around the Duomo (and even the canals) does.
Cons of Staying near Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova
- It can be loud during the night hours. Porta Venezia and Porta Nuova are both known for their lively nightlife scenes, which means some areas can become rather noisy at night.
- Budget options are limited. These neighborhoods tend to cater to more affluent visitors, making it hard to find low-cost hotels or hostels. Though a few cheaper options can be spotted on the outskirts, and staying there is undoubtedly less expensive than near the Duomo.
The Best Places to Stay in Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova
Here are a few of our selections for the best places to stay in Porta Venezia / Porta Nuova.
Aparthotel Casa Mia: Comfortable Apartments in a Great Location (Where We Stayed)
Casa Mia is a charming boutique apartment hotel located just north of the Indro Montanelli Gardens.
I, Matt, stayed at this location for a handful of nights to conclude my most recent trip to Milan, and it served as a very comfortable base for exploring the city (and I used the well-equipped kitchen to prepare a lovely amatriciana for dinner on my last evening).
The hotel straddles the border of Porta Venezia and Porta Nuova, rendering it ideal for exploring both neighborhoods. It is also just a block from a metro and tram stop and a ten-minute walk to the central train station.
The aparthotel features spacious and stylish private apartments with separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens so you can prepare your own meals.
Though all apartments have one bedroom, some can accommodate three people with an extra bed or four people on a sofa bed in the living area. The extra sleeping spaces make Casa Mia suitable for families or small groups.
Casa Mia offers the private space and independence of an apartment while still providing many hotel services, such as concierge assistance, daily cleaning (if wanted, we usually don`t), breakfast snacks, and baggage storage.
21 House of Stories Città Studi: A Beautiful Hotel + Great Value
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It’s a great value because of that location.
The affordable hotel has 120 modern and stylish rooms, with singles, doubles, and triples available. Each room has parquet floors, a large comfortable bed, a desk area, and a coffee machine.
Around-the-clock services include front desk staffing, a fitness center, co-working space, and a bar/restaurant with outdoor patio serving meals and drinks.
The room rate also incorporates a free continental breakfast buffet each morning, making it good value for the money.
Moscova Luxury B&B: Upscale Apartments at a Mid-Range Price
A B&B that’s just as elegant, contemporary, and lavish as the area that it’s in, Moscova Luxury B&B includes trendy rooms, suites, and flats in a prestigious courtyard in the west of Porta Nuova (on the boundary with Brera).
The design-oriented rooms and suites each have their own private bathroom, with a shared living space and kitchen open for guests to utilize. Most are doubles, with some rooms accommodating a sofa bed to sleep one extra person.
Alternatively, you can book an entire apartment that sleeps up to 7 adults, which is great for large groups. Each apartment has separate bedrooms, a roomy living area, a well-supplied kitchen, and a private terrace/balcony.
A complimentary breakfast is provided at a nearby cafe, while the friendly owner keeps the B&B’s shared kitchen fully stocked with free snacks and drinks for guests, such as biscuits, fruit, cereal, milk, coffee, and even wine!
Heart Hotel Milano: The Best Value in the Neighborhood
Heart Hotel Milano is a contemporary facility located at the core of the Porta Nuova district, with a minimal design philosophy, striking visual works of art, and private yet stylishly simple spaces providing an urban experience focused on modern aspects of daily living.
The hotel is among one of the best value accommodations in the upmarket neighborhood.
The hotel has double and triple rooms available, each with a small study desk, flat-screen television, and an private bathroom. Some also have a small private balcony.
Assistance will be available at the hotel for 24 hours through the reception desk. Guests can check in or out or have their luggage stored before or after their scheduled stay.
Magville Hotel Milano: A Beautiful Historic Hotel that’s Further Out
Magville Hotel Milano is a lovely boutique hotel situated in a tranquil, safe area just east of Porta Venezia.
It’s a little further out than the other hotels we have in this section, but the price reflects that, we think – if it was near the Duomo, the prices would be at least double what they are.
You can walk to the busy Corso Buenos Aires in approximately 10-15 minutes, while the subway and bus stops near the hotel take you directly to the Duomo and other sights in the Centro Storico district.
Once home to an elegant early twentieth century Milanese family, the charming hotel retains period architectural features while revealing contemporary interior designs behind its historic light blue facade.
The small hotel features a modest number of cozy rooms and suites that can sleep up to three individuals. All lodging accommodations overlook a central garden courtyard that provides an peaceful oasis in the lively Italian metropolis.
The hotel offers a free continental breakfast in the dining room each morning.
