If you’re deciding where to stay in Milan, Italy, you have plenty of options. Large hotel chains, smaller boutique hotels or B&Bs with a family atmosphere. Choosing accommodation in Milan can be quite a challenge.
To make your decision easier, we’ve created a detailed guide to the best hotels and accommodation in Milan.
Read our recommendations for where to stay in Milan. We’ll also add tips on why you should choose the area or accommodation, access to attractions and airport connections.
We’ll show you the basic layout of Milan so you can get an idea of where the Duomo, Sforza Castle or Milano Centrale main train station is located.
- Best accommodation in Milan – a quick summary
- Best accommodation and hotels in Milan
- WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN
- ACCOMMODATION IN MILAN BY NEIGHBOURHOOD
- Centrale district – the best accommodation near Central Station
- Centro Storico – the best place to stay in the middle of the action
- Niguarda district – quiet location with good accessibility
- Fiera district – an area with a strategic location
- Hotels in Milan near San Siro Stadium
- Accommodation near Malpensa Airport
- Accommodation close to Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio)
- WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN – TIPS
- PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION
- Accommodation in Milan on the map
- The best booking resources for visiting Milan
- More information about Italy
- Summary: The best hotels and accommodation in Milan
Best accommodation in Milan – a quick summary
If you’re short on time, take a look at a quick overview of where to stay in Milan and the best hotels depending on your budget:
- Our personal choice: Hotel Ritter
- Best value for money: Hotel Da Vinci
- Best hotel near the station: Hotel Galles
- Best hotel in the centre: Hotel Dei Cavalieri
- Best boutique hotel: the Matilde Boutique Hotel
- Best budget accommodation in Milan: B&B Hotel Milano Ornato
Best accommodation and hotels in Milan
1. Hotel Galles
Hotel Galles is a top hotel next to the M1 Metro Station, which takes you to the centre of the Duomo or Sforza Castle in a few minutes. It is also a few minutes’ walk from Milano Centrale Station, where buses and trains to Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Airport stop.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants, a shopping centre and everything you need for a relaxing trip to Milan. But at the same time, nothing disturbs you at night, so you can sleep peacefully.
You will be accommodated in clean and cosy rooms and suites and will be treated to a buffet breakfast in the morning. After a day of sightseeing, you can also take advantage of the on-site spa, which includes a swimming pool, sauna, massage and gym.
But the best is waiting for you in 8th floor – hotel terrace with bar and views of Milan.
2. Hotel Ritter – our choice
Hotel Ritter was our choice because it met several requirements.
It is within walking distance of the centre on the popular Corso Garibaldi. Just a few steps from a metro station, but given the hotel’s location, you may not even need the metro. Sforza Castle, the Pinacoteca di Brera, Sempione Park or a 20-minute walk through the beautiful Brera district to the Duomo.
The rooms are modern and cosy, including a private bathroom, and come with a fridge and a balcony. On the plus side, the staff is friendly, the breakfast is excellent and there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
Right next to the hotel we recommend the gelato at OGGI, which was one of the best we’ve ever had. With liquid chocolate and homemade cookies.
3. Hotel Dei Cavalieri
Hotel Dei Cavalieri is a 4-star hotel in central Milan, just 5 minutes from the Duomo di Milano. If you leave by 10th floor, you’ll have a fantastic view of Milan from the rooftop bar.
The tram stop is right outside the hotel, as is the M2 Metro Station, which takes you to Milano Centrale Station.
The hotel has a modern feel, the rooms are airy and have a great view. A delicious breakfast is served in the morning and there is also a restaurant with excellent cooking. In addition, there are plenty of other restaurants, shops and a Carrefour supermarket a few minutes away.
4. Hotel Da Vinci – great price
Hotel Da Vinci offers stylish and modern accommodation with all the comforts of a four-star hotel. It’s further away from the centre, but offers good value for money. In this price range, this is one of the best hotels in Milan.
There is a metro stop 10 minutes away (there is a bus that stops right outside the hotel at regular and frequent intervals to get to the metro if you don’t want to walk).
Are you driving? Free parking is available on site. In addition, the hotel is strategically located for exploring the Lombard lakes.
There is outdoor seating, a rich breakfast and excellent cuisine in the on-site restaurant.
5. Hotel Canova
The stylish and modern Hotel Canova is one of the most popular hotels in Milan. And for several reasons. It is located in a quiet area of the city just a few minutes from Milano Centrale Station. It is also an easy walk to the city centre or you can take the M2 or M3 metro.
The hotel provides everything for a relaxing stay – the staff is very helpful and the reception is open 24/7. Penny Market is just around the corner, as are plenty of restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine. The rooms are smaller, but practically designed.
WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN
ACCOMMODATION IN MILAN BY NEIGHBOURHOOD
Centrale district – the best accommodation near Central Station
As the name suggests, the Centrale district is located around the Centrale main train station. It is served by buses from Malpensa, Bergamo and Linate Airports, or by the Malpensa Express. From here you can also take trips around Milan (Lago di Como, Bergamo, etc.).
The area is well connected to the city centre – the red M1 metro line takes you to Piazza Duomo in 10 minutes, while the green line takes you to Sforza Castle. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops.
I recommend going for a meal at Mercato Centrale, which is located right at the station (on the left side; you can enter directly from the station). There is a huge selection from pizza to burgers, pastries, desserts. They operate daily from 7:00-23:00 (until 24:00 on Fridays and Saturdays).
The best accommodation in Centrale District
- Hotel Galles: Four-star hotel near the metro station with swimming pool, spa and roof terrace
- Canova hotel: Stylish and modern hotel in a quiet street a short walk from the train station and with good access to the centre
- B&B Antico Cortile: B&B with a family atmosphere with a friendly owner who will prepare a homemade breakfast for you.
Centro Storico – the best place to stay in the middle of the action
The historic centre of Milan is called Centro Storico. A tourist area full of wonderful sights (the Duomo and Piazza Duomo are in the heart of it), restaurants and shops. The centre is not large and can be very easily walked around in a couple of hours. And it’s not hilly like Lisbon, for example.
In addition to the Duomo, the Centro Storico is home to La Scala Opera House, Palazzo Reale di Milano, Piazza Mercanti and many galleries and museums, including the magnificent Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery.
The best accommodation in the centre of Milan
- Matilde Boutique Hotel: Beautiful boutique hotel with excellent breakfasts and a perfect location – just 2 minutes from the Duomo but in a quiet area
- Hotel Dei Cavalieri: Four-star hotel with fantastic views from the roof terrace
- Hotel Ritter: Cosy and comfortable hotel on the edge of the centre, a short walk from the Brera district and within walking distance to most of the sights
Niguarda district – quiet location with good accessibility
The Niguarda district won’t wow you with its beauty, but it’s still a great neighbourhood for accommodation in Milan. It is quiet, has all the amenities and above all great connections thanks to the yellow M1 metro line to Centrale station and the city centre.
Due to the location outside the centre, hotels will offer a lower price. You can get a four-star hotel here for the price of a two- or three-star hotel in the centre.
The best accommodation in Niguarda
- Acca Palace: Four star sustainable hotel with airy and modern rooms (air conditioning, private bathroom, kettle and some rooms with extra balcony)
- Hotel Da Vinci: Modern 4* hotel at a great price, free parking and outdoor seating
- eco Hotel Milano: Eco-friendly and sustainable hotel a few steps from the metro station, with garden and restaurant with local cuisine
- B&B Hotel Milano Ornato: Cheap, comfortable hotel a short walk from the tram station, with parking and 24/7 reception
Fiera district – an area with a strategic location
The Fiera district lies to the east of the historic centre. All of Milan’s popular sights and attractions – Sempione Park, Sforza Castle, Piazza Duomo, Navigli Grande and San Siro Stadium – are within walking distance or a few metro stops away.
The best accommodation in the Fiera district
- Hotel Metrò: Three-star hotel on the elegant Corso Vercelli shopping street and 2 minutes from the metro station
- Hotel Domenichino: A pleasant hotel in a quiet street with an avenue of trees and benches, a shop and the metro are 5 minutes away.
Hotels in Milan near San Siro Stadium
San Siro stadium is located in the northwest of Milan, further away from the centre in a quiet area (unless there is a derby between Inter and AC 😃). There are several restaurants and parking options nearby if you are driving.
The centre is easy to get to – just take the purple M5 metro line, which stops, for example, at the modern Piazza Gae Aulenti, or at. transfer along the way and take a ride to the Duomo.
The best accommodation near San Siro Stadium
B&B Hotel Milano San Siro: Comfortable and new hotel right next to the San Siro Stadium with parking and a few minutes from the metro station. Rich breakfast and great value for money.
Accommodation near Malpensa Airport
Staying near the airport is a great option if you’re arriving late at night or leaving early in the morning (although the larger hotels in Milan have a 24-hour reception, so late night departures and arrivals aren’t a problem).
Idea Hotel: This hotel is located just a short walk from the airport. There is an airport transfer service for €5, which will take you directly from the hotel to the airport (operating 24 hours a day). The hotel offers comfortable and clean rooms with private bathrooms and comfortable beds, a rich breakfast and a restaurant with Italian cuisine.
Accommodation close to Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio)
Looking for accommodation near Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo? I recommend staying close to Bergamo station, which can be reached from Orio al Serio airport in 20 minutes by 1A Airport bus (buy your ticket from the ticket machine or from the information desk at the terminal exit).
