Where to Stay in Milan: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors

Last updated on August 31st, 2025 at 04:29 pm

Ciao bellaaaaaa!!! Welcome to the fabulous country of Italy and the beautiful city of Milan. If you’ve landed here from my 3-day Milan itinerary and are now trying to figure out where to stay in Milan (aka the fashion capital of the world)… well you’re in the right place. I promise I’m not just some basic travel blogger who went to Italy once and is suddenly an expert on where to stay in Milan. Nope. I’ve been traveling to Milan annually for nearly two decades (shoutout to my family who lives there), so I’ve got alllll the insider tips on the best neighborhoods and design-forward boutique hotels that you’ll absolutely want to start saving for now.

Okay and once you’ve saved enough…you’re probably still wondering where to stay in Milan. You’re not alone. Should you splurge to be right in the center, or post up in one of the city’s cool residential neighborhoods like Porta Venezia? Or maybe you want to stay along the water in the lively canal-side area of Navigli? Figuring out the best areas to stay in Milan can feel a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve got you. (Seriously thanks to my cousin and aunt who have shuttled me around to every neighborhood and hotel in Milan over the last twenty years).

So if you’re planning a trip to the land of Leonardo, truffles, and high fashion…keep reading for the full scoop on where to stay in Milan. I’m breaking down the best areas to stay in Milan, where to stay if you’re traveling with family, and which neighborhoods you might want to skip altogether. Andiamo friends 👇

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Milan at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels in Milan:

• Galleria Vik Milano (Duomo) – An art lover’s dream inside the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this unique hotel delivers a truly memorable stay in the very heart of Milan.
• Maison Borella (Navigli) – Romantic and refined, this charming boutique blends 18th-century architecture with modern comforts, offering a picturesque setting right along the Navigli canals aka one of the most photogenic spots to stay in Milan.
• iQ Hotel Milano (Centrale) – Stylish and modern, this contemporary stay near Milan Centrale features sleek rooms, a rooftop terrace, and an unbeatable location for easy city and rail access.
• Ai Suma (Porta Venezia) – Warm and inviting, this cozy guesthouse offers a homelike atmosphere and a prime spot near Porta Venezia, making it both affordable and well-connected and an excellent choice for where to stay in Milan.
• Hotel Cavour (Porta Venezia) – A refined mix of classic elegance and modern amenities, just minutes from Milan’s fashion district and the famed La Scala opera house.
• Hotel Tocq (Porta Garibaldi) – Fresh and vibrant, this modern hotel pairs chic interiors with a lively location steps from Corso Como’s dining and nightlife. Perfect if you’re deciding where to stay in Milan for easy nightlife access.
• Bulgari Hotel Milan (Brera) – Luxurious and tranquil, this exclusive hideaway sits within a private garden near Brera’s art scene, offering world-class service, a serene spa, and timeless sophistication.

Breakdown of Milan Neighborhoods

Milan might be best known for fashion and the Duomo, but each of Milan’s neighborhoods offer something unique depending on the kind of trip you’re after. Want to be in the thick of it all? Duomo and Brera put you steps from world-famous sights. Prefer canalside cocktails and a cooler, more local vibe? Navigli is your spot. Porta Venezia balances calm parks and culture with Milan’s nightlife scene, while Porta Garibaldi leans a bit more modern and business-forward.

You kinda can’t go wrong when choosing where to stay in Milan just because the city is pretty compact. Also the metro and buses are really convenient. Just try not to stay near Malpensa Airport unless you really have to and/or you have a 6am flight!

Ps. One of the best things about Milan is that there’s also a city airport called Linate (LIN). Which is literally a 10 minute drive from the Duomo and you can easily take a bus or the subway. So always try to fly into that airport if you can.

