Babila Hostel & Bistrot, Milan
More photosBabila Hostel & Bistrot is housed in a stunning neo-Gothic brick building that dates back to 1896. Originally established as a Catholic school, the structure maintains its historic arched ceilings and architectural character, while its 2017 renovation injected a fresh, modern energy. It’s an intriguing blend of Milanese heritage and contemporary design, feeling almost like an elegant, scholarly retreat in the center of the fashion district.
The interiors are a masterclass in lighting and functionality, featuring high-end design elements like Artemide lighting fixtures that accentuate the original vaulted architecture. The property is purposefully social, offering a mix of bright, private rooms and dorms, alongside a bustling bistrot that hosts everything from music sessions to aperitifs. Guests often enjoy the third-floor terrace, which provides a peaceful spot to look out over the city’s iconic rooftops.
Location-wise, you are perfectly positioned to explore the best of Milan. You are within a pleasant walking distance of the breathtaking Duomo di Milano and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The neighborhood is filled with classic Milanese institutions, making it easy to grab famous local street food like *panzerotti* or wander through the nearby upscale fashion districts.
Whether you are a solo traveler looking to connect with others or a design enthusiast appreciating the building’s storied past, this spot offers a unique, sophisticated take on city accommodation. It successfully bridges the gap between a traditional hostel and a chic cultural hub, making it a standout base for your time in Italy’s fashion capital.
Expert reviews
“A sleek design hostel located in a restored Neo-Gothic building, on a quiet backstreet in Milan’s city centre. The bar has live music every weekend and it’s a popular meeting point for the city’s expats and freelancers.”
What guests liked
- Clean rooms
- Friendly staff
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
8 April 2026
You'll get what you paid for
Quite place, close to Duomo and plenty of food places nearby, clean bathrooms (but very tight)
The worst pillow in my life and we've had troubles with electronic key
5 April 2026
Recommended for undemanding and moderately demanding travelers :)
Close to the metro station, great location for tourists (but I traveled solely for a concert). Check in and check out without issues, appreciate 24/7 front desk as always. Good value for money. Rooms were clean. I stayed for 2 nights. Other guests in the room were polite and quiet (i was actually the idiot on one night even though i tried!! I hope it wasn't that bad :))).
Shared bathrooms in the corridor were ok but there was a room for improvement in terms of cleanliness and toilet paper stash :) But definitely could be worse and does not affect significantly the overall rating (+ the bathrooms in the dorm were top).
18 March 2026
A bit dated but the friendly and accommodating staff make the stay worth
The hostel is housed in an older building and is a bit far from the city center. The rooms are somewhat old with a noticeable smell. The elevator has a charming old-fashioned style, but it’s not very convenient if you have luggage. However, the staff are amazing—very generous, friendly and accommodating.
14 March 2026
Friendly staff and nice outdoor space
The staff were friendly, the room is clean with large lockers, and the toilet was spacious. The outdoor space is beautiful.
The shower is a bit narrow, the shower and toilet area had a slight smell, and the bed was very light and shook even with small movements. There was also no individual light for each bed.
13 March 2026
very clean and comfortable
Clean hostel with staff who cared and kept the place nice.
No shelf or place to put big bags, especially for folks on upper bunks. Lockers were great, but to small for a 40L backpack.
12 March 2026
Well, its fine hostel easy to find. Not far from san babil station 6-10mins walking.
Its near to transport 6-10mins walking
Its very dusty
7 March 2026
Convenient location, relatively reasonable price, and the room has everything necessary.
I liked the convenient location, it was easy to get there on foot. I also liked the very friendly staff.
At night it was quite noisy, but that depends more on the neighbors than on the accommodation. The only issue was that the window in the room did not close properly, so it was a bit cold inside.
27 February 2026
Overall, great stay!
Closer to the Duomo and bus is just 4 mins walk. Friendly staff.
The toilets are very dirty
19 February 2026
Would stay there again
Nice location & the rooms were very nice! Also, the kitchen was much nicer & cleaner than the one in my student housing!!
13 February 2026
comfortable and great location
great location within easy walking distance of the city centre. bed was comfortable and bathroom was big with 2 showers and 2 sinks
no curtains on the main room window or the indian beds - when someone else had their light on, it made it quite difficult to sleep.
20 January 2026
Excellent with good price and a location very close to the city center
Location and price
Shared bathrooms with so cold water
15 January 2026
Good budget option
Great location
Room had no heating
15 January 2026
Just good experience
Everything was fine for me and overall it was an interesting experience.
I would prefer if you offered a separate hygiene kit, like slippers, shampoo, or similar items.
Also, the breakfast could really use more variety and better quality, it was very basic and not suitable for everyone.
I wish people who know they snore wouldn’t book a hostel bed. It really disturbs everyone else, and honestly it’s one of the most annoying things I’ve ever experienced in a hostel.
13 January 2026
overall good option to stay in Milan, would stay again. Rooms as comfy and clean
Kitchen facilities and terrace. Facility to cook. Living room area on top floor. Friendly staff.
No toilet paper in reception toilet. One toilet/shower per 6 bed room. There are two more on the level, which are shared male and female. Can get quite busy.
11 January 2026
perfect accommodation when you need a cheap, well located place in milan.
great location and good value for the money
the bathrooms were not very clean
1 January 2026
Clean and nice rooms. Friendly service, good value for money
Good location, clean rooms and bathrooms. Friendly staff and good selection of beers
Nothing, all was good
29 December 2025
Would recommend for a layout or a short stay for sure
Found bed really comfortable and friendly staff!
During my one night stay - room was very cold in the morning & kitchen has no proper table to eat at
27 December 2025
was nice if you need a place to stay near the train(termini)
The place was clean but they could do better. overall the staff was nice and mostly helpful.
The first night they had a problem with my room(6 people) and they moved me to a 8 bedroom(full) room. didn't get any compensation. the staff was nice and they might didn't have a different room but I still think they could do a bit more.
24 December 2025
it was a great stay for the price though
the location is great. only less than 10 mins walk to San Babila metro station
no curtain on each bed
17 December 2025
Good location, good facilities, perfect cleaning
Very clean , kind staff
.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Snack bar
- - Kids' meals
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Games room
- - Table tennis
- - Karaoke
- - Bowling (additional charge)
- - Evening entertainment
- - Water park (additional charge)
- - Temporary art galleries (additional charge)
- - Stand-up comedy
- - Movie nights
- - Walking tours
- - Tour or class about local culture
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast)
- - Bingo (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Kitchen
- - Shared kitchen
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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