Where to Stay in Milan: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods (2024)

Deciding where to stay in Milan might be complicated and confusing. If it’s your first time in Milan, you sure have many questions. What’s the best accommodation for my needs? What’s the best area to stay in Milan? How do I find the right hotel for my budget?

These are some of the dilemmas you’re likely to have to go through, especially if it’s your first trip to Milan, maybe even your first trip to Italy.

Don’t worry, even seasoned travelers have to cope with finding the right accommodation in the right area. It happens to me all the time when I  visit Berlin, despite the fact I’ve been several times to attend the Tourism trade fair.  The only difference is that I have a little more experience, which helps me navigate faster through the countless options.

As a local, let me help you find the best places to stay in Milan for you with these lovingly handpicked hotels.

Best area to stay in Milan for sightseeing and shopping: Historical center

The historical center of Milan (Centro Storico) kept its medieval structure, with narrow streets expanding like a fan from the city’s main landmark: the cathedral or, as we call it, the Duomo. Strolling is very pleasant, thanks to the many pedestrian areas.

This is the perfect neighborhood if it’s your first trip to Milan and you only have limited time. In the historic center, you can easily visit most of the Milan must-sees, all within easy reach with a short walk. Furthermore, as the city is known as one of the Fashion Capitals in the world, there’s no better place to stay in Milan for shopping than the historic center.

Staying in the center is also a good option if you plan to visit the surroundings. There are many easy day trips from Milan, like the beautiful Lake Como and the famous Bellagio, medieval Bergamo, and lake Garda, to mention only a few.

Hotels in Milan historic center

• The Square Milano Duomo is a stylish hotel only a 5-minutes walk from the Duomo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, one of the main shopping streets in Milan.
• If you’re looking for a charming boutique hotel in Milan, you’ll love the Antica Locanda Dei Mercanti, near the Sforza Castle. The rooms on the 3rd floor also feature a private terrace.
• Hotel Milano Scala is located in the lovely Brera district, once the artists’ neighborhood, and one of the most elegant areas of the historic center. A nice bonus? The hotel features a beautiful terrace with a bar.
• For those who love contemporary style, have a look at The Street Milano Duomo hotel, right in the heart of the historic center, only steps away from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• More Hotels in Milan historic center[

Things to do in Milan historic center

♦ A visit to the Cathedral and the Duomo Terraces
♦ Crossing Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to admire its iron and glass vaults and dome
♦ Shopping in Corso Vittorio Emanuele
♦ A stroll in Milan Fashion Rectangle (Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via S. Andrea) to admire the elegant architecture and the beautiful windows of the most famous Italian and international luxury brands.

Best area in Milan for nightlife: Navigli

Rivers and canals have an undeniable charm. The area around the canals – called Navigli – is the best area to stay in Milan for nightlife, trendy cafes, and a wide variety of restaurants.

You can have Aperitivo (cocktail or other drinks at a fixed price including a rich buffet of food) or dinner alfresco, choose between Italian and ethnic restaurants, stroll along the canals. In the Milan Navigli neighborhood there’s life until late at night, especially during the weekends.

The historical center is not far and within easy reach by public transport. You can even walk if you don’t mind a 20-30 minutes stroll.

Hotels in Milan Navigli Neighborhood

• Zebra Naviglio is a lovely boutique hotel in Milan with a unique flair. The rooms feature a contemporary design blended with an ethnic touch, giving them a special character.
• The stylish Maison Borella is set in a typical 18th-century building with a lovely internal courtyard. Located on the canal, it blends modern design with old features like beautiful wooden beams and brick walls.
• Hotel Magna Pars – Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a beautiful design hotel just steps from the canals and Via Tortona, the fashion and design district. Surprisingly, at certain times of the year, you’ll see the prices are not as high as you’d expect.
• More Hotels in Milan Navigli district

Things to do in the Milan Navigli area

♦ Visit the independent shops along Corso di Porta Ticinese
♦ Chill out at the Colonne di San Lorenzo

Best places to stay in Milan with family

Apartments might be a good choice if you travel with children, as they give more freedom to the kids to roam around without you having to worry they might disturb other guests. You can also prepare your own meals if you wish, thus cutting the dining-out costs.

Apartments in Milan for families

• The Art House is a beautifully decorated apartment close to the historic center. The flat has air conditioning and features a bedroom with king size bed, a kitchen and a lovely living room with a sofa bed.
• Located in the Navigli area, Milano Apartments Vigevano is tastefully decorated and has air-conditioning as well as a large flat screen TV including Netflix.
• The bright and modern Caravaggio Apartment is conveniently located to visit Milan historic center and the Navigli area. The flat features air-conditioning and TV with satellite channels.
• More Apartments in Milan for families

Things to do in Milan with kids

♦ Discover the city with the Hop-on-Hop-off bus
♦ Visit the Science Museum
♦ Discover the Sforza castle and have a picnic at the Sempione park
♦ Have fun at the Children’s Museum
♦ Walk on the Cathedral rooftop

Hotels in Milan for a romantic getaway

Venice may well be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but you can also find romance in Milan. And it certainly won’t be so crowded.

I have a hard time imagining a romantic getaway if surrounded by flocks of tourists. Similarly, in my mind, romantic is a synonym for small and quiet.

Romantic Hotels in Milan

• The luxury Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa is located in a beautiful ancient building in the heart of Milan. The common areas are just magnificent, and the hotel features a beautiful garden where you can have a drink and a bite al fresco, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and all amenities you can think of.
• The Yard is a quirky boutique hotel close to the canals, with a unique flair. Every room has a design related to a sports theme, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy.
• Savona 18 Suites, only a few steps from the Navigli, features a bright, modern design with lovely touches of color. The hotel also has an internal courtyard where you can sit, relax, and have a drink.
• Hotel Santa Marta Suites is located on a lovely street in the heart of Milan, only 5 minutes from the Duomo. Classic and elegant, the hotel features rooms decorated with antique furnishing yet with all amenities.
• More Hotels in Milan for a romantic getaway

Romantic things to do in Milan

♦ Walk on the Duomo rooftop at sunset, when the marble gets shaded in orange and pink
♦ Have a drink in the beautiful garden of Corso Como 10 cafe
♦ Pamper at one of the best Spa in Milan 

Have you visited Milan? Share with us your tips on other great places to stay in the capital city of Lombardy.

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