Where to stay in Milan: the best neighborhoods

Although Milan is a large city, its main attractions sit close together in the city center.

So if you choose a well-located place to stay, your trip becomes much easier and you can see almost everything on foot. Plus, some areas are more pleasant than others.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to Milan, staying in almost every neighborhood in the central area. In this guide, I’ve pulled together my tips on where it’s worth staying in Milan, including my hotel suggestions in each neighborhood.

Our recommendation

My favorite neighborhood to stay in Milan is Navigli. I recently stayed in a well-located apartment with great service called HBhall—highly recommended.

Book here

Map: where to stay in Milan

I marked on the map the neighborhoods I most recommend in Milan and the hotels mentioned in this article. Click each hotel to see the booking link.

Where to stay in Milan’s historic center

Milan’s historic center is the heart of the city. If you’re short on time, this is the best area to stay because you can walk to almost everything.

The main downside to staying in the historic center is that it’s a busy zone, as it’s the tourist hub. Prices are usually higher, and streets can be very crowded during the day.

In my view, the center doesn’t have much personality because it’s so touristy. It’s harder to find those cozy, neighborhood-style restaurants.

But if you want luxury and comfort, you’ll find some of the best hotel brands in the world right here.

Pro tip: The historic center has good public transport, but I recommend booking a hotel near a metro station to make getting around easier. The streets get crowded during the day, which makes walking with suitcases inconvenient.

Hotel recommendations in the historic center

• Hotel Spadari Al Duomo: Excellent location and service, and breakfast included.
• Palazzo Segreti: Great spot near everything, but on a quieter street. It’s a renovated palazzo with just a few room types.
• The Glamore Milano Duomo: If you want a room facing Piazza del Duomo and the cathedral, this is the one. Recently renovated and in one of the most privileged locations in the city.

Where to stay in Brera

Brera is one of my favorite parts of Milan because, even though it borders the historic center, it feels quite different.

Milan doesn’t always look “typically Italian” – it’s organized, grand, full of marble, with people in suits rushing about. Brera is the exception in the center.

Here you’ll find pedestrian streets, sidewalk tables, and lively restaurants. I love it.

I think Brera is a great neighborhood in Milan for families or couples who enjoy dining out and having good options near the hotel.

It’s also an area with more apartment options than hotels.

Pro tip: Use the Pinacoteca di Brera as a reference point when booking. Anywhere nearby will be well-located.

My hotel picks in Brera

• Lumera Stay – Solferino: Comfortable rooms and an excellent location. Nicely decorated with boutique-hotel vibes.
• Milan Royal Suites – Centro Brera: Perfect if you prefer apartments. Several very comfortable, well-located units.
• Bvlgari Hotel Milano: One of Milan’s most exclusive hotels, in my opinion. The property is outstanding—every detail is carefully designed, from rooms to shared spaces.

Where to stay in Navigli

Navigli is known as Milan’s bohemian district – and it’s my favorite area in the city.

Set along the canals, Navigli looks and feels different from the rest of the city.

You’ll find relaxed bars and restaurants, lots of people out and about, boat rides, and a more easygoing atmosphere. Grand architecture and office workers give way to colorful houses, art galleries, and local bakeries and bars.

I’ve stayed all over Milan, but for me, the best place to stay is right here in Navigli.

The only downside is that Navigli sits a bit farther from the center – it’s about a 30-minute walk to the Duomo. I actually see that as a plus because you’re out of the bustle.

My hotel picks in Navigli

• Hbhall Residenze Darsena: I stayed here recently and loved it. Super central—practically on the canal—so you can walk everywhere. Small but comfortable, with everything you need for a short stay, and the building has an elevator (rare in Milan).
• Savona 18 Suites: Packed with personality—almost like an art gallery. Great location and very comfortable rooms.
• 21 House of Stories Navigli: Fantastic hotel with beautiful rooms, a city-view rooftop, and a pool.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

We know that insurance is one of those things that we think we don’t need… until we actually do! Dealing with hospital visits and health issues is stressful when you’re traveling, so getting a good travel insurance is the only thing that will give you peace of mind. We recommend SafetyWing, they have very flexible insurance plans covering almost every destination in the world! Take a look at their options and prices below.

Get a quote here

Is it worth staying near Milan Central Station?

Milan’s Central Station is the entry point for many travelers arriving in the city, especially by train.

Several luxury hotels sit near Milan Central, like the Hilton or Excelsior.

The station is a bit outside the center – it’s about a 40-minute walk to the Duomo. It’s not my favorite area to stay, but if you’re short on time, it can be a very practical choice.

Pro tip: The big advantage here is accessibility. If you’re planning train travel, staying near the station can make a lot of sense.

Hotel picks near Milan Central Station

• Hotel Folen: Simple and budget-friendlier, literally next to the station. A good Milan stay option if you’re after lower prices.
• Hilton Milan: I’m a fan of Hilton properties for their consistent comfort worldwide – Milan is no exception. Very close to the station with everything you’d expect from the brand.
• Starhotels Echo: Well located and very practical for train trips if you want comfort and convenience.

Is it worth staying near Milan’s airports?

Milan is served by three different airports:

• Linate Airport, right in the city, is mostly for European flights.
• Malpensa Airport, about 1 hour from central Milan, is the main international airport and the city’s largest.
• Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio), about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the center. Technically in the neighboring city of Bergamo, but often marketed as a Milan airport. Many low-cost European airlines operate here.

In my opinion, the only reason to stay near any of these airports is if you have a flight very early in the morning or very late at night.

If that’s your case, read my guide to the best Milan airports, where I cover the best places to stay near each one and how to reach the center.

Practical tips before you book your stay in Milan

• Whether you choose an apartment or hotel, you’ll need to pay the tourist tax. It’s usually charged at check-in and not included in nightly rates, so factor it in when booking. We paid € 32 for two nights for a couple.
• Pick a place near a metro station. That gives you easy access to public transport, which makes staying in Milan much easier.
• If you’re driving, look for accommodation with parking included because parking in Milan can be a headache.
• Many buildings in Milan (and across Italy) don’t have elevators. The best way to find out is to read guest reviews on Booking. If you travel with large luggage, a stroller, or a wheelchair, this matters a lot.
• Plenty of apartments now use remote check-in. You’ll need mobile data to activate your digital key, so I recommend buying an international eSIM for Italy. I usually use Airalo, which works very well. Buy yours here.

The eSim we recommend!

Don’t have time to read the entire guide? No problem, this is the international eSIM card we always recommend here at Mauka. It’s the one we always use when we travel and the only one that’s never let us down.

Get yours here

Keep reading about Milan and Italy

• 2-day Milan itinerary
• What to do in Milan in winter
• How public transport works in Milan
• What driving in Italy is like
• The best mobile data plan for Italy