Where to stay in Milan? Italy’s fashion capital and city of designers and global influencers offers an eclectic range of places to stay, from five-star hotels to hostels. Take a look at our Milan accommodation guide to help find your perfect city base.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Italy, your essential guide for Italy.
The verdant Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) © Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock
The Duomo district is the dead centre of Milan and great for sightseeing. It's the area for the cathedral and Museo del Novecento, as well as the Ambrosiana.
There is no better place to begin a tour of Milan than at its spiritual hub, the Duomo. The gargantuan Gothic cathedral (the third-largest church in Europe after St Peter’s in Rome and Seville’s cathedral) was begun in 1386 but not finished until 1813. Decorating the exterior are 135 pinnacles and over 3,400 marble statues from all periods.
You'll also want to be sure not to miss the Piazza del Duomo, or the Duomo rooftops while visiting this iconic area. Busy by day, Duomo is quieter in the evening so it's good for peaceful hotels.
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Duomo is where to stay in Milan city centre for sightseeing © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock
Stay in the Navigli canal district for nightlife, bars and restaurants. Here you will find countless options for eating and drinking. Navigli is where to stay in Milan for those hoping to see the city's nightlife.
Walk down the 'washerwoman alley' for a truly beautiful stroll. Or try some of the many local food and restaurants along the canals. Partly designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, Navigli is historic as well as lively, so be sure to explore its two remaining canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese.
This area is also known for its young and contemporary art galleries, such as Miradoli Arte Contemporanea.
Navigli is a beautiful part of Milan, and Italy in general. For more can't-miss sights, read our guide to the most beautiful places in Italy.
Naviglio Grande one of only two canals left in Milan © Mihai-Bogdan Lazar / Shutterstock
You only have to look at all the new shops and restaurants in Porta Garibaldi to know this is a district on the rise. But despite the growing popularity, it's still one of the more affordable areas of Milan for hotels.
You'll find here plenty of streets to walk and cafes to people watch at. This area is also known for its trendy fashion boutiques. Porta Garibaldi is where to stay in Milan for those hoping to experience the local culture and art scene.
Plus, Porta Garibaldi is very well connected. Brera, Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como close neighbours. In addition there's a major railway station nearby and Milan city centre is only a Metro ride away.
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Urban architecture defines sharp Porta Garibaldi © Shutterstock
Brera is the artistic Milan neighbourhood is known for indie shopping and rising star restaurants. It was originally the city's artisan quarter so there's a lot of history to explore. Pus the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera is here. The gallery is located inside the world-renown art school and has a collection of infamous works made by Italian masters. Brera is where to stay in Milan for those wishing to see the great art this city has to offer.
Take a stroll at the Brera Botanical Garden, originally created in 1300. Or try vintage shopping at one of the area's many boutiques (we recommend Cavalli e Nastri). Brera is also known for up-and-coming trendy restaurants and bars.
Planning your trip to Milan? See if you knew about these 25 fun facts about Italy.
Beautiful arches at Brera Palace © Hilda Weges / Shutterstock
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Porta Ticinese is the alternative Milan neighbourhood which stretches from Piazza XXIV Maggio to Colonne di San Lorenzo. The vibe here is eclectic and it's the place for vintage stores and affordable shopping.
Don't miss a visit to the Fondazione Prada. Created in 1993, this art centre hosts an eclectic selection of art shows and cinema showings. Or try your hand at the mix of experimental shops here. Mercatone dell’Antiquariato is a weekly antique market where many treasures can be found.
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Where to stay in Milan for an eclectic vibe? Porta Ticinese © Claudio Divizia / Shutterstock
Quadrilatero della Moda is the 'Fashion District' at the heart of Milan. Pretty cobbled streets here are lined with designer stores, even just window shopping is an experience and it's one of the city's most expensive places to stay.
If luxury shopping is your thing, Quadrilatero della Moda is a must stop. Some of the world's best high-end shops can be found here. Fashion lovers will also want to visit this area to see historical house museums such as The Museum of Costume, Fashion and Image (Palazzo Morando), Bagatti Valsecchi and Poldi Pezzoli.
Or choose from hundreds of accommodations in Quadrilatero della Moda.
When planning a trip to Milan, be sure to read our in-depth guide to the best things to do in Milan.
Pretty cobbled street in the Fashion District © Alexandre Rotenberg / Shutterstock
This list could truly go on. There are countless beautiful places to stay in Milan. Ready to start planning your trip? Find out about the best time to go and the best places to see and things to do in Italy. For inspiration use the Italy itineraries from The Rough Guide to Italy and our local travel experts. A bit more hands-on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Italy without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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