Best hotels in Milan: where to stay by area

Milan is lived by neighbourhoods, and the area where you sleep sets the tone of the trip: the elegance around the Duomo, the artist's air of Brera, the aperitivo on the Navigli or the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova. The metro is efficient, so even a slightly out-of-the-way base stays handy, but staying central lets you walk between fashion, design and culture. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Milan, area by area

The centre and the Duomo

The heart around the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala is the most elegant Milan, with the fashion quarter steps away. It is the right call for a first-timer and for anyone who loves shopping and luxury, very central but with the highest prices.

• The Duomo and its rooftop terraces
• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala
• The boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda
• Handy metro for the whole city

For elegance and a central base, look for hotels in the centre.

Brera

Just north, Brera is the artists' quarter: cobbled lanes, galleries, restaurants and the Pinacoteca, next to the Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione. It is the most romantic, charming choice, central but with a neighbourhood soul.

• The Pinacoteca di Brera and the art lanes
• The Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
• Charming restaurants and bars
• On foot from the Duomo

For atmosphere and charm, see hotels in Brera.

The Navigli

To the south, the Navigli area is nightlife Milan: the canals, the aperitivo bars, the nightlife and the antiques market. It is the choice for anyone after evenings out and a young atmosphere, often at friendlier prices than the centre.

• The banks of the Navigli for the aperitivo
• The bars, restaurants and nightlife
• The antiques market on the Naviglio Grande
• Metro and trams to the centre

For nightlife and good value, look for hotels in the Navigli.

Porta Nuova and Isola

Modern, skyscraper Milan: Porta Nuova with the Bosco Verticale and Piazza Gae Aulenti, next to the trendy Isola quarter. It is the choice for anyone who loves contemporary design and being handy for the trains, among business and fashionable bars.

• The Bosco Verticale and Piazza Gae Aulenti
• The creative Isola quarter
• Skyscrapers, terraces and restaurants
• Near the Porta Garibaldi station

For design and convenience, see hotels in Porta Nuova.

Centrale and Porta Venezia

Around Milan Centrale station and Porta Venezia you find cheaper hotels and the best links to trains and airports. It is the practical choice for arriving by train or leaving early, with the centre a few metro stops away.

• The monumental Milan Centrale station
• Direct links to Malpensa and the trains
• Lower prices and good ethnic restaurants
• Fast metro to the Duomo

For budget and convenience, look for hotels near Centrale.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Milan is in Italy's upper range, with prices that jump during the trade fairs and fashion weeks.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 120-250 euros a night, far more during the Salone del Mobile and Fashion Week.
• A dinner for two with wine: about 60-90 euros; the aperitivo (a drink with a buffet) 10-15 euros, a coffee at the counter 1.20.
• Transport: a single metro ticket around 2.20 euros; the network is excellent.
• Tourist tax: roughly 3 to 7 euros per person per night depending on the hotel category, up to fourteen nights. You pay it at your accommodation.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Milan.

Getting there and around

Milan has three airports. Malpensa (MXP), about 50 km away, is linked by the Malpensa Express in under an hour. Linate (LIN), about 10 km away, is now on metro line 4, very handy. Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) serves many low-cost flights, with buses to the city.

In town you do not need a car: the metro and trams cover everything, and the centre has the Area C restricted zone. With a good location, fashion, museums and the Duomo are on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• January-March: cold and sometimes foggy, lower prices outside the fairs, quiet museums.
• April-June: mild weather, but in April the Salone del Mobile fills the city and sends prices soaring.
• July-August: hot and muggy, many Milanese away in August; a quieter, cheaper city.
• September-October: excellent, pleasant weather; the September Fashion Week raises rates and crowds.
• November-December: cold, but with a Christmas mood and the Sant'Ambrogio feast in early December.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The centre around the Duomo or Brera: on foot from the sights and with the best atmosphere.

Do I need a car in Milan? No, with Area C and traffic it is a problem. The metro and trams do everything.

How much is the tourist tax? Roughly 3 to 7 euros per person per night depending on the category, up to fourteen nights.

Should I watch the fair dates? Yes: during the Salone del Mobile and the fashion weeks hotel prices can triple, so book well ahead.

How many days do I need? Two or three nights for the centre, a museum or two and an evening on the Navigli.

The best hotels in Milan

Below is a selection of real hotels in Milan among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment, keeping an eye on the fair dates.