When it comes to where to stay in Milan, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re chasing cool canal-side bars, iconic landmarks, or quiet local vibes, there’s a Milan neighborhood to match.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Duomo / Brera

When it comes to landmarks, the Duomo is the undisputed queen of Milan. It took nearly 600 years to build, it’s the largest church in Italy, and yes, it’s made entirely of marble hauled in from Lake Maggiore. If it’s your first time here and you’re wondering where to stay in Milan, being smack in the center by the Duomo is a pretty iconic place to start.

Just to the north of the Duomo is Brera, a quieter but still very central part of Milan known for its narrow cobbled streets and art galleries. The Pinacoteca di Brera is home to works by legends including Caravaggio and Raphael, and there’s plenty to keep you (and me) busy with designer shops and independent boutiques found along Via Fiori Chiari and Via Brera.

I’ll be candid – staying in either of these central spots isn’t exactly cheap, and yes, they can get crowded. But you’re in the middle of everything, and when you’re figuring out where to stay in Milan, that kind of access might just be worth the splurge. (Especially if you work full-time like I do and want to maximize your vacation days).

Top Hotel Recommendations near Duomo / Brera

• The Street Milano Duomo (Duomo) – A cozy and contemporary 11-room boutique hotel just steps from Piazza del Duomo, ideal for those who want modern comfort and walk-everywhere convenience in the middle of the city.
• Galleria Vik Milano (Duomo) – The most iconic hotel in Milan. Hands down. Like…you NEED to book Galleria Vik for incredible views and an unforgettable experience. Truly a one-of-a-kind art-filled hotel set inside the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, offering an unforgettable stay right in the heart of Milan.
• STRAF Hotel (Duomo) – You guys already know Design Hotels is one of my favorite brands, especially now that it’s apart of the Bonvoy program. Urban, edgy, and just a minute from the Duomo, this member of Design Hotels boutique property is known for its minimalist-industrial interiors and lively on-site bar, making it a favorite for design lovers and nightlife seekers.
• Santa Marta Suites (Duomo) – An intimate and elegant boutique hotel tucked inside a 16th-century building, offering spacious suites, personalized service, and a quiet escape just minutes from the Duomo and Milan’s best shopping streets. Perfect for travelers who want charm, comfort, and a touch of old-world Milan.
• Bulgari Hotel Milan (Brera) – Ultra-luxurious and impeccably designed, this serene retreat sits in a private garden just steps from the Brera art scene. Easily one of the best hotels when deciding where to stay in Milan. Expect top-tier service, a world-class spa, and understated elegance in one of Milan’s most exclusive stays.

👉 Make sure to check out my full 3-day Milan itinerary for more details and recs.

Top Things to do in Brera and near the Duomo

Ride to the top of the Duomo: It’s up to you whether you take the stairs or the elevator, but no trip to Milan is complete without heading to the top of the Duomo. The views are magnificent and if it’s a clear day, you can even see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

If it’s your first time to Milan, I definitely recommend booking tickets in advance and heading to the top. But if it’s your second or third time, you can always sneak across the street to the rooftop of La Rinascente and grab a table at Obicà Mozzarella Bar for epic views. It’s one of my favorite things to do when I’m in town.

Highlights of Brera include the Pinacoteca di Brera, whilst both the Duomo and Brera are located in close proximity to the Piazza della Scala, home to the iconic La Scala theater.

Ps. Not everything is inside Milan! Make sure to check out my 6 favorite day trips from Milan for lakes, vineyards, and nearby gems.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Navigli

Navigli might be one of my favorite parts about Milan! It feels like a hidden gem still, especially in the early evenings. Located about 15 minutes southwest of the city center by metro, it’s best known for its scenic canals (which apparently were used to transport goods at one point) including the marble for the Duomo. While it doesn’t have headline attractions like the Duomo or La Scala, this is hands-down one of the coolest areas in Milan and one of the best areas to stay in Milan.

During the day, you can explore traditional shops, trendy cafes and narrow hidden lanes like Vicolo dei Lavandai. And at night, Navigli comes to life. The canal-side bars are the perfect place to enjoy Milan’s aperitivo (drinks and bar snacks / tapas) culture, and Navigli is home to several of the city’s best clubs (if that’s your thing bc you already know it isn’t mine but I could probably be convinced after a few aperol spritzes ya know) including Bobino Milano and Alcatraz. 

