If you have planned a trip to discover Milan and are undecided about where to stay, know that it really offers a huge range of options to choose from , and located practically in all the most important and strategic areas of the metropolis, especially within reach of all pockets! The main Milanese attractions are concentrated more in its historic center , such as its majestic Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco or the Pinacoteca di Brera, and, precisely for this reason, this is one of the main areas to choose from, however these are also others strategic options to be evaluated absolutely for different reasons!
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay
The most convenient neighborhood is certainly the Historic Center , where the main attractions are concentrated, including the Milan Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Sforzesco Castle. In addition, the center includes some truly characteristic areas, the sub-districts of Brera and the Quadrilatero della Moda , certainly the most expensive in the whole area, but with a timeless charm.
Equally recommended is the Navigli area , it offers a lot of choice in terms of facilities and above all a fervent nightlife. If, on the other hand, you prefer an area that is quieter and not too mundane , choose Sempione or Porta Venezia , perfect for travelers with children. AlsoIsola is a good neighborhood, very avant-garde and with lots of modern options with all the services.
If you visit Milan for a football match or a big concert , the best solution is definitely to book near the famous San Siro Stadium . The area is then connected to the center by the metro (San Siro Stadio stop. Line 5). On the other hand, if you are staying for work , the reference districts are Fieramilanocity and City Life , where the MiCo – Milano Convention Center is located .
- Recommended areas to save : Navigli, Bicocca
- Recommended areas for families with children : Historic center, Sempione, Porta Venezia
- Recommended areas for young people : Centro Storico, Navigli
- Best accommodations : we have selected the best hotels, b & bs and hostels in Milan. Discover our advice and book on Booking
Business stay : if you are in Milan as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. If, on the other hand, you are staying in the city for events or fairs, choose an accommodation in the City Life / Fieramilanocity area
Milan area guide
The Milan area has over 80 districts and is divided into 9 large areas. The zone 1 is of interest , corresponds to the center strocio where the main attractions are located, and is the most recommended when visiting the city for the first time.
In case you already know the Lombard capital , you can easily opt for zones 2, 3 and 4: you can certainly save money for hotel accommodation and you will still be well connected with the most important areas, without forgetting that you will have the opportunity to visit some of the parts of Milan not exactly known. Also, if you come to the city for concerts or matches or to attend trade fairs, the best area is the one west of the historic center, between San Siro and Fiera.
Furthermore, it is essential to know that Milan transport is divided into tariff zones . Moving in the center and in the area of the fair, just take the ticket of the lowest price range, which includes the whole of Milan between the Mi1 area and the Mi9 area
Historic center / Zone 1
It is the most representative district of Milan , all the main attractions are concentrated in the historic center, such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Sforzesco Castle. The district is well connected by tram and metro (Duomo, Cairoli, Cordusio and San Babila stops are the reference ones). The only flaw is the fact that the area is not exactly cheap , therefore not recommended for low cost holidays.
But, within the historic center area, there are several sub-districts that you can choose according to your needs ! The area around the Duomo is the most central, and obviously the most expensive, but ideal for a first vacation in Milan. The Brera sub-district, where the famous Pinacoteca di Brera is located, is instead a luxurious district, full of boutiques and art galleries, considered the bohemian and chic soul of the city. But even more luxurious and exclusive is the Quadrilatero della Moda , which develops around the famous Via Montenapoleone, with the most elegant and refined structures.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 65.00 for low cost accommodations to € 150.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Velvet Gray Boutique Hotel | Hotel located in the Fashion District, with large rooms, 24h reception, terrace and parking. Ideal for couples and families |
| Locanda Pandenus Brera | Ideal B&B for families and couples, excellent location in the Brera district. It also has a restaurant and an airport shuttle service is available |
| Nice hostel | Ideal hostel for young people and couples, 10 min walk from the Duomo. Perfect location, offers 3 furnished terraces with hammocks |
| Mandarin Oriental Milan | 5-star luxury hotel with spa, wellness center and swimming pool. Internal parking available. Ideal for couples and families |
Simplon / Zone 1
On the border with the historic center, there is the Sempione district, which still falls within zone 1. The entire district takes its name from Parco Sempione, one of the largest green areas in Milan , where the great Arco della Pace is also located. . On the other side of the park there is the Sforzesco Castle.
Given its location, it is an ideal area especially for families , given the presence of the large park and the proximity to the historic center, without being in the middle of the nightlife. It is an area equipped with all services, very quiet and green.
From here, you can reach the center with a walk through the Park, alternatively the area is served by numerous bus and tram stops and by the Moscova metro station (line M2). The Milano Cadorna railway station is also nearby.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 50.00 for low cost accommodations to € 170.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Arch of Peace Lovely Flat | Apartment near the Arco della Pace, maximum capacity 4 people. Equipped kitchen, Wifi and air conditioning. Ideal for families |
| Simplon Halldis Apartments | Modern and bright apartments with fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and bathtub. Ideal for families and couples |
| B&B Quater Lett | B&B with simple rooms but equipped with all services. Daily cleaning service. Ideal for couples and families |
| VIU Milan hotels | 5-star hotel with large panoramic swimming pool and spa & wellness center. Parking, bar and pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
Navigli / Zone 1
If you want to savor the moments of the typical Milanese aperitif , opt for the Navigli area without batting an eye! Even today you can walk along some of the canals built thanks to Leonardo da Vinci and stay in these places without having to spend a fortune . We are located south-east of the city center, on the edge of Porta Ticinese.
It is an ideal area for those looking for nightlife ! Here, in fact, the Milanese gather for the aperitif hour. In the evening it can be a bit noisy, so the area is not entirely recommended for families, on the contrary it is a perfect place for kids looking for nightlife.
Although far from the center, the Navigli area is well connected to the whole city thanks to the metro. The reference stations are Porta Genova and Romulus (M2), while tram stops are adjacent to the spectacular Arco di Porta Ticinese, hence pass the lines 2 and 12.
The average prices of the neighborhood range from around € 69.00 per low cost accommodations at € 180.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Navigli Aparthotel | Aparthotel with rooms equipped with kitchenette. Parking available, pets allowed, bar and airport shuttle. Ideal for families |
| 2 Navigli | B&B with spa ideal for couples and families. Daily maid service and parking |
| Casabase | Ideal hostel for young people and couples. Rooms equipped with desk, common area and bar with lift |
| Maison Casa Borella hotel | 4-star luxury hotel with restaurant and private parking; perfect for couples. Paid parking available |
Porta Venezia / Zone 2
The Porta Venezia area is certainly one of the most fascinating in Milan : you will breathe the real Milanese atmosphere, on one side Corso Venezia and Via Senato , avenues dotted with shops and clubs, while you will have history, culture ( Civic Museum of Natural History and Galleria d ‘Modern Art ) and a huge park (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli) on the other side.
It is a neighborhood suitable for everyone , both for families towards the Public Gardens, and for young people, who will be a stone’s throw from the center. On the northern side are the Porta Nuova and Centrale districts, in the latter there is the Milano Centrale station. So it is also perfect for those who have planned excursions in the surrounding area and need to travel by train. Of the whole area, Porta Venezia remains the best neighborhood to stay in, however we do not recommend going near the central station late in the evening . The metro stops of reference are those of Palestro and Porta Venezia (M1).
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 33.00 for low cost accommodations to € 170.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ibis Styles Milan Center | Ideal hotel for families and couples, with 24-hour reception, parking and family rooms available |
| Joy House | B&B with free wifi, ideal for families and couples. Internal parking is also available |
| Ostelzzz Milan | Ideal hostel for young people, but also prepared for families. Indoor parking and entertainment rooms, 24 hour reception |
| Sheraton Diana Majestic | Luxury hotel with gym and relaxation area, perfect for families and couples. Parking available |
Bicocca / Zone 2
Bicocca is one of the most modern areas of the city , it is located in the northern suburbs and is still well connected with the rest of the most important districts by the red (M1) and lilac (M5) metro, forwards the tram n ° 14 crosses the city and connects the neighborhood with Corso Sempione and City Life.
It is a neighborhood suitable for young people , also and above all because the University of Milan-Bicocca is located right here; Furthermore, families and couples can also find different options to choose from, but we still recommend those traveling with children to stay towards the center. It is also a neighborhood for those on a budget , as costs are lower than in the center, especially in the summer when many students return home.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 45.00 for low cost accommodations to € 161.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ornate hotel | Ideal hotel for families and couples. Indoor parking, 24h reception, pets allowed |
| B&B D’Eco Milan | B&B with garden and a shared kitchen, ideal for families. On street parking, rooms equipped with tea / coffee maker in all rooms |
| Bicocca Arcimboldi Apartment | Apartments for max 4 people, equipped with equipped kitchen, garden and city view. Pets Allowed. Ideal for friends and families |
| Grand Hotel Villa Torretta | Luxury hotel with restaurant and gym in an impressive 17th century building, indoor parking available. Ideal for couples |
Island / Zone 2
The Isola district is one of the “youngest” in the city , known by all for its international vocation with its ultra-modern Piazza Gae Aulenti , the UniCredit General Management building (the tallest skyscraper in Italy) and the original Bosco Verticale , skyscraper entirely covered by greenery. Between one walk and the next, the neighborhood makes the Lilac Islands available to everyone , that is, wooden structures as a refreshment and relaxation point, or perfect for storing your bicycle and recharging your mobile phone.
