Where to stay in Milan – best areas and accommodation in Milan, Italy

Milan has quickly become a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, culinary delights, and thriving art and fashion scenes. Whether you want to explore the city, indulge in its cuisine, or shop for the latest fashion trends, Milan is sure to offer something special to every traveler.

With so much to see and do, you should definitely spend a few days exploring this city!

Fortunately, Milan offers an array of accommodation options to suit any budget or travel style. But with so much choice, where should you stay?

In this guide, I break down the different areas in Milan and provide a curated selection of the best accommodation options. This will help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit to Milan, regardless of your budget or travel style.

This guide to accommodation in Milan will walk you through:

1. A geographical breakdown of the best areas to stay in Milan
2. All the info you need to make an informed decision on the best area for you
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each area, budget, and type of accommodation

Where to stay in Milan – best (and worst) areas and suburbs

Depending on the source, Milan is divided into 88 and up to 99 districts, and not even the locals know all of them or can define where one ends and the next one starts. New districts or areas within districts keep popping up like mushrooms after a rainy day in autumn and now each new real estate development comes with a new area name.

Then there are we, the travel bloggers, taking further liberties and naming the zones as whatever is convenient for us. In short, it’s a mess. I’ve done my best to describe where a certain district is located and why you might want to stay, but don’t get too hung up on the names of the areas and keep the borders fluid.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to stay fairly central but might opt to stay in Navigli or Isola if you’re after a night out or prefer modern architecture.

Milan has a really good tram and metro network, but you probably don’t want to waste too much time commuting during your holiday avoid areas beyond the ring.

Is Milan safe for tourists?

Milan, being a multi-million city, is surprisingly safe as long as you stay smart. However, some areas such as Lorenteggio, San Siro, Via Gola, and some districts in the suburbs are considered fairly dangerous.

It’s best to avoid stations and parks at night and after sunset, as well as the subway, especially if you’re moving in the suburbs. Don’t walk on deserted streets and always stay where there are people. Milan is a lively metropolis, so you will hardly be alone.

Best areas to stay in Milan

So, without further ado, here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas to stay in Milan:

• Duomo / Centro Storico is the area around the Duomo, at the core of the historic city center. While pricey, this is the best area for first-time visitors as it is within walking distance from all the main attractions.
• Brera is the extension of the historic center just north of the Duomo towards Porta Garibaldi and again a fabulous area for first-timers due to its central location.
• Sempione / Arco della Pace is a poorly defined district with many names but it generally refers to the area west of Brera, around Sempione park. This area is a great choice if you want to be somewhat centrally located and in close proximity of nature.
• Porta Nuova / Isola is an up-and-coming district North of Brera and with its modern architecture is a stark contrast to the historic center. Here you’ll find haps of buzzing bars and trendy restaurants.
• Stazione Centrale near the central station isn’t exactly a hip area but extremely convenient if you’re traveling by train.
• Porta Venezia / Corso Buenos Aires to the East/South-East of the central train station is a hip and fairly central area filled with shops and bars. This is the perfect location for fashion enthusiasts wanting to go on a shopping spree in the capitale della moda, and those looking for some authentic local vibes.
• Navigli is a trendy and lively neighborhood South-East of the historic center and the best choice for those looking for a fun night out while in Milan.

Refer to this map of Milan attractions to find the best area for you considering the sights you want to see.

The best accommodation in Milan

Milan has a great selection of accommodation options, from low-key apartments to luxurious hotels, and caters really well to all kinds of budgets and travelers.

Here’s an in-depth guide to the best accommodation options for each area of town. I’ll give you options for every budget and accommodation type, including some very unique and remote accommodation options for the ultimate relaxing getaway.

Read next: Best hotels in Milan

Where to stay in Duomo / Centro Storico

Best for: first time stays, sightseeing, shopping

Known for: Duomo Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Quadrilatero

See deals: accommodation in Centro Storico, Milan

The Duomo district, also known as Centro Storico, is the heart of Milan and the perfect location for first-time travelers.