I definitely think Navigli is one of the prettiest districts in Milan, and home to some adorable cafes and bars. But it is a bit further from the city center and traditional hotel options are somewhat limited so just know that the options for accommodations are mostly family-run B&Bs. Which we love!

Top Hotel Recommendations near Navigli

There aren’t any major hotel chains in Navigli (which I love) so your options are mostly boutique hotels, family-run B&Bs, or aparthotels.

• Zebra Naviglio (Navigli) – A chic and intimate boutique pick for where to stay in Milan, featuring bold patterns and a playful edge. Perfect for travelers who want stylish comfort just steps from the lively canal scene.
• Art Hotel Navigli (Navigli) – A bright and contemporary hotel filled with modern art pieces, offering a vibrant base for exploring the bars, restaurants, and galleries of Milan’s coolest district.
• B&B El Brumista (Navigli) – A cozy and welcoming bed and breakfast with a homely feel, ideal for guests looking for a relaxed stay in the heart of Milan’s charming canal neighborhood.
• Maison Borella (Navigli) – Elegant and romantic, this boutique hotel is a timeless choice for where to stay in Milan, blending 18th-century charm with modern comfort, right on the canal for an unforgettable Navigli experience.
  

Curious what else to do between hotel check-ins? Make sure to check out my 3-day Milan itinerary!

Top Things to do in Navigli, Milan

Wander the canals: The Naviglio Grande is one of the prettiest places to explore in Milan, lined with cafes and tree-lined boulevards. It’s the perfect place for a morning or evening stroll. Whilst in Navigli, you’ll also want to set sail on a canal tour, delve into the tiny hidden vintage shops in alleys like Vicolo dei Lavandai, and enjoy an aperitivo Aperol Spritz or two at dusk, at one of the waterside bars.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Milano Centrale (Milan Train Station)

If you’re interrailing around Europe than Milano Centrale is the most convenient place to stay in the city, as it’s right next to the city’s main train station, with connections across Italy and mainland Europe. The station, as well as having its practical uses, is also one of the most impressive landmarks in the city, with an Art Deco façade dating back to the 1930s. This is another part of Milan that’s been undergoing significant redevelopment, with hotels, bars and restaurants seeming to spring up all over the place. 

There aren’t many tourist attractions here, and the area is trying to shake off a reputation as a bit of a rougher part of town, so if you do stay here then be vigilant, especially if exploring solo at night. As you’d expect, the Milano Centrale area is extremely well-connected, with metro lines 2 and 3 allowing for easy travel around the city.  Accommodation here is generally a bit cheaper, and the location makes this area a good option if you’re exploring Milan on a bit of a budget.

Speaking of trains… Next stop → 6 Easy + Scene Day Trips from Milan Guide 🚂

Top Hotel Recommendations near Milano Centrale

• Agave in Centrale (Centrale) – A budget-friendly, minimalist option for where to stay in Milan, just minutes from the station, offering clean, functional rooms and an easy base for exploring the city without breaking the bank.
• iQ Hotel Milano (Centrale) – Def my top choice! A sleek, contemporary hotel steps from Milan Centrale Station, offering modern rooms, a rooftop terrace, and convenient access for travelers who want style and comfort right by the city’s transport hub.
• Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale (Centrale) – Chic and sophisticated, this upscale hotel features stylish interiors, a panoramic rooftop bar, and a prime location near the train station, ideal for both business and leisure stays.
• Hotel Charly (Centrale) – A charming boutique option for where to stay in Milan, tucked on a quiet street near Centrale, with cozy rooms, a leafy garden, and a relaxed, homely vibe perfect for unwinding after a day in the city.
• Excelsior Hotel Gallia (Centrale) – A historic five-star icon blending Art Deco glamour with modern luxury, featuring an opulent spa, rooftop dining, and impeccable service right across from Milan’s main station.

