Where to Stay in Milan: Ultimate Guide to Trendy Stays

On the surface, Milan doesn't seem like a classic Italian city. Breaking away from the famous Italian slow pace of life, Milan is fast-paced, commerce-focused, and sometimes abrupt. But don't be fooled by its cold exterior. Underneath the high fashion and high-rise office blocks, Milan holds a quintessentially Italian reverence for food, family, and, of course, coffee.

The fashion capital of the world is known for being one of Italy's most vibrant and global cities, and you can feel this when you visit. The city is full of surprises, too – from a district full of canals to cafes where the locals drink their espressos standing up. To really get to the heart of this iconic city, you need to visit!

But where exactly should you stay during your trip? I've got you covered in this article. Whether you're seeking a central location, hipster vibes, or authenticity. I've also added a hotel or accommodation option for every budget, so you'll know exactly which one to book.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Milan

Centro Storico – Located right in the center of Milan, this historic district is home to the city's most iconic sights, with the convenient location putting all main attractions just a short walk away.

Porto Nuova – Arguably Milan's most modern district, this center of commerce, business, and fashion is also the city's main food district. Sample some of Milan's best food here and wash it all down with an Aperol Spritz from one of the neighborhood's many bars.

Navigli – Milan's very own canal district is the prettiest place in the city. The streets are lined with friendly bars and picturesque piazzas, staying here for nightlife and charm.

Brera – Located just above central Milan, this upmarket area is quieter than the center, making it ideal for couples and families. It's not especially affordable, but it is one of Milan's most picturesque neighborhoods.

Porta Venezia – Considered one of Milan's most stylish and elegant areas (and the whole of Milan's pretty elegant to begin with!), this upmarket neighborhood is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.

Città Studi – As the name (City of Studies) suggests, this is the university district. Thanks to the abundance of students living in this area, prices are cheap, and the nightlife is pumping, although it's a little outside the city center.

Fiera/San Siro – Fiera and San Siro are both a little outside Milan's center. But if you want to avoid the sky-high accommodation prices of the center and get off the beaten track, head to this part of the city for budget-friendly hotels and more authentic vibes.

1. Where to Stay in Milan for Sightseeing and First-Time Visitors: Centro Storico

If you're visiting Milan for the first time and want to be within walking distance of the main attractions, head to the Centro Storico (historic city center). Here you'll find Milan's most iconic attraction, the Duomo (the Milan Cathedral), as well as the Palazzo Reale di Milano and the Museo del Novecento.

It's the best spot for shopping, too, boasting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall – an icon of Milan packed with luxury clothing stores and upscale dining spots. While the prices for accommodation and places to eat and drink are naturally higher here there are plenty of options, whether you're seeking a modern hotel with luxury amenities or a cheap and cheerful youth hostel.

Since Milan is famed for its status as a fashion capital, you're sure to see some well-dressed locals as well as shops selling everything from haute couture to independent, local designers. If retail therapy is your thing, there's no better neighborhood to visit.

As with any tourist center, you'll encounter crowds here and it can get especially packed during the summer months, so it's certainly not the best spot for escaping the hustle and bustle. But if you plan on seeing as many sights as possible during your stay, it's the perfect place to stay.

Best Hotels to Stay in Centro Storico

($$$) Hotel The Square Milano Duomo

($$) NH Collection Milano

($) BB Hotels Smarthotel Duomo

What to Do in Centro Storico

• See the Duomo

• Go shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

• See The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

• Visit the beautiful Palazzo Reale di Milano

• Stroll the historic center and take in the architecture

• Talk a walk through Parco Sempione

2. Where to Stay in Milan for Eating and Drinking: Porta Nuova

Milan is noticeably more modern than other cities in Italy, and Porta Nuova (as the name ‘new port' suggests) is one of the most chic spots. Frequently cited as the center of Milan's urban regeneration, this trendy area is home to plenty of great shopping spots and businesses and also has plenty of places to eat and drink. Whether you're a foodie, business traveler, or shopaholic, you'll love this area.