This area is home to iconic landmarks such as the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, as well as museums, galleries, historical sights, and monuments. Here you’ll also find the Quadrilatero della moda, a renowned upscale shopping area

While the Centro Storico is a convenient place to stay, especially for a short trip, it can be pricey. Visit Milan in the winter or shoulder season to find considerably lower prices for accommodation in the city center.

Where to stay in Brera

Best for: first time stays, sightseeing, couples, foodies

Known for: Pinnacoteca di Brera, Palazzo Brera, dining, cosy streets

See deals: accommodation in Brera, Milan

The Brera district is located to the north of the historical center, between the Quadrilato shopping area and the beautiful Sempione Park. This district is a great base for exploring the city, as it is central and just a short walk from Milan’s main attractions like the Piazza del Duomo and Castello Sforzesco.

Brera is known as the artists’ quarter of Milan due to its art school, galleries, and contemporary art studios. Its main attraction is the Pinocoteca di Brera, arguably the city’s most important art museum.

Brera is a great destination for those looking for classy dining options or fancy shopping sprees. The district is lively, elegant, and quirky, with plenty of high-end boutique hotels and stylish restaurants to choose from.

Where to stay in Sempione / Arco della Pace

Best for: quiet stays, families

Known for: Parco Sempione, Sforzesco castle, Arco della Pace

See deals: accommodation in Sempione, Milan

Sempione Park is the largest park in Milan’s city center, bordering Arco della Pace to the northwest and Castello Sforzesco to the southeast.

The park features pleasant green spaces and various attractions, such as Castello Sforzesco and the aquarium. The area surrounding the park and Arco della Pace, seeping into Chinatown is also home to many bars and restaurants. Additionally, Brera, the city center, and the Last Supper are all within a short walking distance.

The alleys around the park provide an ideal location for those who enjoy being close to nature while still being near the historic city center.

Where to stay in Porta Nuova / Isola

Best for: young travelers, nightlife, foodies, value travel

Known for: Bosco Verticale, Gae Aulenti, Corso Como, clubbing

See deals: accommodation in Porta Nuova, Milan

Just north of Brera, Porta Nuova is the emerging business district of Milan and is transforming itself into an increasingly elegant and contemporary area. The newly built skyscrapers, futuristic-looking buildings and modern plazas are in a stark contrast with the 19th-century remains.

The pulsating Gae Aulenti square is filled with shops, buzzy restaurants, and modern cafes. At the back of it you’ll find the Bosco Verticale sustainable residential building, which opens the door to another alternative neighborhood worth exploring, Isola

Formerly known as the Workers’ District, Isola is now Milan’s hipster central, with a youthful and lively atmosphere. Buildings’ facades have turned into artists’ playgrounds and former warehouses have been converted into restaurants, bars, clubs, or shops.

Both Porta Nuova and Isola offer great nightlife options, including some of the best discos in Milan. The area is also home to many breweries, clubs, and affordable restaurants.

Where to stay in Stazione Centrale

Best for: train travel, budget stays

Known for: central train station, Binario 21

See deals: accommodation in Central Station, Milan

The Stazione Centrale area is located north of Brera and the Centro Storico, and east of Isola. This is the ideal location for those arriving or leaving by train since it’s near Milan’s central station.

The station itself is an impressive building dating back to 1931, with an intricate facade and a beautiful arrivals hall, as well as the Shoah Memorial. This is one of the largest train stations in Europe offering easy access to high-speed trains to Venice, other cities in Italy and across the border.

Although the area itself does not have many attractions, it is well connected with the rest of the city making it easy to reach attractions and other points of interest in Milan.

One of the disadvantages of the area is the rather degraded state of some neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity, and the train station can feel a bit dodgy after dark.

Accommodations in this area offer good value for money, ranging from unfussy guesthouses to modern boutique hotels.

Where to stay in Porta Venezia / Corso Buenos Aires

Best for: fashion lovers, local vibes

Known for: Natural History Museum, Corso Como shopping, Basilica di San Carlo

See deals: accommodation in Porta Venezia, Milan

The Porta Venezia area is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in Milan. It is suitable for everyone because it is quieter while still having all the amenities you might need. It is also close to the city center in the south, as well as Porta Nuova and Stazione Centrale to the north.

