Best place to stay in Milan – area and hotel guide for 2024

Heading to the north of Italy? We have found the best places to stay in Milan by district.

Milan is an exciting city full of culture, fun and fashion. Many people go to the northern Italian city to see the incredible cathedral, shop in the famous fashion district, go to a football match and of course view Da Vinci’s Last Supper masterpiece.

From refined neighborhoods to those with vibrant nightlife, there is a district in Milan for every kind of traveler.

This is our guide to the best hotels in Milan Italy in each neighborhood.

Where to stay in Milan by neighborhood

Here is a summary of the best accommodation in Milan by district. Read the article for more details on the best area to stay in Milan and things to do in each district.

	Centre	Navigli	Brera	Central Station	Castello
Area	Best choice for a short stay to see the sights	Nightlife and fun in the canal district	Elegant and arty area close to the centre	Stay here to be near intercity transit routes	Close to the Last Supper, restaurants and centre
Luxury	Park Hyatt Milano	Hotel Magna Pars	Bulgari	Hotel Principe di Savoia	Hotel Milano Scala
Midrange	Room Mate Giulia	Aethos (the Yard) Milan	Palazzo Segreti	NYX Milano	Hotel Milano Castello
Value / Family	Speronari Suites	Art Hotel Navigli	Hotel Manzoni	Glam Milano	Una Hotel Cusani
Apartment	Suite Milano Duomo	Mila Apartments Via Savona	Brera Apartments	Heart Milan Apartments	Camperio House Suites & Apartments

Centro Storico | Central Milan

Hotels in Milan city center

are the perfect choice if you are visiting the city on a quick trip to see the city’s popular highlights – the Milan Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

If you are in Milan to shop this is also the place to be. The Fashion District is right in the heart of the city center.

Recommended accommodation and hotels in central Milan

Luxury – Park Hyatt Milano

Just steps from the Duomo and shopping district, The Park Hyatt Milano Hotel is consistently recognized as one of the best 5-star hotels in Milan. The hotel has a terrace that’s perfect for people-watching and a spa and wellness center for a post-shopping expedition rejuvenation center. And there’s no need to leave the hotel at aperitivo hour. One of Milan’s favorite bars – Mio Lab – is part of the hotel.

Opposite Milan’s famous shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, it’s the place to stay if you want to soak up the main sights and the city’s fashion-forward vibes >> Click for more info and prices.

Midrange – Room Mate Giulia

Room Mate Giulia is one of our favorite hotels in central Milan. Elegant and cosy at the same, this small hotel is close to Milan’s major attractions and just steps from the Duomo. The generous sized rooms include a coffee machine and slippers and are perfect for lounging in after day of sightseeing. Well known for its friendly and professional staff, this hotel also has a fitness room and hammam >> Click for more info and prices.

Family-friendly – Speronari Suites

 

Speronari Suites is a great value modern style hotel in Milan city center. With larger family rooms and a central location this hotel is a great value choice for families wanting to stay in central Milan. The hotel serves a popular breakfast each morning and is close to the Duomo metro station and a tram stop.  The Duomo and historic center are a short walk from the hotel >> Click for more info and prices.

Apartment – Suite Milano Duomo

For the ultimate in luxury and flexibility, the Suite Milano Duomo apartments are a great choice in the center of Milan. Choose from a range of apartments with kitchenettes close to the Duomo and Milan shopping district. Some apartments have a washing machine for your convenience and prices include daily maid service. Luggage storage also available >> Click for more info and prices.

Attractions and things to do in Centro Storico Milan

Many visitors to Milan never get further than the center and it is easy to see why. With grand buildings, some of the world’s best shopping and countless cafes and restaurants, it’s the perfect location to get a taste of the city.

• Admire the stunning architecture of Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Take a tour to the top of the Duomo > click here for ticket info
• Shop til you drop at the Galleries and boutiques – Via Monte Napoleone is the heart of the Italian fashion scene
• Enjoy aperitivo at Terraza Aperol Spritz overlooking the Duomo
• Go to an opera at Milan’s famous La Scala theatre
• Eat at famed restaurant – Paper Moon – Via Bagutta 1, Milan | +39 02 76009895

Navigli | Porta Genova

One of the oldest districts in Milan, Navigli (Italian for canal) is known for its series of canals, great restaurants and nightlife and fabulous monthly antique market. From here you reach the city’s major attractions by tram or metro.

Navigli is a fun place to stay if you are visiting on a Milan city break and want to soak up the city’s atmosphere. Thanks to the many bars and restaurants lining the canals, it is the best area to stay in Milan for nightlife. 

Luxury – Hotel Magna Pars

Housed in a former perfume factory, Magna Pars Suites is in the heart of Milan’s creative district. Conveniently located just a short walk from Porta Genova station, the hotel is renowned for its impeccable design and modern spa. Elegant and roomy suites overlook a serene central courtyard and modern furnishings and amenities. Staying at Magna Pars is a unique and luxurious experience. Make sure to enjoy aperitivo on the terrace >> Click for availability and prices.