The Isola district is extremely avant-garde, frequented at any time of day by business men and women, but also by tourists! Its characteristics make it a perfect neighborhood for those on a medium-high budget, it is perfect for couples and families.
The reference stops are Isola and Zara (lilac line M5) and those of Garibaldi and Gioia (green line M2); while with the bus you have to use the bus lines 60 and 70 and the tram lines 2, 7 and 33.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 60.00 for low cost accommodations to € 236.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Pastrengo Flat | Small and well furnished apartment with fully equipped kitchen, perfect for couples or families with one child |
| NH Milano Palazzo Moscova | Four-star hotel with wellness center, spa, a gym and a renowned restaurant; ideal for families and couples. |
| Urban District Apartments Milan Isola | Modern apartment, max 4 people, equipped kitchen and all comforts. Lift, heating and air conditioning. Ideal for families |
| Tocq Hotel | 4-star hotel with a refined and elegant design. Restaurant service, pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
Citylife and Fiera Area / Zone 1
If you go to Milan for work or to attend a fair , we recommend that you stay in the Fiera and City Life districts. In fact, here are the MiCo – Milano Convention Center , and the Fieramilanocity congress and exhibition center .
Given the characteristics of these neighborhoods, it follows that many of the accommodations are designed to accommodate those traveling for business purposes , offering all the useful services such as Wifi, desk space, bright rooms and breakfast service and restaurant with longer hours. If you are traveling strictly for tourism, we advise you instead to concentrate on finding accommodation in the historic center area. Here, in fact, the prices are higher, especially during trade fairs or important conferences.
The area is well served by public transport . Find the metro stops Portello and Tre Torri (line 5) and Lotto Fieramilanocity (lines 1 and 5) and a few steps away is the Milan Domodossola railway station.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 70.00 for low cost accommodations to € 500.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Citylife Fiera Milano City Apartment | Entire apartment of 55 sqm, heating, lift and pets allowed. Free WiFi connection, not far from the fair |
| Domenichino Hotel | 3-star hotel near the MiCo congress center and Fiera Milano CityLife. Room service, private parking and bar service |
| Milano Fashion Suite – CityLife District | Modern and bright apartment, large rooms, equipped kitchen and private parking. Wifi connection and breakfast included |
| Meliá Milan | 5-star hotel equipped with all comforts, spa and wellness center, restaurant and room service. Elegant and well-kept interiors, a 10-minute walk from CityLife |
San Siro
If your stay in Milan consists of a hit and run to attend a football match or to attend a concert , then the best solution is to stay in the San Siro district, where the famous stadium of the same name is located.
This neighborhood has different types of accommodation , obviously there is no shortage of apartments or b & bs to spend the night after the event, but also hotels with all services. So whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends or as a family to attend the match of your favorite team, you will find everything you are looking for!
The stadium and the district are well connected to the city center. The area is served by metro line 5, with the stops of San Siro Stadio (exit right in front of the stadium), San Siro Ippodromo and Segesta.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 40.00 for low cost accommodations to € 170.00 for high budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| B&B Hotel Milan San Siro | Accommodation overlooking the San Siro stadium. It has bright rooms equipped with all services and on-site parking. Ideal for couples |
| Meta Italy in San Siro | 75 sqm apartment, one bedroom, sofa bed, equipped kitchen and balcony with city view. Ideal for families and small groups |
| Bed & Breakfast A San Siro 75 | B&B 400 m from the stadium. Rooms with private or shared bathroom, 24 hour reception, private parking. Ideal for young people, couples and families |
| Lotto San Siro apartment | Entire apartment of 150 sqm, with 3 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and parking. Ideal for groups of friends |
Towns near Milan where to stay
Milan is definitely the best option if you are planning to visit the city only . In fact, we do not recommend staying in neighboring countries, as the metropolis is very extensive and travel may take a long time. Not to mention the rush hours, when the vehicles are filled with commuters who go to the center to work.
This is different if your trip also includes excursions in the surrounding area and visits to several areas . If you want to discover Lake Como or the other cities of art in the surroundings, you can consider these places to stay:
- Assago (13 km / 20 min) : just outside Milan, Assago is famous for the presence of the Mediolanum Forum, the most important Italian indoor arena. This area is therefore ideal for staying if you attend events at the Forum and is well connected to Milan (metro line M2 from Milano Centrale FS to Assago Milanofiori Forum)
- Como (50 km / 54 min) : the best base to start discovering Lake Como and all the wonderful villages found here. Furthermore, it is well connected to Milan by direct train (multiple lines, frequent departures, 40 min)
- San Donato Milanese (11.8 km / 30 minutes) : recommended for families and couples who want to avoid staying in too crowded places; from here you can easily reach the historic center area by metro (about 20 min stop with the same name)