Stazione Centrale: The Most Convenient Place to Stay for Short Trips
First and foremost: this recommendation is almost purely practical. Particularly for short trips, when it’s nice to not have a long trek to and from the train station and/or airport.
We`ve stayed within a few blocks of Milan`s main railway terminal, Milano Centrale, multiple times and definitely recommend it as a convenient home base. It`s easy to get to the airport from there. It`s easy to make your train connection. And it`s easy to reach the historic center using the metro, tram or bus.
You’re likely asking some version of “what are the downsides here?”
To be frank, it`s not the best area regarding amenities like bars, eateries, and cafes. In fact, we didn`t eat any meals within a few blocks of the train station.
So while it’s going to be more costly, it’s not like you’re simply getting price gouged. You’re getting something extra for your money, we believe.
It`s also worth noting that the train station itself showcases impressive architectural design. As the busiest rail hub in Europe with connections from nations like Switzerland, France, Germany and beyond, it functions as a work of art.
Walking through it, you’ll see all sorts of sculptures, and the halls themselves are fairly ornate as far as busy major train stations go.
Pros and Cons of Staying near Stazione Centrale
Advantages of Staying near Stazione Centrale
- It’s advantageous for arrivals and departures. No matter how you get there, it’s probable you’ll end up at Milano Centrale since trains from elsewhere in Italy and the airports all arrive there. If you have an early morning or late night train/flight, staying near the station can make your journey much quicker and easier.
- Excellent transportation connections. As expected given it serves as the main train station for the city, there are superb public transportation alternatives for navigating the city. The station sits on two metro lines, while many buses and trams connect the station to the historic center and remainder of the city.
- It’s relatively affordable. Being further away from the major tourist attractions of the historic center, the station is one of the best areas to reside in Milan if you’re traveling on a budget.
Drawbacks of Staying near Stazione Centrale
- The area is not so picturesque. If seeking romantic Italian charm, this area may not satisfy. Beyond the impressively built station itself, the modern station surroundings aren’t among the most historic or scenic parts of the city. It’s urban, dense, and features abundant concrete.
- There aren`t many quality places to eat here. While the station area does have its fair share of restaurants, most of them are international chains and quick service locations. If you’re a food enthusiast traveler seeking a more authentic Italian meal, you’ll likely head elsewhere to dine.
The Best Places to Stay near Stazione Centrale
Here are a few of our selections for the best places to stay near Stazione Centrale.
iQ Hotel: Probably the Best Value in Milan (Where We Stayed)
iQ Hotel is a modern and advanced “smart city hotel” on a tranquil street close to the central station that’s suitable for both business and leisure travelers.
We (Matt, my mom, and my brother) spent the night in one of their rooms designed for three people – including two double beds and a single bed – which proved conveniently located just a block from Milano Centrale train station, allowing his mother and brother easy access to and from the station/airport the following morning and maximizing our time exploring the area.
The hotel provides double, triple, and quadruple rooms for selection. The rooms are extremely spacious with a modern design and many smart attributes such as a 49-inch smart TV, a laptop safe, and international wall sockets.
The top floor of the hotel houses a lavish gym and spa for guests to unwind and relax at day`s end.
- If you’re traveling with children 10 years old or younger (who won’t have tickets) be certain to use the gate entrances instead of the turnstiles which are intended for individuals.
Ostello Bello Grande: A Nice Boutique Hostel (Where We Stayed)
Ostello Bello Grande is a lively and vibrant hostel located 100m from the station and directly above two metro lines, making it extremely convenient to travel around the city.
We stayed here during our initial trip to Milan, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to travelers searching for an affordable lodging near the train station in Milan.
The hostel’s lodging choices catered to various travel styles and group sizes, like shared dorm rooms, private en-suites, and family rooms accommodating up to six persons.
There’s a fully supplied kitchen plus a round-the-clock snack bar and breakfast buffet.
But an undoubted highlight of the hostel is how simple it is to connect with other travelers sharing similar interests. There are some great communal spaces and amenities available, like a workstation, movie room, board games, foosball, ping-pong tables, and three outdoor terraces furnished with hammocks and a barbecue grill.
There are also regular social happenings at the hostel, with activities ranging from free city tours to drinking games and pub crawls.
Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale: A Solid Mid-Range Option
Hyatt Centric is the multinational hotel brand’s answer to newer trendy hotel brands (like CitizenM, our favorite) and they’ve been progressively opening locations in cities all over the globe, like in our hometown of Portland, Oregon.
Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale is a moderately priced hotel situated between Milan’s Central Station and the modern high-rises of Porta Nuova.
Each of the modern rooms and suites is stylishly decorated, with wood parquet flooring and elegantly custom-designed furniture.
Many rooms offer spectacular views over the Milan skyline through their floor-to-ceiling windows, while some even incorporate their own balcony or terrace.
There’s a 24/7 fitness room in the hotel’s basement, as well as a luxurious wellness center with a pool, sauna, and Turkish bath which guests can use for a small additional fee.
However, the highlight of the accommodation has to be the lush rooftop garden bar found on the thirteenth floor, offering stunning views of the skyline along with a bespoke cocktail menu and gourmet appetizers.
INNSiDE by Meliá Milano: A Beautiful Boutique Hotel (Floor to Ceiling Windows!)
For visitors hoping to genuinely experience Milan`s contemporary global spirit, INNSiDE by Meliá Milanoprovides a stylish lodge found within the iconic GalfA Tower, a 30-story skyscraper merely a couple blocks from the station.
Accommodations are clean and modern, with a straightforward, streamlined style and all of the amenities you could possibly need, like a coffeemaker, small refrigerator, and flat-screen television with Chromecast for all of your streaming requirements.
Throughout the palace, including above the front entrance, Arabic script referencing Allah can be found alongside Christian symbols like coats of arms on shields.
The hotel’s location within the famous skyscraper means that many of the rooms offer fantastic views of the city from their floor-to-ceiling windows. Although, it’s worth noting that the best views will cost you a little more.
The hotel also offers a modern gym, an on-site restaurant, and a cocktail bar and lounge that regularly features live music performances.
The Centro Storico: The Most Central, Walkable Place to Stay
Milan`s historic center – which we`re stating is centered around Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo di Milano – is a blended structure of different architectural styles that lend the city a unique modern feel, at least when compared to other Italian cities of comparable size.
It’s part historic, part modern, with centuries old churches peeking out from between modern apartment buildings with multinational chains like H&M on the ground floor.
In many aspects, it reminds me more of Paris or Berlin than Rome or Florence (and I`m certainly not alone in feeling this way – the north/south difference is still present in Italy).
Which is in part because of Milan’s position as a more global city, with headquarters of many of Italy’s global fashion conglomerates located in the historic center.
The core benefits of lodging inside the historic center primarily involve the fact that you’re essentially within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, particularly the Duomo, Parco Sempione, and The Last Supper (located in Santa Maria delle Grazie).
You could spend your whole time in Milan without leaving the Centro Storico if you wanted. Although, we’re not asserting that you should do this. There’s much more to explore in Milan if you do have the time to venture outside of the Centro Storico.
As the most tourist-centered part of the city, it also has the best selection of hotels, though you’ll definitely be paying a premium to be in the historic center.
Unlike other city centers, where the dining and drinking selections generally range from average to decent, there are truly some great places to eat and drink here.
Though you’re still going to pay a premium for the central location, particularly if you’re within a few blocks of the Duomo (but, hey, the view behind the Aperol Spritz might be worth the €15 you paid for it).
Pros and Cons of Staying in Milan’s Centro Storico
Before getting into the specific details, we wanted to note here at the beginning to emphasize that, though the drawbacks appear to outweigh the advantages in the list below, the key question here is if you’re willing to pay the price for the benefit of being within walking distance of everything in Milan.
If the answer is yes, then this is the neighborhood for you!
Advantages of Lodging in Milan’s Centro Storico
- It’s convenient. The Centro Storico is Milan’s most central neighborhood. By staying here, most of the main attractions will be within walking distance from your lodging. You’ll have everything you need nearby. If you want to be able to step outside your front door to the Duomo, dinner, or coffee, then this is the place to stay.
- Well-connected metro and tram system. The centrally placed neighborhood also has great public transportation connections to the rest of the city, including Navigli to the south and Milan’s Central Station to the north.
Disadvantages of Lodging in Milan’s Centro Storico
- It’s expensive. As a popular tourist hotspot, the Centro Storico is one of the more costly areas to stay in Milan. You can get better value for money elsewhere in the city, but you won’t have a view of the Duomo from your room or hotel’s rooftop in those other neighborhoods.
- It becomes overrun with visitors at every hour of the day. Due to its immense popularity, it remains persistently overflowing with massive crowds of tourists. If peace and quiet in a neighborhood inhabited by locals where you can follow residents to a neighborhood bakery or cafe is what you seek, this place would not suit your needs.