Midrange – Aethos (The Yard) Milano

A unique boutique-style hotel, each of the 32 rooms at the Aethos Milano have been decked out in vintage sporting memorabilia. Guests enjoy the warm, and personalized service, a late check out of 12pm and take advantage the hotel’s packing and unpacking services. The hotel bar is a favorite place to relax over a drink at the end of the day close to the Naviglio Grande. Yard Milano is a pet-friendly hotel that also has a private cinema room. Rates include a continental breakfast >> Click for availability and prices.

Value / Family-friendly – Art Hotel Navigli

 

Art Hotel Navigli is a good option for families wishing to stay in the Navigli area. The hotel offers several large room types that feature fluffy bathrobes and slippers and a coffee machine. An American-style buffet breakfast is served daily. There is also a gym on site. Metro and tram stops to central Milan are a few minutes walk from the hotel and there is paid parking on site >> Click for availability and prices.

Apartment – Mila Apartments Via Savona 

If you need some extra space, this 2 bedroom apartment in the Navigli district has a living room perfect for lounging. Furnishings are modern and tasteful and the apartment has a flat screen tv and air conditioning. There is a small supermarket and wine shop close by so you can stock up on essentials. Access to central Milan is by tram and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby >> Click for availability and prices.

Attractions and things to do in Navigli

Eating out is one of the best things to do in Navigli. The area comes alive at night with locals and tourists visiting the restaurants and bars along the canals.

During the day, explore the area’s unique character, art, vintage and design stores.

• Learn about the Navigli area’s history on a walking tour >> click for more info
• Visit Basilica di San Lorenzo dating from the 4th century
• Browse the famous antique market – held on the last Sunday of the month
• Relax in Parco delle Basiliche

Brera

Lovers of art and design will enjoy staying in the Brera district just north of the city center. Home to dozens of galleries and design houses, Brera is also the place to stroll down cobbled streets in search of hidden bars.

If your shopping style is browsing boutiques for unique gifts and clothing, there are hundreds in Brera.

Luxury – Bulgari Hotel Milano

 

Bulgari Hotel Milano takes its design cues from the fashion house of the same name. Sleek, modern and impeccably designed, this is the hotel to be seen in during Milan’s signature fashion and design events. Rooms overlook the hotel garden or peaceful courtyard and feature walk-in closets and Travertine marble bathrooms. Make sure to spend some time in the elegant aperitivo bar >> Click for availability and prices.

Midrange – Palazzo Segreti

 

A beautifully restored 19th-century building is home to Palazzo Segreti, a small boutique hotel between the Duomo and  Castello Sforzesco. This charming hotel has comfortable and stylish rooms featuring modern design elements and a convenient location near Cairoli Metro stop. The friendly staff are happy to recommend the best of the many local restaurants >> Click for availability and prices.

Value / Family-friendly – Hotel Manzoni

Hotel Manzoni is a classic hotel in a quiet side street of the Brera district and close to Milan’s famous fashion shopping streets. Parquet floors, marble bathrooms and comfortable beds are features of the hotel’s rooms.  Suites at the hotel are suitable for families and kids under 5 stay free. Onsite restaurant Don Rodrigo features Milanese dishes It is a just short walk to the Duomo via the fashion district from Hotel Manzoni >> Click for availability and prices.

Apartment – Brera Apartments

Just minutes from Lanva station, Brera Apartments are stylish and modern one bedroom apartments perfect for up to 6 guests. Found in a great location in downtown Milan, the apartments are close to Sempione Park and Sforzesco Castle. Apartments have a separate living room and fully equipped kitchen >> Click for availability and prices.

Attractions and things to do near and in Brera

Elegant Brera is close to many of Milan’s best attractions as well as many boutiques and galleries.

• Visit Castello Sforzesco to admire works by Da Vinci and Michelangelo
• Go shopping at shoe mecca Guja | Via San Giovanni Sul Muro 13
• Take a stroll in beautiful Sempione Park
• Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery to see paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio
• Take a Milan food tour and discover the local cuisine >> click for more info
• Cheese lovers should stop by the Obicà mozzarella bar | Via Cusani 1

Central Station | Milano Centrale

Staying close to Milan’s central station is a good idea if you are planning to use the city as a base to visit Lake Como or you are traveling by train to other destinations in Italy.

The station is to the north of the historical center which is a short metro ride away.

Recommended accommodation and hotels near Milan station

Luxury – Hotel Principe di Savoia

The Hotel Principe di Savoia holds the crown of best luxury hotel in Milan. With classic style in keeping with its 1920s heritage, this 5-star hotel also boasts an indoor pool and spa. Rooms are decorated in classical elegant style and you will find Acqua di Parma toiletries in your bathroom. Part of the Dorchester Collection of hotels, the Hotel Principe di Savoia epitomizes old-world luxury >> Click for more info and prices.

