Where To Stay In Milan: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, but there’s much more going on than designer stores. The city has Roman roots, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of Europe’s most famous opera houses, and a food scene that goes well beyond pizza and pasta.

Each area has its own personality, too. Stay around the Duomo and you’re in the middle of the action, with grand architecture and famous shopping streets right outside your door. Head to Brera and things feel more relaxed, with little galleries, cobbled streets, and plenty of places to stop for an espresso. Navigli brings canals, bars, and a lively evening scene.

Whether you want to be close to the sights, find great nightlife, sleep somewhere quieter, or simply eat really well, there’s a Milan neighborhood that fits.

In this travel guide:

Duomo

Best area for: first-time visit, shopping, sightseeing

The Duomo area is Milan at full volume. All first-time visitors usually start here because so much of the city seems to spill into this one giant square.

The Duomo itself is the star. Construction began way back in 1386, and the cathedral took centuries to complete. Its roof is the real treat, though. We climbed up to the terraces and got a close look at all those spires, statues, and the famous golden Madonnina. The views across Milan are pretty great, too.

Right next door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This enormous glass-roofed arcade dates from the 19th century and connects Piazza Duomo with La Scala. We like coming through here even when we aren’t shopping. The architecture is spectacular, and there are plenty of old-school cafés for a quick espresso or aperitivo. Don’t skip the mosaic bull on the floor. There is a Milanese tradition of spinning on its, well, certain body part for good luck.

For art, we head to Palazzo Reale or the Museo del Novecento. The latter has an impressive collection of 20th-century Italian art, including works by Boccioni and Fontana. It also has fantastic views back toward the Duomo.

When we need a break, we grab a coffee at Giacomo Caffè right on Piazza Duomo. For lunch, a panzerotto from Panzerotti Luini is an easy Milan classic. Expect a line, but it moves fast.

Best place to stay in Duomo

Room Mate Giulia Hotel. Address: Silvio Pellico 4, Milan City Center, 20121 Milan, Italy.

Navigli

Best area for: hipster, nightlife, canals

When people think of canals, they usually think of Venice. Venice’s uniqueness has made it a staple on the world tourism scene. However, Milan has its own canals that offer a unique perspective of the city. This area is known as Navigli.

The canals were designed centuries ago to move marble for the Duomo cathedral. Leonardo da Vinci even helped build the lock systems. Today, two main canals survive: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese.

The real draw here is the evening aperitivo scene. Around 6 PM, bars along the water start filling up. You buy a cocktail, like a classic Negroni, and get access to spread of small bites. It is easily the best way to kick off a night. On the last Sunday of every month, an incredible antique market stretches along the banks. For art lovers, the nearby Armani/Silos museum displays decades of iconic Italian fashion designs.

When dinnertime hits, we grab a table at El Brellin. It sits right on the Naviglio Grande inside an old 18th-century laundry alley. Their saffron risotto and classic Milanese veal cutlet are phenomenal.

Navigli gives you a look at a gritty, vibrant side of Milan you will not see anywhere else in the city.

Best place to stay in Navigli

Maison Borella. Address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 8, 20144 Milano MI, Italy.

Porta Romana

Best area for: families, life like a local

Porta Romana is one of those Milan neighborhoods that feels polished without feeling too polished.

You get a mix of old Milanese streets, students, young professionals, small bars, and seriously good restaurants here. The neighborhood takes its name from the huge city gate at Piazza Medaglie d’Oro. The current gate dates to the late 1500s and was once part of Milan’s Spanish walls.

There’s plenty to see beyond the gate. We usually make time for the Rotonda della Besana, a former cemetery complex with a beautiful garden and the deconsecrated Church of San Michele. It’s a great spot to slow down for a bit. The Fondazione Prada is another big draw. The contemporary art museum occupies a converted early-20th-century distillery and has some wonderfully strange architecture, including its famous tower.

Porta Romana is also a good neighborhood for doing very little. Grab a coffee, browse the boutiques, then stop for lunch. We’d start with an espresso at il Caffè della Terra di Porta Romana on Corso di Porta Romana. For dinner, Trattoria Trippa is a popular pick for inventive Italian cooking.

And if your feet need a break, QC Terme Milano has pools, saunas, and spa facilities inside an old Art Nouveau building. Porta Romana knows how to keep a busy day from getting too busy.

Best place to stay in Porta Romana

Hotel Five. Address: Corso Lodi 4 Angolo Via Salmini, Porta Romana, 20135 Milan, Italy.

Porta Nuova

Best area for: upscale, shopping, business

Porta Nuova feels like Milan hit the fast-forward button. Not long ago, this part of the city was dominated by railway yards and old industrial land. Now it’s packed with glass towers, landscaped paths, and some of Milan’s most recognizable modern buildings. The huge redevelopment started in the 2000s and completely changed the area.

We usually start at Piazza Gae Aulenti. The circular plaza sits above street level and has fountains, shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to sit. The UniCredit Tower rises right beside it, while the futuristic skyline makes this one of the best places in Milan for architecture spotting.