Located near the city center promising proximity to Milan's main sights, pedestrianized streets make this neighborhood easy to walk around, so you can stumble home to your hotel after a night of cocktails and pizza. And it's not just about eating, drinking, and shopping – there are plenty of green spaces for an afternoon stroll here, too, whether it's the Piazza della Repubblica or the Indro Montanelli Gardens.

This neighborhood is just a short walk from Porta Venezia, another excellent spot for retail therapy and upmarket dining. It's not one of Milan's more budget-friendly neighborhoods, but if you're willing to splash out a little, it's one of the most elegant parts of this incredible city and offers a slice of everything.

Best Hotels to Stay in Porta Nuova

($$$) ME Milan II Duca

($$) NH Collection Milano Touring

($) Windsor Hotel Milano

What to Do in Porta Nuova

• Eat authentic pizza at the beloved Nàpiz' Milano

• Check out the Piazza della Repubblica

• Go for a bar crawl through some of the city's most popular bars (I love the craft beer hotspot Birra di Quartiere)

3. Where to Stay in Milan for Bars and Nightlife: Navigli

If you thought canals were only in Venice, think again. Milan has its only canal district, known as Navigli, which is (in my humble opinion) the most picturesque spot in the city. In fact, you might just think you've stumbled into Venice itself!

With the canal-side streets awash with pretty bars and restaurants, it's the ideal spot to spend an afternoon sipping Aperol Spritz or a night bar crawling. Its cobblestone streets not only offer dining spots but also contemporary art galleries and independent souvenir stores.

Viale Papiniano flea market and the monthly Mercatone dell’Antiquariato are ideal for those who like sifting through vintage and flea markets for treasures, while the multiple parks and gardens ensure that Navigli is a green neighborhood.

Milan, on the whole, isn't known as Italy's most beautiful city, but Navigli is where it really challenges that stereotype. Whether you're looking to take a romantic walk or snap some cute pictures for your Instagram, Navigli's picturesque streets are the best place to do it.

Because it's such a beautiful part of the city, it admittedly does get busy in the summer, but I wouldn't let that put you off. If you can put up with some crowds, you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful neighborhoods I believe exists in not just Milan, but Italy as a whole.

Best Hotels to Stay in Navigli

($$$) 21 House of Stories

($$) Maison Borella

($) Art Hotel Navigli

What to Do in Navigli

• Stroll down the neighborhood's canals

• Visit Parco Segantini

• Taste an authentic pizza at La Magolfa

4. Where to Stay in Milan for Families and Couples: Brera

Elegant Brera is Milan's most upmarket neighborhood, home to the city's most affluent residents. While accommodation and dining aren't cheap here, it's quieter than the center, so it's perfect for couples and families if it fits into your budget.

Full of charm, this chic area isn't home to Milan's most iconic sights, but there's still plenty to do, and it's close enough to the historic city center that you can walk easily from Brera.

Brera is known for being home to boutiques for up-and-coming designers, so if you're looking to get your hands on a one-of-a-kind piece that you won't find elsewhere, Brera is the spot to find it. It also boasts the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art gallery that houses some of the best Italian artwork you'll find.

Despite Brera being one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods, it's not snobbish or exclusive. Brera actually has a slightly bohemian vibe and is home to many of Milan's most artistic residents. You'll notice beautiful architecture, charming colored houses, and picture-perfect streets here – it certainly rivals Navigli for Milan's most picturesque area.

Lining the cobbled streets of this district near the historic center are cozy family-run trattorias, offering the perfect refuge to rest your feet and fill your stomach after a day of walking around this breathtaking city. If you're looking to stay in a quintessential romantic Italian neighborhood and you're willing to spend more on accommodation, head to Brera.

Best Hotels to Stay in Brera

($$$) Bulgari Hotel Milano

($$) Grand Hotel et de Milan

($) Hotel Milano Scala

What to Do in Brera

• Check out Italian art at the Pinacoteca di Brera

• Stroll around the Brera Botanical Garden

• Visit the beautiful Santa Maria del Carmine Church

5. Where to Stay in Milan for the Best Shopping: Porta Venezia

Shopping is basically Milan's sport, so if you're planning on some retail therapy during your trip to Italy, this city is the perfect spot. Within Milan, Porta Venezia is the best shopping district – its flagship street, Corso Buenos Aires, boasts a selection of stores from high-street names to niche, independent designers.

Shopping is the main attraction here, but that doesn't mean Porta Venezia is boring, and with just a short walk you can reach the historic center and enjoy some of the city's most iconic sights. It's also home to Indro Montanelli Gardens, 18th-century public gardens that offer the perfect spot for an afternoon walk. Here, you'll also find Milan's Natural History Museum and modern art gallery. Art really is everywhere in Milan!

The elegant Corso Venezia is home to eye-catching architecture and palazzos, and it's not the only spot in Porta Venezia where you'll find gorgeous architecture. From elegant apartment buildings to stunning boutique shops, this neighborhood certainly lives up to its reputation for being one of Milan's most beautiful spots.

This access to shopping, green spaces, and upmarket accommodation makes Porta Venezia family-friendly, but it's suitable for all types of travelers. Considered one of Milan's most elegant and affluent neighborhoods, Porta Venezia isn't exactly budget-friendly, but you can find accommodation that's more on the affordable side. In terms of location, it's pretty central and close to the central station, so it's also a good spot to stay if you plan on taking trains to other parts of Italy.

Best Hotels to Stay in Porta Venezia

($$$) Casa Cipriani Milano

($$) Worldhotel Cristofor Colombo

($) Hotel Mercure Milano Centro

What to Do in Porta Venezia

• Stroll along Corso Venezia and take in the sights

• Go shopping along Corso Buenos Aires

• Take an afternoon stroll in Indro Montanelli Gardens

6. Where to Stay in Milan on a Budget: Città Studi

As the name (which translates as ‘study city') suggests, this neighborhood is the student area of Milan.

Naturally, this lends itself to having a friendly, social vibe and being more budget-friendly than the rest of the city. Home to the University Politecnico di Milano, there isn't much to do in this neighborhood in terms of attractions, but it's the best spot to stay if sticking to a budget is your priority.

As well as popular (and budget-friendly!) bars and restaurants, you'll find green spaces here, perfect for a laid-back picnic or afternoon stroll. The nearby Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano houses an Italian art collection that was privately owned and is now displayed in the owner's art deco apartment for the public to enjoy.

The place to hang out and sip a coffee around here is Upcycle Bike Cafè, but there are plenty of other student haunts where you can find a cheap Aperol Spritz. Craft beer lovers should head to the Brit-inspired craft beer pub, Birrificio Lambrate.

Since Città Studi is mostly frequented by students, it's not as family-friendly as other spots in Milan and is probably most suited to groups of friends or young solo travelers. But if nightlife and affordable food and drinks are your thing and you don't mind staying a little outside of the main attractions, consider this student hub for your next vacation in Milan.

Best Hotels to Stay in Città Studi

($$$) 21 Hours of Stories Città Studi

($$) BB Hotels Aparthotel

($) Kleos Hotel Milano

What to Do in Città Studi

• Enjoy a cheap Aperol Spritz at the local student bars
• Taste a craft beer from Lambrate Brewery
• Visit Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
• Stroll around Piazza Leonardo da Vinci

7. Where to Stay in Milan to Live Like a Local: Fiera/San Siro

Some travelers like to stay in the center of it all, enjoying the hustle and bustle and being part of the crowds. For other travelers, battling against other tourists and staying in the most expensive part of the city is their idea of hell. If you fit into the latter category, head to Fiera or San Siro.

Both located further away from the historic city center, these two neighborhoods will allow you to enjoy a more authentic style of vacation in Milan, living just like the locals would, with access to more affordable accommodation as well as bars and restaurants serving authentic classics.

If you're looking for proximity to attractions, Fiera and San Siro aren't for you. Frequented by residents instead of tourists, both neighborhoods offer a laid-back ambiance but not many of the main sights. You'd have to take the metro or be prepared for a relatively long walk to get to the historic center. But what you will be rewarded with is the authentic Milanese experience and much more affordable food and accommodation prices.

Best Hotels to Stay in Fiera/San Siro

($$$) Meliá Milano

($$) NH Milano Fiera

($) B&B Hotel Milano San Siro

What to Do in Fiera/San Siro

• See Leonardo's Horse statue
• Try Italian classics at Ribot Restaurant
• Visit Parco Monte Stella

Where to Stay in Milan – Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to walk around Milan?

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Milan is that it's mostly walkable, saving you money on taking taxis or hiring a car. In the moments when one neighborhood or attraction is a little too far to walk, there's an excellent metro system to help you get around the city. Taxis are also available, but they're more on the expensive side.

The central train station also functions as a transport hub for the rest of the country, so it's the perfect city for visiting other spots (especially in the north of Italy).

When is the best time of year to visit Milan?

Summer is Milan's busiest and hottest season, so you'll encounter plenty of crowds in the months of July and August as well as hot, humid weather, especially in the historic city center, it is not the ideal time to visit! While you might like the idea of cooling off with gelato, be warned that it doesn't offer the easiest conditions to get around in.

Winter can be a little cool (although definitely still warm enough to visit), but I'd say spring and autumn are the best times to go. It's usually still warm but you can escape the crowds and sweltering temperatures. Aim for March-May or September-November for the fewest crowds and best weather conditions.

What is Milan famous for?

Milan is famous for its fashion, incredible architecture, art, and history. It's also home to some of the most famous businesses in Italy and is one of the cities with the most job opportunities for professionals. In terms of sights, the Duomo is at the top of any visitor's to-do list, as well as Leonardo Da Vinci's ‘Last Supper' painting. The Navigli district – Milan's own Little Venice – is also popular with visitors and provides the perfect spot to enjoy an evening drink overlooking the water.

Vibe-wise, Milan is fast-paced, and known for its espresso bars where professionals go to knock back an espresso standing up before a busy day at work. Here, you'll find iconic fashion houses as well as boutique stores selling designer and independent clothing. Milan's residents are famously some of the best-dressed in Europe.

Where to avoid staying in Milan?

Overall, Milan is a safe city. You can expect to come up against very little crime, although pickpocketing and other petty crimes do happen. To stay safe in this cosmopolitan city, don't leave your belongings unattended and try not to keep your phone out for too long in public.

There aren't many neighborhoods to avoid staying in Milan, although the area around the central train station is somewhat dodgy at night. Stick to the neighborhoods listed in this blog post and take regular precautions and your trip to Milan should be stress-free!

How many days should I plan to stay in Milan?

You can cover almost all of the main attractions in Milan in just a few days, but if you want to get to know the different neighborhoods, you might want to stay longer. While you're in Milan, you can take day trips to other Italian hotspots such as Bologna, Lake Garda, Turin, and Cremona, many of which you can reach from Milan's central station.

I'd recommend visiting Milan for 4 days to make the most of the main sights and explore as many neighborhoods as possible. You can do most of the sightseeing in one weekend, but you'd have to pack some comfortable walking shoes!

Is Milan expensive?

While you can visit Milan on a budget, it's definitely not the most affordable European city. Accommodation is expensive and food and drink prices are around average for Western Europe. You can expect to spend at least €100 per night on accommodation (you can find hostels for cheaper) and at least €10 on a main meal. A glass of wine costs around €5.

You will, however, be able to eat out for less if you stick to Italian classics with minimal ingredients, such as a marinara pizza. Typical Italian drinks such as Aperol Spritz will be cheaper than imported booze. Plus, you can save money on car hire or taxis by using the metro system.

Where to Stay in Milan – Final Words

Milan is a city that offers some of everything, from charming canals in the Navigli district to some of the world's greatest art and architecture in Milan's city center. With a hotel for every budget and excellent public transport links to other parts of Italy, this cosmopolitan city is a must-add to any travel bucket list.

Travelers looking to be near the main sights should head to the Centro Storico, while those seeking luxury and cosmopolitan bars and shopping will enjoy Brera, Porta Venezia, or Porta Nuova. Travelers looking for a blend of charm, picture-perfect streets, and friendly bars will find Navigli appealing, but if you're looking to live like locals or save money, head to Città Studi, Fiera, or San Siro.

From some of the world's best coffee to unrivaled art and fashion, Milan has so much to offer for a short break or a longer trip. All that's left to do is enjoy (with an espresso in hand, of course!).