Where to Stay in Milan?

Soon departing for Milan and still no accommodation reserved? The question of where to stay is crucial when going on vacation, taking up a large part of the budget! If you are looking for a place to sleep in Milan, read this article to discover the best addresses and neighborhoods!

Milan, located in Lombardy, is famous for its world-renowned fashion boutiques and remarkable architecture. It is a must-visit destination, especially if you love fashion, as the city hosts prestigious events like Fashion Week every year .

However, keep in mind that this city is also rich in history and culture, making it an essential stop on a road trip in Northern Italy. It is home to some of Italy's most famous buildings, like the Gothic cathedral of Milan, known as the Duomo, one of the largest religious edifices in the world. Other sites to admire include the famous fresco of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

If you are considering visiting Milan and hope to find affordable accommodation, focus on your departure period. Prices can vary greatly depending on ongoing events. Between fashion shows, exhibitions, and peak season, don't wait until the last moment to book your room! I actually have a dedicated article if you are wondering when to go to Milan .

As soon as you know your travel dates, move directly to searching for a hotel. The earlier you book, the more attractive the rates will be. Keep in mind that the best establishments fill up first; to avoid disappointment, seize the opportunities

Finally, it's important to choose the neighborhood where you will stay wisely. Budget is an important criterion to consider, but also your preferences and expectations. It's best to sleep in the historic center of Milan, but you can stay a little further away while still being close.

Duomo Hotel & Apartments, located 300 meters from the Duomo, offers comfortable and carefully decorated rooms starting from €240 per night.

Milan Royal Suites - Centro Brera features nice and spacious rooms near Milan Cathedral. Expect to pay from €160 for a night in a small studio.

Nhow Milan offers good value with comfortable rooms, close to the Navigli district and starting at €167.

If I had to recommend one neighborhood above all, it would be the historic center! This area is full of establishments where to sleep in Milan and you will be close to all the major sites. However, I advise you to prepare your budget well, as the Centro Storico of Milan has high prices!

The historic center offers a mix of architectural styles, with buildings ranging from Romanesque to Baroque to Gothic. The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is the most famous monument and one of the most recognized symbols of the country. This Gothic cathedral, built from pink, white, and grey marble, is clearly one of the largest churches in the world.

As for Milan's main square, Piazza del Duomo, it is located right in front of the cathedral and is the ideal starting point for a visit to the city. From there, you can explore the Royal Palace, La Scala Theatre, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Piazza dei Mercanti, a medieval square filled with many historical buildings to admire .

Of course, by staying in the historic center, you'll be just steps away from all amenities, including Via Montenapoleone, located right next to Piazza del Duomo, one of the chicest streets with its luxury fashion boutiques. Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni also feature high-end fashion boutiques for connoisseurs!

In summary, staying in this neighborhood is truly the best option to consider. Of course, it's preferable to have a flexible budget to fully enjoy it. And I haven't mentioned it, but you'll also be close to all the restaurants, bars, and cafes in the fashion capital!

Charming and artistic, the Brera district is imbued with an interesting bohemian atmosphere. It's another option to consider if you're looking for a place to sleep in Milan. It will perfectly suit those wishing to escape the tourist crowds while still being close to downtown.

With its narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and numerous antique shops and art galleries, Brera is animated by a spirit that attracts many tourists. Plus, you will be just a few steps from the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Milan and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

The heart of Brera is the Piazza del Carmine, surrounded by outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the neighborhood's atmosphere. There's also the Academy of Fine Arts, regarded as one of the best art schools in Italy, featuring a lovely collection of artworks, including paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio ️.

For those wanting to go out at night, this district boasts a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisines. You can also enjoy an aperitif at one of the many outdoor cafes on Piazza del Carmine before selecting a club or disco to party until dawn .

Like the historic center, Brera is quite upscale. Accommodation can be expensive, but that's the price to pay for more tranquility. You will be staying away from the hustle and bustle of downtown while still enjoying a rather romantic setting, perfect for couples.

For travelers seeking entertainment and nightlife, if you don't know where to sleep in Milan, this neighborhood should appeal to you . Indeed, Navigli is an interesting place to stay with its artificial canals running through Milan. It gets its name from the channels once used for transporting goods and construction materials.

Today, the Navigli district is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists wanting to enjoy themselves. For instance, the area hosts numerous cultural events and festivals. The Navigli Carnival, which takes place in February, is one of the year's most anticipated events, featuring shows, parades, and entertainment for children and adults alike!