- It lacks particular charm or interest. While many beautiful historic buildings reside within the Centro Storico, the region overall does not quite exude the same authentic Italian atmosphere and ambiance that some outer neighborhoods possess.
- It’s pretty far from the train station. Depending on where you’re staying and the time of day, it can take 20-30 minutes to get from Milano Centrale to your hotel.
The Best Places to Stay in Milan’s Centro Storico
Here are a few of our picks for the best places to stay near Milan’s Duomo in the historic center of the city.
Rome Mate Giulia: The Best Boutique Hotel near the Duomo
Room Mate Giuliais a boutique hotel just a brief walk from the Duomo, making it an ideal spot for rising early to avoid the huge crowds at the cathedral.
For what it’s worth, we appreciate Room Mate hotels, and they commonly offer an accommodation that is both fashionable and comfortable in their hotels across Europe.
Is it the most affordable possibility in town? No, undoubtedly not. However it’s a half block from the Duomo, so what do you realistically anticipate?
Situated inside a beautiful 19th Century building, the hotel’s rooms have been designed with bold contrasting colors, traditional Italian materials, designer furnishings, and vintage elements, giving them a cool yet cozy feel.
Accommodations include spacious double, twin, and triple rooms. Some rooms also feature a sizable private terrace.
The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center including a sauna and a fabulous breakfast buffet (extra charge). From Thursday to Saturday, you’ll also find tables in the reception area where you can craft your own cocktail – Aperol spritz anyone?
Hotel Spadari Al Duomo: A Good Value near Piazza del Duomo
Another outstanding choice near Milan’s Duomo is Hotel Spadari Al Duomo. It`s a trendy hotel focused on design and filled with original works by youthful contemporary artists.
Each of the (relatively basic in regards to structure) rooms is individually decorated with exclusive artwork and equipped with all of the modern comforts you could need for a pleasant stay.
All rooms offer a small area for sitting and a desk, while some also provide a private patio or terrace. Double and triple room configurations are options.
An American breakfast spread was covered by the room rate, with Italian coffee, fresh juices, and made-to-order eggs. Guests could also enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco each afternoon in the stylish hotel lounge.
Ostello Bello: An Affordable Place to Stay in Milan’s Historic Center
Having repeatedly earned accolades for being regarded as the best hostel in not just Milan but all of Italy, we had to comprise Ostello Bello Milano in this listing.
We stayed in their location right next to Milano Centrale on our first trip to Milan, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their original location if you’re looking for a more central (but equally affordable) place to reside in Milan.
The vibrant hostel provides some of the most affordable lodging right in the heart of the Centro Storico, just a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and 15 minutes from the bars of the lively Navigli district.
You can choose between a shared 4-8 bed dormitory room or a private room that sleeps up to 4 adults, depending on your budget and needs.
The location similar to its nearby station counterpart has plenty of great amenities for travelers, including a fully stocked communal kitchen, a bar open all day and night, free coffee, and laundry machines.
There are also plenty of shared spaces, like a lounge, movie room, workspace, and terrace, as well as social events held each day of the week. Solo travelers seeking to make new acquaintances should definitely stay here.
If asked to indicate the coolest neighborhood in Milan, we would both promptly point you towards the canal-lined areas at the southern end of the city center, which offer a distinctive feature of Milan`s geography and history that we ourselves only discovered after exploring the city.
At one point in history, even into the 20th century, Milan more closely resembled Amsterdam in appearance, with transport canals cutting through the city.
Over the years as boats were replaced by trains and automobiles as the primary means of transportation, the usefulness of the canals diminished and the city filled in the canals and replaced them with streets.
Fortunately for your trip and ours, a few sections remain uncovered in the Navigli region, our favorite area of Milan, especially when including the hip and charming north side of the waterways.
The demographic here skews younger due to its proximity to institutes of higher education (which are mostly situated on the western end of the historic center).
It’s a fascinating area to investigate at all hours, but it shines when daylight ends and the district really comes alive.
The canals are a popular nightlife region, with plenty of cool places to grab an aperitif, floating cocktail bars, and nightclubs. If you enjoy being awake at night, Navigli is unquestionably the place for you (even if you don`t stay there).
The area just north of the canals – San Lorenzo (named after the church of the same name) – is also very charming and full of the best of Milan’s food and drink scene.
One downside of staying here is that it is quite far from the train stations and airport connections located there.
We’re discussing 20 or more minutes on the metro or in a taxi from the train station. Which is why we’d likely only consider staying here if you have two or more days in Milan.