Top Things to do near Milano Centrale, Milan

Admire the train station: I wasn’t joking when I said there aren’t many tourist attractions here – the benefits of Centrale are in cost and transport links – you won’t be doing much sightseeing or exploring here. Having said that, the train station is impressive, so worth a quick photo!

Bonus activity: If you’re in Milan and want something fun to do, taking this exact cooking class is a great bet. We booked this pizza + gelato making class right by the train station with my 15-year-old cousin, and it was a total blast. He even decided to pretend he didn’t speak a word of Italian, which made it extra entertaining because he got to play tourist right alongside me.

The setup was an open kitchen, the class ran about three hours, and we made our own pizzas and gelato completely from scratch. We did everything from kneading the dough, putting on toppings, and sliding the pizzas in and out of a giant wood-fired oven. It was honestly really fun and it even came with free wine! Which I happily finished for my cousin.

Best part? Eating every single thing we made. Which, let’s be honest, is the real reason to sign up for any cooking class. If you’ve got someone under 18 with you or you just want an activity that skips the bar scene, this cooking class is an easy win.

You can read more about our experience in my complete 3-day guide to Milan!

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Porta Venezia

One of the best neighborhoods to stay in Milan if you’re looking for a quieter trip is the mostly-residential district of Porta Venezia. It’s northeast of the city center and home to some of Milan’s largest parks and green spaces, making it a good option for families too.

The largest and oldest of these is Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, home to the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium. Porta Venezia, often mentioned when talking about where to stay in Milan, takes its name from a 19th-century city gate and also features highlights like the Neo-Classical Palazzo Saporiti.

It’s not all culture and green space in Porta Venezia however. Milan is widely considered to be Italy’s gay capital, with a large and diverse LGBTQ+ scene. Although largely residential, a small area of Porta Venezia is the heart of this gay scene, the center of the city’s annual Pride celebrations and home to a number of bars and clubs popular with locals and visitors.

So Porta Venezia can offer a nice balance, with plenty of entertainment options but respite from the chaos of the city center – accommodation here is generally cheaper too, and transport links to the city center are good via Line 1 of the metro.

Top Hotel Recommendations near Porta Venezia

• Ai Suma (Porta Venezia) – Cozy and charming, this Ai Suma guesthouse pairs homely touches with a central location near Milan Centrale, offering a comfortable, affordable stay with easy access to the city.
• Hotel Milu Milano (Porta Venezia) – A stylish boutique hotel with contemporary design, vibrant décor, and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a modern base close to Milan’s main transport hub.
• Hotel Cavour (Porta Venezia) – Elegant and timeless, Hotel Cavour is a refined choice for where to stay in Milan, combining classic style with modern comforts just a short walk from the fashion district and La Scala opera house.
• Château Monfort (Porta Venezia) – Whimsical and luxurious, this five-star Relais & Châteaux property enchants guests with fairytale-inspired rooms, a lavish spa, and refined dining in a historic mansion.

Top Things to do in Porta Venezia, Milan

Shop along Corso Buenos Aires: Porta Venezia is home to one of Europe’s most popular shopping streets, with more than 350 big brands and independent shops found on the ~1 mile stretch between Porta Venezia to Piazzale Loreto. When the Italian weather is playing ball, a picnic of cured meats and cheeses in Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli is also a top way to spend a day in Milan.

Not a fan of shopping? No worries. I cover a lot more things to do in my 3-day Milan itinerary post.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Porta Garibaldi / Porta Nuova

These two districts overlap, with Porta Garibaldi referring to the area around  Milano Porta Garibaldi Railway Station, one of Milan’s main hubs, and Porta Nuova the name for a new, modern redevelopment zone home to glittering skyscrapers (including Milan’s tallest, the Unicredit Tower) and upscale shopping and dining.

This area has perhaps the best transport links to the city center, making it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Milan for business travelers and anyone who’s wanting to stay away from the touristy center. There’s excellent dining and nightlife here and it’s walking distance from Chinatown.