But that's not all; the antiques market is a popular meeting spot held every last Sunday of the month. Visitors can find unique pieces, vintage clothing, furniture, and artworks. If you're looking to shop further, art galleries and local designer boutiques offer additional alternatives for a shopping spree.

In summary, the Navigli district brings together beautiful sights like Casa Museo Alda Merini and the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio. It's also a good area to stay, with accommodations available at all prices, offering convenient access to downtown Milan.

Among the other trendy and vibrant neighborhoods, I also recommend a visit to Isola, located north of the city center and Garibaldi station, about a 20-minute walk from the Brera district. Its name comes from the fact that it is isolated from other neighborhoods by the railway tracks.

Once an industrial sector, Isola is now a hip area where you will find many bars, restaurants, independent shops, and art galleries. It's a district that attracts many artists, and you can spot many street art pieces throughout the streets.

Regarding architecture, the Isola neighborhood is a beautiful blend of different styles, reflecting the vibe in the area. It's notably here that you can admire the Bosco Verticale buildings, two vertical forests designed by architect Stefano Boeri. It's also in this neighborhood where you can stroll through BAM - Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano, a large contemporary botanical garden in the heart of the city.

Isola Milano: for accommodations close to a metro station and Bosco Verticale, I recommend this establishment. You will stay in a spacious, bright, and well-equipped apartment, featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with a lovely terrace with a view of the city. For one night, expect to pay at least €223 for 4 people. This is a great deal if you are traveling with others, be it family or friends .

Easy Isola: this establishment also offers a perfectly located apartment less than 4 km from the Brera Art Gallery and Sforza Castle. The apartment is simple and comfortable, equipped with all you need for a pleasant stay while maintaining your independence: equipped kitchen, oven, dishwasher, washing machine... You will need to spend at least €164 for one night for 2.

To avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown, you might also decide to stay in the Porta Romana district, within the Cerchia dei Bastioni of Milan, southeast of the city center. The area owes its name to its geographical location, as it once marked the entrance to Milan from the main road leading to ancient Rome.

Even today, despite its significant transformation, Porta Romana has managed to retain some of its gems and ancient architecture. You will be able to distinguish the Spanish walls of Milan (mura spagnole) dating back to Spanish rule, as well as the grand paved avenues.

On-site, you can also discover several important cultural sites such as Palazzo del Diavolo, Teatro Carcano where you can attend performances, MUBA, Museo dei Bambini, a museum with exhibits and activities dedicated to children's education, or Giardino della Guastalla, a beautiful park where you can relax .

UNAHOTELS Mediterraneo Milano: located 50 meters from Porta Romana metro station, this 4-star hotel offers beautiful modern and bright rooms, a bar, and breakfast service. The staff is particularly warm and welcoming, and you can stay starting from €130 per night.

La Marina di Milano - Pier Lombardo: located 2 km from the Royal Palace, Museo del Novecento, and Villa Necchi Campiglio, this establishment offers an entire 25m² apartment, equipped kitchenette, bathroom, and double bedroom. You will also be close to metro stations. For a night, expect to pay a minimum of €153.

This last option will appeal to those on a tight budget. Città Studi is a neighborhood primarily housing students and young creative talents from Milan. Although this area is located outside Piazza del Duomo, it's a good solution for saving some money!

As its name suggests, this neighborhood is especially known for hosting many academic institutions, including the Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan. Città Studi is a lively and diverse place, with a student atmosphere and a very dynamic neighborhood life.

Even though you are further from the heart of Milan, this area is easily accessible by metro, making it an ideal spot for students and young professionals who want to live close to their university campus or stay well connected to the rest of the city. In other words, it's still a good compromise for tourists looking for affordable and reasonably connected accommodation

Città Studi is home to many affordable restaurants, bars, and cafes! These are real advantages to enjoying life in Milan without overburdening your budget. Furthermore, the neighborhood is dotted with buildings in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modernist styles, adding a unique aesthetic touch! The streets are lined with trees and small parks provide a bit of greenery throughout the neighborhood, creating a relaxing atmosphere for locals and travelers.

Boutique Hotel Martini 17: for around €134 a night, stay in this lovely hotel with spacious and very comfortable rooms! If you wish, an Italian breakfast is served every morning. It's a great option to enjoy student life in a super cozy setting.

Hotel 26: located just 200 meters from Loreto metro station, this hostel offers double rooms with private bathrooms. For about €78 per night, it's an establishment with a good value for money, very well located and close to transport links. /n And that's it for this article! I hope this will help you find the ideal accommodation for your vacation in Milan. If you plan to move around a bit and are looking for where to stay at Lake Como for a few days, I also have a dedicated guide. All that's left for me is to wish you an excellent stay