The Best Area To Stay In Milan For First Timers in 2025

1. Milan City Center (Centro Storico)

The Milan City Center or Centro Storico is where the famous landmark, the Milan Cathedral, is located.

Next to it is the Galleria Emporio Emanuele II, as well as some of the best shopping streets in Milan.

If you want to stay close to the main attractions in Milan, this is the best area.

While it’s busy during the day, we found that during the night it’s pretty quiet which is important for us whenever we stay in a city.

We stayed at this hotel and it was very quiet during the night.

In the city center you find some of the best hotels.

In case you’re traveling on a budget, the Milan City Center is not your first choice.

Main attractions in the Milan City Center

• Milan Duomo and the Duomo Milan Roof
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• interactive Leonardo3 Museum
• shopping streets
• Duomo Museum
• The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

👍🏻 Pros of Staying in the City Center:

• Close to major attractions
• Easily accessible for tourists
• Plenty of shopping and dining options

👎🏻 Cons of Staying in the City Center:

• Higher prices
• Potential noise due to tourist crowds

Best Hotels in the City Center

💰 Budget: New Generation Hostel Milan Center
💰💰 Mid-range: AHD Rooms
💰💰💰Luxury: Park Hyatt Milano

Read our Milan itineraries:
Milan in 1 Day
Milan 2-Day Itinerary
Milan 3 Day Itinerary

2. Brera District

The Brera district is known for its artistic vibe and its old, charming streets.

Here you’ll find the Pinacoteca, one of Milan’s most important art museums.

There are also other galleries and boutiques for shopping.

The Brera neighborhood is perfect if you’re into art and want to immerse yourself in “old Milan.”

In its lively streets, you’ll also find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.

The Brera neighborhood is situated approximately a 15-minute walk from the Milan Cathedral, making it still very centrally located.

Main attractions in this area:

• Pinacoteca di Brera
• charming streets 
• workshops and galleries
• Sforza Castle (nearby)
• Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district (nearby)

👍🏻 Pros of Staying in the Brera District:

• Artistic flair
• Close to museums and galleries
• Diverse dining options

👎🏻 Cons of Staying in the Brera District:

• Higher prices
• Potential nighttime noise

Best Hotels in the Brera District

💰💰 Mid-range: The Unique Hotel
💰💰💰Luxury: Mandarin Oriental |  Bulgari Hotel

3. Stazione Centrale

The area around Milan’s main train station, Stazione Centrale, is convenient if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips from Milan by train to the surrounding areas.

The neighborhood surrounding the Milanese train station offers accommodations for different budgets.

Additionally, you’re well-connected to the public transportation network like the tram, underground or bus. 

It’s a 40-minute walk from the Milan Cathedral.

Major attractions around Stazione Centrale

•  Bosco Verticale
• Cimitero Monumentale, one of the hidden gems in Milan

👍🏻 Pros of staying in the Stazione Centrale area:

• Proximity to the main train station
• Good access to public transportation
• Variety of hotels and accommodations

👎🏻 Cons of staying in the Stazione Centrale area:

• Less charming surroundings
• Not as centrally located as other neighborhoods

Best Hotels in the Stazione Centrale Area

💰 Budget: Ostello Bello Grande
💰💰 Mid-Range: Hotel Glam Milano
💰💰💰 Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel

4. Navigli District

The Navigli District is known for its canals, such as the Naviglio Grande.

Surrounding the waterway are cafes, restaurants, and bars.

It’s a bustling neighborhood, perfect if you want to dive into Milan’s nightlife, making it one of the best in the city.

Known as an entertainment hub, it mainly attracts young travelers and night owls.

It’s a 30-minute walk to the Milan Cathedral.

Main attractions in the Navigli District:

• Naviglio Grande

👍🏻 Advantages of staying in the Navigli District:

• Vibrant nightlife
• Beautiful promenades along the canals
• Many dining options and bars

👎🏻 Disadvantages of staying in the Navigli District:

• Potential nighttime noise
• Limited selection of accommodations
• Not necessarily suitable for travelers seeking tranquility

Best Hotels in the Navigli District

💰💰 Mid-range: Arte Hotel Navigli
💰💰💰 Luxury: Hotel Magna Pars – L`Hotel a`Parfum

5. Porta Nuova

Porta Nuova is a modern neighborhood.

It’s located near the train station and the Brera District.

Here you’ll find the Bosco Verticale, a building complex with a facade full of greenery. 

Additionally, there are shops, restaurants, and cafés.

If you’re interested in modern architecture and urban environment, then the Porta Nuova neighborhood is worth considering.

It’s a 30-minute walk to the Milan Cathedral.

Major attractions around Porta Nuova:

• Bosco Verticale
• Cimitero Monumentale (nearby)
• Quadrilatero della Moda (nearby)

👍🏻 Advantages of staying in Porta Nuova:

• Near the train station
• Modern architecture
• Shopping opportunities

👎🏻 Disadvantages of staying in Porta Nuova:

• Less historical ambiance

Best Hotels in Porta Nuova:

💰 Budget: Urban Jungle
💰💰 Mid-range: Milano Verticale
💰💰💰Luxury: Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa

Final Thoughts About The Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Milan

Milan offers various areas, catering to different budgets and preferences.

While staying outside the city center might be cheaper, you can still easily reach the attractions via public transportation.

If proximity to attractions is important for you, consider the city center or the Brera District.

We opted for the city center and had a great experience exploring Milan on foot.

We hope this guide helps you plan your stay in Milan and find the perfect accommodation for your needs.

For more travel tips for your Milan getaway, check out our Milan travel guide.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MILAN

✈️ Compare and book flights to Milan airport with Expedia
🚅 Book train tickets to Milan with RailEurope
🚗 Rent a car with DiscoverCars

🏨 Book your Milan hotel with Booking or Expedia
🎒 Find budget hotels and hostels in Milan at Hostelworld

📱Get a SIM card for Italy at DrimSim to avoid high roaming fees
📈 Get Travel Insurance for Italy 

🗺 Buy a Milan City Card for public transportation and access to the main attractions
🎟 Find tours and activities for Milan at GetYourGuide or Viator

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