From Bergamo you can also take trips to the surrounding area – Milan is less than an hour away by train, as is Lake Como.
Read: Best things to do in Bergamo
The best accommodation in Bergamo
- Hotel Città Dei Mille: Beautiful hotel decorated in traditional style, offering cosy rooms with private bathrooms. Rich breakfast, 24/7 reception, family rooms, good price and great location in the centre
- B&B Hotel Bergamo: Cheap and modern hotel with spacious rooms a short walk from the train station and the old town
WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN – TIPS
PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION
City centre
The historic centre of the city is around the Piazza del Duomo, with the famous Duomo Cathedral. From here, smaller streets branch off in all directions, with large streets joining them in concentric circles.
On the edge of the Centro Storico lies Sforza Castle to the northwest. Behind it is the vast Sempione Park with the Arco della Pace. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its painting of the Last Supper, and the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio are within easy walking distance of the castle, to the east of the centre.
Transportation from the airport to the centre of Milan
If you’re flying into Milan, you’re probably concerned with Malpensa (Wizz Air, Easy Jet) or Bergamo (Ryanair) airports. Both airports are located about an hour from the centre of Milan and are not accessible by public transport.
How to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
Airport buses stop right outside the arrivals hall of Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio Airport) and take you to Milano Centrale Train Station without stopping. From here, it is easy to reach the city centre by metro or on foot.
We always buy our tickets in advance. Tickets are valid all day, so you can use them for any connection without any problems. Upon arrival, we go straight to the buses and don’t wait in line at the window or the ticket machine. At the bus, we then show the ticket on our mobile phones to the worker standing there.
How to get from Malpensa Airport to Milan?
In the case of Malpensa Airport, you have a choice of train or bus. In both cases, follow the signs at the airport to guide you.
Buses stop again at Milano Centrale station. The same place you get back to the airport from.
In this case, too. we bought tickets in advance. We could take any train on any given day – all we had to do was show the ticket to the driver.
Transport and public transport
Milan is well connected by local transport (metro, buses, trams).
The metro is divided into 5 lines M1-M5. Of these, the M2 and M3 cross at Milano Centrale station (two other lines are nearby) and the M1 and M3 cross at the Duomo in the centre. From the station you are at the cathedral in 10 minutes by metro.
Where the metro doesn’t reach, you can take a bus or tram.
With a basic ticket for €2.20 you get 90 minutes of unlimited travel within the city. Tickets for longer periods of time are also on sale with the possibility of unlimited travel for a pre-selected period of time – 24 hours for €7.60, 3 days for €15.50 or a carnet of 10 tickets for €19.50.
You can use your contactless card to pay for your shipping. That way, you only pay for what you actually drive. What’s more, after the fourth ride, you ride for free that day.
It’s easy to use – just attach the card to the orange turnstile (on the metro, you also attach it when you get off). One card is valid for one passenger.
Read more in our guide to getting around Milan (what to see including entrance fees and opening times, transport, prices, food and other tips).
Accommodation in Milan on the map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of where to stay in Milan. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to accommodation in Milan. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
The best booking resources for visiting Milan
Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.
Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.
If you are planning to rent a car in Lombardy, the best experience we have with Rentalcars.com which has the widest range at good prices. Insurance and free cancellation is a matter of course.
These were our tips for choosing accommodation in Milan. Do you have a question?ce We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Italy
MILAN: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Milan. To help you plan your trip to Milan, we’ve created an itinerary for 3 days in Milan, including a map.
Do you have less time? Check out the itinerary for Milan in 2 days or the itinerary for 1 day in Milan. In this guide you will find practical tips for visiting the Duomo di Milano.
Here is a complete guide to transportation in Milan.
LOMBARDIA: There are other beautiful places in Lombardy besides Milan. Just outside Milan is the Alpine lake Lago di Como. Or check out our 15 tips on what to see in Bergamo.
ITALY: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Italy.
ROME: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Here’s a list of the best things to see in Rome. Build your 3-day Rome itinerary and see how to save in Rome. Find out all about the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.
VENICE: In the article What to visit in Venice we bring you tips on the most beautiful places and other useful tips.
Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.
Summary: The best hotels and accommodation in Milan
Popular areas include Centro Storico, the historic centre with iconic sights including the Duomo, or the Centrale district for excellent access to the airport.
It is generally advisable to book well in advance, especially during the main tourist season (April to October) and during major events such as Milan Fashion Week. This ensures you get the best accommodation at the best price.
Accommodation prices are among the highest in the historic centre, Brera and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for cheap accommodation with good accessibility, check out the Niguarda district. More tips are also provided in the article.
Milan boasts an efficient public transport network, including metro, buses and trams, allowing convenient travel from different neighbourhoods to key attractions. It is always a good idea to stay close to metro stations or major bus/tram lines for easy transport (see each hotel’s article for specific information).
