Where to stay in Milan?

To stay in Milan's centro storico

The Centro Storico, covering the areas of the duomo and the quadrilatero della Moda, is the most popular and touristic, as it truly represents the city's showcase. This is where all the must-sees are located. Its charming, lively alleyways make it the perfect place to stay in Milan.

The atmosphere is always lively, whether in the daytime, when Italians and foreigners alike stroll the streets sipping gelatos, or in the evening, when the area is packed with restaurants and bars to enjoy.

You'll spend most of your time in the historic center, as all the must-sees are right here. Milan's Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, is the emblematic building of the fashion capital. Alongside it, you'll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, whose sublime stained-glass windows are known the world over, and the La Scala theater, with its richly decorated interior. As its name suggests, the Quadrilatero della Moda is home to dozens of fashion boutiques, mainly luxury. This area is located to the northeast of the Duomo, just a few minutes' walk away.

One of its major advantages is, of course, its location. It's right in the heart of the city, close to all the main attractions. To give you an idea, the Duomo is a ten-minute walk from the opposite end of the historic center. So everything is just a few minutes' walk away.

As far as transport is concerned, streetcars are everywhere, and lines serve the main squares. We don't recommend taking a car, as traffic is very heavy and public transport is very practical and intuitive. Buses and trains also run smoothly! So you'll have no trouble getting around.

As for accommodation, there are plenty of hotels, youth hostels and apartments to choose from. If you're on a budget, this is the place to stay! Of course, if you plan ahead, you'll be able to find affordable establishments.

Accommodation in Sant'Ambrogio and Cinque Vie

The districts to the west of the historic center, such as Sant'Ambrogio and Cinque Vie, are also good places to stay. All the essentials are close at hand. Friendly, authentic and less touristy, they have many advantages!

Sant'Ambrogio is home to the Basilica of Saint Ambrose, one of the town's oldest churches, as well as the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's work of art, The Last Supper. Apart from these two prestigious monuments, you'll find wide, charming cobbled streets lined with cafés. It's a quiet, relaxing area, perfect for aimless strolling. Cinque Vie, which doesn't boast any particularly noteworthy monuments, is nonetheless very pleasant to stroll around too.

The location is ideal: you'll need less than 20 minutes on foot to reach the Centro Storico. If you want to get around quickly, the tramway has several stations where you can catch it. In terms of accommodation, there are far more hotels than apartments, and something to suit every budget.

In short, this is the district to choose if your stay is more focused on history and art. Staying here means you'll also be able to take advantage of the must-sees nearby.

Staying in Brera and Porta Nuova

Brera, Porta Nuova and Porta Venezia are also very popular with tourists. Relatively quiet and close to all the must-sees, they have it all. These are pleasant areas to stay in Milan.

The area is home to the Pinacoteca di Brera, famous for its libraries and works of art. Works by Leonardo da Vinci rub shoulders with Renaissance paintings in this palace once trodden by Napoleon. There's also a large park, that of Indro Montanelli. Beyond these points of interest, these are Milanese-style streets, and it's mainly residential. So it's all quite peaceful.

The location of these three areas is correct. The Duomo of Milan is just a 15-minute walk from the Pinacoteca. The historic center is therefore easily accessible. Of course, there's also a metro and bus service to take you there. Very practical, public transport is still preferable to the car.

There are fewer accommodations here, most of which are apartments for rent. For those who prefer hotels, there are nevertheless a few establishments offering affordable accommodation.

All in all, Brera, Porta Nuova and Porta Venezia are great places to stay in Milan, because they're close to all the major attractions, yet quiet and affordable.

To stay at Central Station and Isola

The Central Station and Isola areas are also good places to stay in Milan.

While Centrale's main interest lies in the fact that the station is at its center, the Isola district has a certain charm all of its own. This once-abandoned enclave is now very upmarket, with its organic stores, friendly restaurants, thrift shops and graffiti-filled walls. It's a much livelier district than the resort, where you'll find little to see, being entirely residential.

Its advantage is its excellent location, linking the Duomo to the station in just a few minutes thanks to the ATM public transport network. Bus, streetcar, metro, cabs and trains are all grouped here, ensuring easy, efficient travel throughout the Italian city.

The district is also convenient if you're arriving by train from another destination. You'll have less trouble getting your luggage to your accommodation. Once you're there, it's just a 20-minute walk to the historic center.

It's packed with accommodation, so you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay in Milan. Many hotels fill the square and the surrounding area. They are suitable for both small and large budgets, provided you plan ahead. As far as Isola is concerned, there are a few apartments, all within a ten-minute walk of the station.

If you're dependent on the station for your arrival and departure, this is the place to be. The many hotels and easy access to major attractions make it a good place to stay in Milan.

Accommodation in and around Navigli

The Navigli district, which refers to the canals, is also very popular with tourists. It's the city's hottest spot. It attracts tourists as well as locals. Well located in Milan, it's an ideal area for going out, just a stone's throw from your accommodation. To the east, you'll also find another great place to stay: Ticinese.

The attractions are quite varied: in addition to the quays, you'll find the Basilicas of Sant'Eustorgio and St. Lawrence of Milan, and the Alda Merini space, dedicated to this Italian poetess. The major point of interest remains the Navigli: restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlors line these canals. A few bridges at regular intervals allow you to cross and enjoy both sides of the alley. In fact, it's in the evening that the quays come alive. The atmosphere is festive and dynamic, and you'll also find some nice little concerts to listen to a little further along the docks.

A student district, Ticinese is less entertaining than Navigli, but offers more rental opportunities. To stay here is to enjoy a quiet place, at the expense of the hustle and bustle.

In terms of location, they're just south-west of the historic center, around 20 minutes by car, as opposed to 40 minutes on foot. Don't worry, the tramway is well served, as are the metro (line 2) and bus (line 10) from Gare Centrale, so you can get there quickly.

As for accommodation, there's a wide choice of hotels, youth hostels and apartments. Evenings will be noisy, of course, but these are well located for a good night's sleep. Ticinese, to the east, is packed with student accommodation, as several universities and schools are located here. Many apartments are available for rent.

As you can see, if your stay is more festive than cultural, this is the place to stay. On the other hand, if you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the area to avoid.

Staying near Sempione Park

Parco Sempione is one of the best places to stay in Milan. Conveniently located about fifteen minutes from the historic center, this neighborhood surrounds a very tranquil park.

Among the buildings is the Parco Sempione, which borders the Sforza castle, a grand building in Renaissance military style. This huge park welcomes students, locals and tourists alike for a rejuvenating break. Among the vegetation is a watering hole and a gateway to the city: the Arco della Pace. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, both during the day and in the evening.

In terms of location, it's situated in the north-west of Milan. Staying here means being close to all the major attractions of the fashion capital. It's more convenient to get to the historic center by foot, since there's no direct line. But don't worry, it takes only 20 minutes to get there.

Beyond the park, you'll find a residential area. A number of apartments are available for rent. To stay here, it's essential to plan ahead.