From here, we walk through the Biblioteca degli Alberi, a modern public park filled with gardens and paths. Keep going and you’ll reach the Bosco Verticale, the famous “Vertical Forest” towers designed by Stefano Boeri. The balconies are covered with thousands of plants and trees. You can’t go inside, but the buildings are easy to admire from the park.

For food, we’d stop at Eataly near Piazza XXV Aprile. It’s a good choice when everyone wants something different. For a quick coffee, Debbie’s on Corso Garibaldi is another handy pick.

And don’t skip Corso Como. We head there in the evening for drinks, design shops, and a bit of nightlife. It gives Porta Nuova a welcome dose of old-school Milanese energy.

Best place to stay in Porta Nuova

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Spa. Address: Corso di Porta Nuova, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel NH Milano Touring. Address: Via Tarchetti 2, Milan City Center, 20121 Milan, Italy.

Brera

Best area for: culture, picturesque, art

Finally, we have Brera. This is a very hip, artsy area of Milan. This neighborhood is very Italian as the streets are lined with tall apartments, cafes littered throughout, and art galleries. A big perk of Brera is the car-less streets that allow you to wander at your heart’s desire.

Brera sits just a short walk from the Duomo, but it feels completely different. You get high-end boutiques, fortune-tellers on street corners, and incredible historic charm all wrapped up together.

Back in the day, this district was a bohemian artist enclave. Today, it still keeps that creative spirit alive, but with a sleek, polished edge. cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards line the whole neighborhood.

The real highlight is the Pinacoteca di Brera. It is easily one of the best art museums in Italy. You can see iconic masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio inside. Right next door, you will find the historic Brera Botanical Garden. It is a quiet green escape right in the middle of the city. During Milan Design Week, the whole district turns into an interactive gallery with pop-up installations everywhere.

When we need a break, we always stop by Bar Jamaica. Artists and writers have hung out at this spot since the 1950s. Grab a desk outside, order an aperitivo, and watch the locals pass by.

Best place to stay in Brera

Bulgari Hotel. Address: Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7B, 20121 Milano MI, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel Milano Scala. Address: Via dell’Orso 7, Milan City Center, 20121 Milan, Italy.

Where travel critics stay in Milan

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Milan, Italy? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Milan.

Budget

Hostel Ostello Bello.

“A breath of fresh air in Milan’s stiffly suited centre, this is the best hostel in town. Entrance is through its lively bar-cafe, open to nonguests, where you’re welcomed with a smile and a complimentary drink.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: Via Medici, 4, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.

Mid-range

Senato Hotel.

“Beside the city’s fashion district, the Senato Hotel is an elegant 43-room boutique property that opened in 2015 in a neoclassical palazzo that was formerly a private family residence.” — New York Times.

Address: Via Senato 22, Milan City Center, 20121 Milan, Italy.

Luxury

Excelsior Hotel Gallia.

“The Excelsior Gallia features glittering interiors, with acres of marble and glitzy motifs. It offers one of the city’s best spas, complete with swimming pool and golf simulator, while the top floor Terrazza Gallia serves excellent dishes and drinks overlooking the city rooftops.” — Telegraph.

Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9, 20124 Milano MI, Italy.

FAQ: Milan hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Milan? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Milan hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Milan.

Best time to visit Milan

The best time to visit Milan is actually during spring, specifically from April to June.

These months boast mild and pleasant weather, which is perfect for exploring the city’s stunning architecture, historical sites, and vibrant streets. Not only is the climate delightful during this time, but you can also experience a variety of exciting events and festivals that showcase Milan’s art, fashion, and culture.

During these months, there are fewer tourists compared to summer season, which means you can enjoy a more authentic experience. The city’s iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, Sforza Castle, and La Scala Opera House will be less crowded, allowing you to truly appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

Moreover, springtime in Milan is filled with various events and festivals, including the world-famous Milan Design Week in April and the enchanting Orticola Flower Show in May. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in local culture and experience a side of Milan that many tourists never get to see.

Best things to do in Milan

There are numerous things to do in Milan and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Milan:

Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket

Enjoy access to all areas of the Milan Duomo, and access the terraces, cathedral, museum and archaeological area. Marvel at beautiful adornments and stained glass windows, and visit the Church of St. Gottardo in Corte. Price: $19. More info.

Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan

A great way to discover the timeless beauty of the Italian lakes, this experience includes a walking tour of the chic lake town of Como plus a Lake Como cruise to see snow-peaked mountains and luxury lakeside villas from the water. Price: $96. More info.

Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo Museum

Explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and the Italian Renaissance with an entrance ticket to the interactive Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo exhibition in Milan. Price: $14. More info.

More things to do in Milan

Deciding where to stay in Milan

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Milan so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Milan

• Brera
• Porta Nuova
• Porta Romana
• Navigli
• Duomo

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Milan is important. Whether you stay in Brera, Porta Nuova, Porta Romana, Navigli or Duomo, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Milan.

Milan overview

More Milan tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Milan:

Hotels in Milan

Hostels in Milan

Boutique hotels in Milan

Luxury hotels in Milan

Cheap hotels in Milan

Eco-friendly hotels in Milan