Accommodation and dining can be pricey though, so you might decide after a bit of comparison that it’s better to be in the city center after all, if you’re basically paying those prices anyway! There’s also not too much to do in this mainly residential and commercial part of the city.

Top Hotel Recommendations in Porta Garibaldi / Porta Nuova

• Hotel Tocq (Porta Garibaldi) – Bright and modern, Hotel Tocq offers chic rooms, a lively atmosphere, and a prime location near Corso Como’s restaurants and nightlife.
• NH Porta Nuova (Porta Nuova) – A comfortable and contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, a generous breakfast spread, and easy access to Milan’s modern business district and Brera’s charming streets.
• Avani Palazzo Moscova (Porta Nuova) – Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, this stylish boutique hotel blends historic architecture with modern comforts, just steps from the city’s skyscraper skyline.
• Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze (Porta Nuova) – Sleek and design-forward, this upscale hotel features contemporary interiors, a lush garden, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Milan’s skyline.

Top Things to do in Porta Garibaldi and Porta Nuova, Milan

Eat your way across Eataly Smeraldo: This high end food court is a great place to spend a day in Porta Garibaldi. This restored warehouse is now home to chic wine bars and a range of local food vendors, making it a great place to taste lots of different local dishes. You could also have a wander through Chinatown or check out the Bosco Verticale, an award-winning 11-storey office building that is covered from top to bottom in greenery.

Where to Stay in Milan With Family

Ok, so I’ve told you some of the pros and cons of different areas in Milan. If you’re traveling with children, the area that stands out is Porta Venezia. It’s green, inexpensive and mostly quiet, but offers good transport links to the city center and the main tourist attractions. Facilities like the Natural History Museum will appeal to some families too, especially if the weather isn’t playing ball.

If the kids are a bit older then Navigli is probably the coolest place to stay outside of the most expensive city center. It offers boat rides and biking along the canal, and the atmosphere is a bit more “proper city” as opposed to the more relaxed vibes of Porta Venezia.

And of course, the central area around the Duomo is a good option too because it means much less traveling on foot or by metro to get around, though you will pay more and crowds can be large, especially in summer.

Also, if you’ve got an extra day or two, my 6 easy + scenic day trips from Milan guide has you covered.

Where NOT to Stay in Milan

Deciding where to stay in Milan is important, but perhaps not as important as knowing where NOT to stay in Milan. A prime example: one of the most famous places in Milan, and tempting for any soccer fan, is the San Siro – the legendary stadium that is home to both of the city’s top clubs – Inter Milan and AC Milan.

You can try and get tickets for a game, or book a stadium tour if you’re interested, but I really don’t recommend staying near the stadium – there’s not much else here and it’s actually quite poorly connected to the city center. Even if you’re going to an event at the stadium, I’d say you’re better to stay more central.

Best Areas to Stay in Milan: Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on where to stay in Milan! I told you it wouldn’t be toooo hard to find an amazing place to stay!! Italy makes it easy peasy.

Also, I feel like Milan is still considered pretty small? Which means you can see the highlights in just a couple of days, making your choice of where to stay in Milan alllllll the more important.

Milano Centrale is super convenient if you’re zipping around Europe by train 🚄
Navigli brings all the cool, canal-side charm and nightlife energy 🍷
Staying by the Duomo puts you right in the middle of Milan’s biggest attractions 🏛️
Porta Venezia is a quieter, more local-feeling option that’s still walkable to plenty of sights 🌿

No matter where you base yourself, Milan’s efficient public transport makes it easy to hop between neighborhoods with a cappuccino (but apparently not after 11am or you’ll get yelled at by the Italians and my cousin) and aperol spritz in hand ☕️🍊

Craving a change of scenery from Milan?

Check out these 6 beautiful day trips that are a breeze to plan.

Visiting other parts of Italy?

Check out my other travel guides on Italy here.

Visiting other parts of Europe?

Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!