Pros of Staying in Navigli
- It’s hip and happening. Navigli has a cool vibe, especially in the afternoon and evening when you can really feel the pulsing energy of the area. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth taking an evening from your Milan itinerary to take a stroll through here around sunset.
- Numerous quality restaurants and bars. The canals are surrounded by innumerable bars and pre-meal spots, while the area on the northern side of the canals near San Lorenzo has plenty of fantastic dining establishments to select from. You’ll never be deficient in great places to eat and drink when staying in Navigli.
- Local vibe. While Navigli is certainly growing in popularity and can get busy at night, you’ll find just as many locals – particularly students – as tourists in the area.
Cons of Staying in Navigli
- It’s Located Far from the Main Rail Terminal. The canals in Milan are positioned on the opposing side of the city centre from the primary train station, which is likely where arrivals take place by train or aeroplane. Utilizing public transport like the metro or taxis will require approximately 20 minutes or 30-40 minutes respectively to reach the neighbourhood from the station, without factoring in travel time from the airport (not ideal for late evening or early morning trips with restricted time in Milan).
- There aren’t a great deal of lodging options. Being a more residential neighborhood, Navigli has fewer accommodation choices than the city center, particularly for lower budgets. However, there are certainly a few, which we’re going to cover below.
Here are a few selections from among our top choices for spots to remain in Navigli.
Combo Milano: An Affordable Hostel/Hotel Hybrid (with Great Common Areas)
If you’re searching for a reasonably priced place to stay in Milan’s coolest neighborhood, this is it!
Combo Milano is a trendy, contemporary hostel surrounding an expansive central courtyard and terrace, located just a stone`s throw from the lively Naviglio Grande area.
The hostel offers roomy private ensuite rooms that are ideal for families and bigger collections. While the 4-6 bed dormitory rooms are one of the most reasonably priced lodging choices in Navigli for spending plan travelers who don’t desire to compromise on cleanliness or comfort.
All of the rooms have a cool industrial style vibe, with outlets next to each bed and large lockers for storing bags and valuables.
The hostel also offers ample excellent communal areas, like a lounge, a co-working space, and an on-site bar and dining establishment. It’s a great pick for solo travelers and those seeking to socialize.
There’s also a shared preparation area for cooking your own meals, laundry appliances, and a free breakfast buffet each morning.
Aethos Milan: A Gorgeous Boutique Hotel on the Canal
Situated in a tranquil square located north of Naviglio Grande, Aethos Milan is a cozy boutique lodging that offers “a home for conscious explorers.”
The trendy 4 star hotel was created to give guests the feeling of staying in a friend`s – let`s be honest, fairly luxurious – home and is decorated with a carefully selected collection of classic Italian furniture, vintage sports memorabilia, and original design elements.
The initial thing that stands out about the rooms is that the rooms here – which are all categorized as suites – are sizable. The smallest is 325 square feet. Which is roughly 50% larger than most modern hotel rooms. Plenty of area to spread out!
Each of the 32 rooms are uniquely furnished to have their own individual style and atmosphere, with spacious beds, expansive seating areas, and private balconies.
The hotel also has plenty of great amenities, like a physical fitness center, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, a pizzeria, an upscale cocktail bar, and a shared terrace.
Hotel Maison Borella: A Mid-Range Guesthouse with Italian Charm
Situated on the northern bank of Navigli Grande, the Hotel Maison Borella provides an unmatched location and scenic views overlooking the canal.
The hotel is set inside an elegant 18th Century building that surrounds a tranquil internal courtyard with a cozy garden and terrace area.
Double and twin spaces are decorated in a traditional Milanese style, with wooden floors and exposed ceiling beams. Some rooms provide views of the courtyard, while others overlook the canal itself.
The hotel`s scenic on-site eatery likewise has perspectives of the waterway and fills a menu of Italian and Milanese dishes. There`s a free day by day breakfast buffet of customary morning treats, including homemade desserts and new natural product.
The Zebra Naviglio is a boutique guest house situated a brief walk from many restaurants and bars in the lively Naviglio Grande region (and also near Porta Genova for convenient transportation links).
The hotel features spacious and fashionable rooms decorated with bright warm colors and striking distinctive designs, including many zebras (of course).
Most rooms had two beds, while the King Suite could accommodate two extra people on a sofa bed in a separate living area. The suites allocated ample space for four guests to feel at ease without being on top of one another.
Breakfast isn`t available at the lodging, however there are means for making coffee and heating water in each room.
Many rooms also boast large private balconies or terraces where guests can enjoy their morning coffee with scenic views of the cityscape.