Midrange – NYX Milano

Just minutes on foot from Milan central station, NYX is one of Milan’s coolest hotels with murals and art pieces featured throughout. Rooms have a sleek and modern design and all have soundproofing, air conditioning and flat screen televisions. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily and service at the hotel is attentive thanks to the friendly staff >> Click for more info and prices.

Value / Family-friendly – Glam Milano

This modern hotel is close to the station is popular with business travelers and families. Rooms at Glam Milano are spacious and soundproofed. Some have balconies with views of the beautiful Milan Centrale building. There are several suites suitable for family groups. You’re only a short walk from the station making this hotel one of the best places to stay in Milan if you’re only spending a short time in the city >> Click for more info and prices.

Apartment – Heart Milan Apartments

Larger groups enjoy this 3 bedroom apartment 15 minutes walk from the central station. The apartment is decorated in modern and elegant style and has a washing machine and kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Milan attractions including  Sforzesco Castle and the fashion district are close by >> Click for more info and prices.

Attractions and things to do near Milan central station

Milano Centrale station itself is worth taking some time to explore. One of Europe’s largest train stations, hundreds of thousands of passengers transfer through the station every day. 

This area of Milan is largely a transit zone and is well served by excellent transport links. It is not known for great restaurants or nightlife. There are several decent take away outlets and a pharmacy inside the station. 

The Duomo is 3 stops by Metro while the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie where you can view Da Vinci’s Last Supper is 20 minutes travel on Metro line 2.

Castello | Corso Magenta

The area around Castello Sforzesco and Corso Magenta is close to the Duomo and has excellent transport links and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Hotels in Castello offer better value than those in the historic center making this area one of the best places to stay in Milan.

Castello is the place to stay if seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of your main reasons for visiting Milan. The church where the painting is found – Santa Maria della Grazie – is in this area.

Luxury – Hotel Milano Scala

Milan’s opera heritage is reflected in the room design at the Milano Scala. Hung with rich drapes, rooms have an opulent feel and have all the modern conveniences you expect at a 4-star hotel. The hotel is close to La Scala theater, a 5 minute walk from Cairoli Castello Metro and a short walk to the Duomo. Have a drink at the Sky Terrace on the 8th floor and enjoy views over Milan’s historical center >> Click for availability and prices.

Boutique – Hotel Milano Castello

Enjoying a quiet position on a small side street, Hotel Milano Castello is a popular choice for travelers wanting to stay close to central Milan. The hotel has large modern rooms and a private garden where guests can relax. Evening drinks and a light buffet are served in the bar each evening. It is an easy walk from Hotel Milano Castello to the Cairoli Metro and Milan’s main attractions >> Click for availability and prices.

Midrange – Una Hotel Cusani

 

Una Hotel Cusani’s great location and friendly and efficient staff ensure many of their customers are repeat visitors. Rooms are decorated in modern classic style and are comfortable with free toiletries and bathrobes provided. Some have views of the castle. Una Hotel Cusani has a 24-hour reception and private parking is available on site >> Click for availability and prices.

Apartment – Camperio House Suites & Apartments

Need some extra space but want accommodation close to central Milan? Camperio House has a range of stylish apartments and suites to suit parties of 2 to 4 people. The apartments are close to La Scala and Milan’s shopping district. Suites have a kitchen if you wish to self cater or you can take advantage of the daily breakfast buffet and hotel restaurant. Daily cleaning and linen changes are included in the room rate >> Click for availability and prices.

Attractions and things to do in Castello

The main attraction in Castello is of course Da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Renaissance church Santa Maria delle Grazie.

But there is plenty to do here if you are interested in discovering more of Da Vinci’s Milan and the local food scene.

• View The Last Supper – only 1075 tickets are issued each day and you must book well in advance >> click here for tickets
• Explore Da Vinci’s vineyard in beautiful Casa della Atellani opposite Santa Maria delle Grazie
• Visit Sforzesco Castle and discover the life and treasures of Milan’s most important family
• Dine at Ristorante la Brisa – modern Italian cuisine at its best

Milan airport hotels

Need an airport hotel in Milan? If you are flying in or out of Malpensa airport this is a good option if you are arriving late or departing early in the morning. The airport is 50 kilometers from central Milan and the roads are often heavily congested.

• Holiday Inn Express – offers modern, comfortable rooms, buffet breakfast and an airport shuttle 
• Best Western Cavalieri – has soundproofed rooms, free airport shuttle and breakfast from 4.00 am

Milan and Italy resources

If you are staying in Milan for a day or two, check out our 3-day itinerary for things to do and see. Traveling beyond Milan to the rest of Italy? Here are our top articles on making the most of your trip.

Where to visit

• City guides: Rome, Florence, Venice and Lucca
• Great Italian cities and beautiful small towns
• Discover Italian Riviera, Liguria, Puglia, Piedmontand stunning Sicily

Practical info

• Plan your trip to Italy here, a packing guide plus don’t forget your insurance
• Tips for driving in Italy
• Best tours in Rome
• Food guides Rome and Venice

 

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