In this district, you can experience the true Milanese atmosphere at Corso Venezia and Via Senato, which are lined with shops and bars. Or you can explore history and culture at the Museum of Natural History and Galleria d’Arte Moderna. There’s also Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, a huge park perfect to unwind.

The Porta Venezia area is perfect for fashion lovers and anyone wanting to indulge in a shopping spree. It is home to Corso Buenos Aires, the biggest shopping street in Milan with over 350 shops, and is also just a short walk from the Quadrilattero di moda.

Despite its proximity to the Centro Storico, most tourists bypass this neighborhood, leaving you free to explore churches, wander small parks, or enjoy some gelato, or mingle with the locals.

Where to stay in Navigli

Best for: young travelers, nightlife

Known for: picturesque canals, aperitivo hour, bustling nightlife

See deals: accommodation in Navigli, Milan

Navigli, one of the trendiest areas in Milan, is located just southwest of the city center. It’s especially popular among young people. The Navigli area was once home to a network of canals used to transport goods around Milan, but only two of these canals remain today.

During the day, you can admire the picturesque canals that stretch to the countryside and meander through the streets, filled with street art, independent and cute boutiques, and artist studios.

At night, Navigli becomes the heart of Milan’s nightlife, as restaurants and bars fill up and spill out onto the streets. Navigli is a popular choice for aperitivo, which usually includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can’t go wrong with any of the bars along Naviglio Grande.

What you need to know before choosing your Milan accommodation

Book well in advance

Milan is one of the most-visited cities in Europe and it got almost 9 mil visitors in 2017 (latest info I could find). Tourist numbers like this accommodation prices and availability so make sure to book your stay well ahead of time to get a good deal on a nice place.

Check for elevators

While usually not an issue in the newer areas and modern hotels, the older buildings in the city center usually don’t have elevators. Keep this in mind when booking your stay if you’re not in the mood to carry your stuff up 6 floors.

Make sure there’s parking

If you’re doing a road trip through Italy, kudos to you! As you’ve probably found out (or will soon), parking is scars and expensive so consider this in your budget when picking your stay.

Getting to Milano

The best way to get to Milan is by flying into the Milan Malpensa Airport. There are a number of transportation options available to get from the airport into town, including buses, taxis, and trains.

The Malpensa Express trains run between the airport and downtown Milan every 30 minutes, with a journey time of around 40 minutes. Alternatively, there are also shuttle buses that run between the airport and offer stops in Milan, but they generally take longer than the Express train.

Another great way of traveling to Milan is by train. The central train station has great connections to all major cities in Italy as well as Switzerland and France.

Getting around Milan

Public transportation in Milan is excellent and includes buses, trams, metro, and trains. There are also a number of taxi companies and Uber drivers.

Taking a tram is not just good for getting from A to be but it’s also a great way to explore the city. There are numerous tram routes that operate throughout the city and provide a convenient, efficient, and affordable way to get around town, with a view.

Another great option for getting around Milan is using the Metro, which is fast and serves nearly all areas of the city.

Best time to visit Milan

Milan is a fantastic destination any time of the year. While less popular, winter in Milan is especially magical, while the summer (particularly August) is surprisingly quiet, but incredibly hot. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a visit to Milan in terms of weather, however they do tend to get a bit busier.

Best day trips from Milan

Milan is a fantastic city and has so much to offer, but even more adventure awaits you outside of town. Milan is really close to the alps and some of Italy’s most beautiful cities so if you have a spare day (or two), make sure to take this opportunity to explore the surrounding area as well.

Some of my favorite day trip destinations from Milan are:

• The picturesque Lake Como
• Scenic ride on the Bernina Express to the Alps
• A day trip to the romantic Venice (but even better if you can spend the night and explore deeper. Make sure to follow this itinerary.)

Planning a trip to Italy?

Italy is such a stunning country that packs beautiful nature, astonishing architecture, rich history, interesting culture, loads of hand gestures, and delicious food. Oh, don’t even get me started on Italian food!

I’ve prepared a whole plethora of articles to help you plan your Italian adventure and if you’re planning a trip to Milan or a winter trip to Italy make sure to check out the relevant resources below: