Milan is the fashion capital and one of the most popular destinations in Italy. Cultural attractions, beautiful architecture, plenty of shopping options, and delicious food make it a great place for a city break. In this blog post I’ll share about the best area to stay in Milan for first-time visitors, as well as some of the best hotels. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
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Historic Center
The historic center is the best neighborhood to stay in Milan if you want to be within walking distance of the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, Teatro alla Scala, and other major attractions.
Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt is a 5-star hotel located in the Duomo district. If you want to stay in the historic city center in a luxury hotel, then this is the perfect place.
This is where a lot of models and celebrities stay when they come to Milan for fashion week. I visited Milan during fashion week in September and I tried to snag a room, but it was sold out months in advance. So be mindful of when you visit Milan if you want to get a room here.
Besides having a perfect location, right by the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and a block away from the Duomo, the hotel has spacious rooms and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Galleria Vik Milano
If staying by the entrance of the Galleria is not good enough for you, you can choose Galleria Vik Milano, a hotel located inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
It is a luxury hotel that has an unbeatable location in central Milan.
Even though the hotel has beautiful views with windows and balconies facing the shopping gallery, I assume it can get pretty noisy considering how many tourists visit this place. So be mindful of this aspect when choosing your hotel.
Brera District
The Brera neighborhood is still part of the Centro Storico (historic center). It houses the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery. If you stay here it only takes a short walk to get to Piazza del Duomo. This neighborhood has cobblestone streets, art galleries, plenty of fashion stores, and upscale dining options.
Hotel Milano Scala
Hotel Milano Scala is a 4-star boutique hotel that focuses on environmental sustainability.
It is the first hotel in Milan and one of the few hotels in Italy that has zero emissions. They use a heat pump system that uses geothermal energy, and thus they are a green hotel.
The hotel has a prime location, being just a few minutes away from most major attractions in the historic center.
Bulgari Hotel Milano
Bulgari Hotel Milano is one of the top luxury hotels in Milan. You can find it on a private street in the heart of the city in a renovated 18th century historic building.
Despite its location in the middle of one of the busiest areas of Milan, this hotel is an oasis of tranquility that has a garden and plenty of trees and greenery.
It also has a spa and you get direct access to the Bulgari boutique from the hotel. This way you can have some private shopping sessions.
It’s a great choice if you’re into fashion and would like to stay close to the main attractions in Milan.
Grand Hotel et de Milan
Grand Hotel et de Milan is a 5-star hotel operating since 1863. That’s over 150 years. It’s one of the hotels in Milan that has a lot of history.
A lot of famous musicians such as the soprano Maria Callas or the opera composer Giuseppe Verdi stayed here back in the day. That’s because the hotel is very close to Scala, the famous opera house in Milan. In fact, Giuseppe Verdi lived there for 27 years and composed many of his songs there.
The hotel has two restaurants and a bar on site. It’s one of the best places to stay if you like a blend of history with modern day luxury.
Central Station
If you plan on taking day trips while being based in Milan, then staying at a hotel that’s close to the main train station is a good idea. That’s what I did when I visited Milan.
Hyatt Centric Milano Centrale
I stayed at the Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale. It’s a hotel located very close to Milan’s main train station, Milano Centrale. I picked it because I knew I would take multiple day trips from Milan.
It was very convenient to stay here. The train station was 5-minutes away, so I could walk there every morning to catch my trains for day trips to Venice and Florence.
The hotel itself was quiet, the room was spacious and clean, and it had all the amenities I needed.
Starhotels E.C.Ho.
Starhotels E.C.Ho. is a 4-star hotel very close to Stazione Centrale. They are focused on sustainability and the materials, furnishings and fabrics they used in the hotel received environmental certifications.
The hotel caters towards the younger generations that are cosmopolitan and eco-aware. They have a smart working location and you can book a working spot while you stay at the hotel
The hotel also has a restaurant and a bar on site. So it can be a great spot for digital nomads.
Hilton Milan
Hilton Milan is another good choice if you want to be close to the train station. The main advantage of staying here if you’re part of the Hilton rewards loyalty program is that you will accumulate points for your stay that you can later on redeem on free stays at other Hilton properties.
The rooms here are a bit more outdated compared to other hotel options in the area, but the hotel has a good location and the service is great. They also have pet-friendly rooms in case you travel with your furry friend.
Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova is home to impressive modern architecture, including one of the tallest buildings in Italy. This is the modern side of Milan, which I personally like as well. Somehow Milan does a great job of blending the old with the new.
Hotel NH Collection Milano Porta Nuova
I stayed at a NH Collection hotel in Madrid and I loved my stay there. This brand offers modern rooms and amazing service.
Hotel NH Collection Milano Porta Nuova is a 4-star hotel. It has spacious rooms decorated in a contemporary style, comfy beds, and all the necessary items you would need in your room, such as a coffee maker.
They also have a fitness center, a restaurant and a bar in the lobby.
Duo Milan Porta Nuova
Duo Milan Porta Nuova is a Tribute Portfolio hotel that is part of the Marriott brand. If you are part of Marriott’s loyalty program and like to stay at their hotels then this hotel could be a great choice.
It is a modern 4-star hotel that caters towards both tourists and business travelers. Even though the hotel was built in the mid-1900s, it was completely renovated and now it has modern rooms that are decorated with vibrant colors.
They have the Green Key Certification, an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to hotels that adhere to the highest standards of environmental management and sustainable operations.
The hotel has both a cafe and a bistro on-site.
Navigli District
The Navigli District is a cute neighborhood in Milan by the canals. It has plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as indie shops. It’s a hip and quirky district which also has a lively night scene.
Even if you don’t stay here while in Milan, you should take some time to walk around and then enjoy the Italian “dolce far niente” by sitting down at a cafe with an espresso and people watch.
Art Hotel Navigli
Art Hotel Navigli is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Navigli. It’s called Art Hotel because it has a collection of contemporary art by both world-renowned artists and lesser-known artists.
The hotel also has a cute rooftop garden on the 6th floor. They have a large parking garage, so it’s a great choice if you are renting a car and doing a road trip while in Italy.
Because of its location in Navigli you will have plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby.
Porta Venezia
Porta Venezia is full of buildings that are over 400 years old. It is one of the 6 main entrances to Milan. If you walk on Corso Buenos Aires, the famous shopping street, you will get to the historical center.
Worldhotel Cristoforo
Worldhotel Cristoforo is a 4-star boutique hotel located on Corso Buenos Aires, a prime location for shopping. The building dates to 1888.
They have 120 rooms, a spa, and a fitness center. They also have a restaurant on-site that focuses on healthy and organic ingredients such as faro or kamut flour pasta.
Sheraton Diana Majestic
Sheraton Diana Majestic is a 4 star hotel located in an older building in Milan’s Porta Venezia. It is part of the Marriott chain, so you can get some loyalty points if you’re part of their reward program.
It is a pet friendly hotel. They have a beautiful garden in the back that’s perfect for relaxation. They also have a restaurant that is open for breakfast and lunch.
Casati 18
Casati 18 is a hotel that’s a member of World Hotel. It is located on a quiet side street of Corso Buenos Aires.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style. The hotel has a room and private workspace in case you need to work a bit while you’re in Milan.
They have an outdoors bar where you can sip on your beverage of choice either indoor or on a patio.
Porta Romana
Porta Romana is one of the former city gates to Milan. Nowadays it is a trendy neighborhood full of high-end stores, upscale restaurants, and a lively night scene.
This is where you can find Fondazione Prada, the cultural center that exhibits contemporary art. The famous QC Thermemilano Spa is also located in Porta Romana. It’s a luxurious spa located in an art nouveau complex that has innovative experiences, including a room that simulates a thunderstorm within a pool.
Grand Visconti Palace Hotel
Grand Visconti Palace Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Porta Romana. The hotel is built on the remains of the former Verga mill, which dates back to the early 20th Century. It’s an example of repurposing Milan’s industrial past to match the modern day needs of the city.
Since it’s located a bit away from the central tourist attractions, you can enjoy a quieter area if you stay at this hotel. If you prefer to stay a bit further from the city center so that you can relax after a day of sightseeing then this hotel is a great choice.
Hotel Five Milano
Hotel Five Milano is a 3 star hotel that is very close to QC Thermemilano Spa. The rooms are decorated with bright colors, have air conditioning, free wi-fi, and a minibar.
Since it’s a 3 star hotel and it’s located a bit further away from the historical district, the prices here are also a bit more affordable. In general, Milan has pretty high prices for hotels, so even a 3 star hotel won’t be super cheap. If you have enough hotel loyalty points or credit card points I think Milan is a great location to use them since it will save you a lot of cash.
FAQs about traveling to Milan
What should I eat in Milan?
Pizza from Pizzium
Pizza is always a good idea when you’re in Italy. Pizzium has amazing pizza and their menu is extensive. They have multiple locations throughout Milan. I went with the classic Margherita pizza, which was simple and delicious. It cost 8 euros.
Gelato from Cafe Dante
Gelato is another staple of Italian cuisine. If you also want a show when you buy gelato, you need to check out the Instagram famous Cafe Dante. The server is amazing, and he creates the most beautiful gelato cones. He is also very kind and patient with all the people who film him while he makes the cones. The gelato there is very good as well.
Pistachio croissant
While Italians have great food, they don’t really eat breakfast. Their definition of breakfast is a cappuccino and a cornetto, or croissant. The pistachio cornetto is my favorite. That filling is to die for.
Another thing you need to know: don’t order a cappuccino after 11am. Italians drink milky coffees only for breakfast. So if you want to look like a local, order an espresso instead in the afternoon.
Sfogliatelle
Italians know how to do pastries. The sfogliatella is one of my favorites. It’s a flaky pastry filled with orange flavored ricotta. Major yum! I got this one from Mercato Centrale, a food court by Milano Centrale train station. They have a lot of delicious options there, so you should check them out.
Treat yourself to a meal at a Michelin restaurant
Sometimes you need to treat yourself because life is short. Milan has fantastic Michelin rated restaurants. I highly recommend Seta. It’s a 2-star Michelin restaurant located about 10-15 min away from the Duomo by foot. The food is delicious, and the service is impeccable. It’s going to be an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
I visited around my birthday. When they found out they brought me a balloon that had “Happy Birthday” written on it and they sang Happy Birthday to me. It made me feel very special. If you’re celebrating any special occasion you’re in great hands at Seta.
Is Milan a safe destination for solo female travelers?
Yes, I felt safe in Milan as a solo female traveler. As always, be on high alert when visiting attractions with lots of crowds to avoid getting scammed or pickpockets stealing from you. I think Milan could be a great place for a first solo trip.
What is the best time to visit Milan?
The shoulder season. I visited in September and there were still a lot of tourists, so probably October and November are the best months to travel to Milan if you want to avoid crowds.
I tend to avoid Europe summer travel because it gets so hot and there are so many tourists everywhere that it takes away from the experience for me. I’d rather wait a few months and go in the fall so I can properly enjoy the destinations I’m visiting.
What day trip options from Milan are there?
There are lots of day trips you could do from Milan. I did two day trips while I was there: one to Venice and one to Florence. I opted to go by myself instead of with a tour and I booked train tickets directly on Trenitalia.
The high speed trains are great in Italy: fast, clean, and most often than not quite reliable.
If I had more time in Milan I would have gone on these other day trips too:
Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz and Bernina Red Train
How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?
The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from abroad is to buy an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.
I use Airalo. You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for. After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.
You can activate it on your phone and the process takes under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.
How can I get around Milan?
Milan is a walkable city and it also has great public transportation. It’s a big city, so if you need to go from the city center to other neighborhoods, you can take the subway. It’s very easy to use and it’s clean. I guess compared to NYC all subways in Europe seem pristine.
How can I get to the city center from Malpensa airport?
Train
The best option is to take the train, called the Malpensa Express, and operated by Trenord. A round trip is 20 euros. The train stops at both Terminal 1 and 2 and it takes you to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna. If your hotel is not close to the train station you can take the subway to your destination.
Taxi / uber
This is the most convenient option since it leaves you right in front of your hotel. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.
Do I need cash?
I did not use any cash while I visited Italy. I paid for everything with a credit card. But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or if you buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.
Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the country you’re visiting instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.
Do I need to tip in Milan?
Tipping is not required, but I usually leave 1-2 euros when I eat out or go to a cafe. It’s highly appreciated when you do this.
Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?
I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. Especially if you visit during the summer months. Booking in advance will give you peace of mind.
Do people speak English in Milan?
Yes, people speak English everywhere in Milan. I always try to speak in the local language when I travel. I usually learn a few words ahead of my trip. Every time Italians would hear from my accent that I’m not a local they would immediately switch to English.
What Italian words should I learn before my trip to Milan?
This list is not comprehensive by any means, but it has some useful words for a trip to Italy.
Ciao = hi / bye (informal greeting)
Buongiorno = hello (only used during the day)
Buona sera = good evening
Buona notte = good night
Grazie = thank you
Prego = you’re welcome
Si = yes
No = no
Per favore = please
Do you speak English? = Parla Inglese?
I don’t understand = Mi dispiace
Can I pay by card? = Posso pagare con la carta?
The check (bill) please = Il conto, per favore
Where’s the bathroom? = Dov’è il bagno?
Do you recommend Milan as a solo destination?
Yes, I recommend Milan as a destination for solo female travelers. There are so many things to do, the food is delicious, and the people are great.
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Ioana was born and raised in Romania, lived in NYC for 14 years, and is now back in Romania. She fell in love with traveling when she was little and used to visit her aunt in Vienna. Then in high school she was able to visit Siberia, Turkmenistan, Istanbul, and Tokyo through chemistry competitions. As an adult she started to travel solo once she turned 30 and visited 20+ countries so far. Ioana is a full time travel blogger and content creator with an audience of 75K+ people on Instagram. She loves to share travel recommendations and tips.