Milan Hotels

Best places to stay in Milan

Milan has something for everyone, whether you prefer cobbles and ancient palaces or gleaming, freshly built towers. The centre is dominated by big-name landmarks (see below), while nearby Brera is the city’s artsy, intellectual neighbourhood, its quaint streets lined with independent boutiques and antique shops. South of the city centre, Milan’s canals, known as the Navigli, offer waterside accommodation with an endless supply of bars and restaurants. For something more cutting-edge, the neighbourhoods of Porta Nuova and Isola boast acclaimed architecture like the living facades of the Bosco Verticale, plus some great street art and international cuisine.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

For first-time visitors to Milan, it’s a good idea to stay central, as close as possible to the Duomo. This enormous cathedral is the city’s emblem, and its intricately carved façade and 135 spires never fail to impress. You can also visit the rooftop for a superb view of the skyline. From here, you can stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – surely one of the world’s most beautiful shopping centres – to reach another Milan landmark, the La Scala opera house. Just east of here is the Quadrilatero d’Oro, an impossibly elegant neighbourhood known for its fashion shopping – and the window-shopping is almost as good.

Where to stay with your family in Milan

Families in search of a Milan hotel should check out the area around Parco Sempione in the northwest of the city centre. Not only will you be within walking distance of the Duomo, but the park itself is great for kids, with 116 acres of green space featuring a playground, a lake, fountains, and the imposing Castello Sforzesco, a fortress that today showcases artworks. For those rainy days, the park is also home to an aquarium with over 100 different species. Genius Hotel Downtown is a well-rated option tucked on a quiet street just outside the main entrance to the park.

Where to find cheap hotels in Milan

Milan might be known as the home of luxury, but that doesn’t mean there are no cheap hotels available. As well as being handy for those arriving by train, the area around the main railway station (Stazione Centrale) has plenty of affordable options. Hotel Aspromonte is just off Piazzale Loreto, where you can find a Metro stop, and offers rooms for less than £100 a night as well as a bar, breakfast room and courtyard garden. If you’d prefer to be in the heart of the action, Hotel Nuovo has basic but comfortable rooms in an unbelievably good location within touching distance of the Duomo.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Milan has some great accommodation for those visiting solo. For starters, there’s the ever-reliable hostel chain Ostello Bello, which has two locations in the city: one by the main train station and the other in the centre. In addition to amenities like a terrace/garden and a 24/7 bar, these seriously cool hostels host a selection of live music and events. Another sociable option is 21 House of Stories, a place where travellers, digital nomads and creatives come together, with a great restaurant, co-working spaces and a busy schedule of weekly entertainment.

Landmarks

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) took nearly six centuries to complete and it's fair to say that all who witness it would agree that it was worth the wait. Construction of this Italian Gothic masterpiece began in 1386 and finished in 1965. Adorned by more than 2,500 statues, the craftsmanship is apparent in every nook and cranny of the incredible stonework. Climb to the terraced roof and from this lofty position you'll have spectacular views of the city below.

A ten-minute walk from the Cathedral brings you to Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (Church of Saint Maurice), a Renaissance-Baroque church built in 1518. Just to see the nun's chapel is worth the visit alone. Its walls are covered with glorious 16th-century frescoes, with St Luke, by Vincenzo Foppa, a particular highlight.

Close by is Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Grace), a church that contains the masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, the iconic The Last Supper.

I Rossoneri e I Nerazzurri (The Red and the Blacks and the Black and the Blues)

Come the football season, supporters of either AC Milan or Internazionale head to the city's 80,000-capacity stadium. It is either known as the San Siro – when Milan are at home – or Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – when Inter play their home games. And when the footballing behemoths meet in the Derby della Madonnina, the noise and spectacle is something to behold.

Party and Nightlife in Milan

Milan's nightlife is as stylish and diverse as the city itself, offering everything from plush nightclubs to historic bars and secret party spots. Here’s a guide to the best places to go out in Milan.

Night Clubs

• Tempio del Futuro Perduto: A standout for its creative and inclusive vibe, this venue is more than a nightclub, providing a space for various cultural activities during the day.

• Club Plastic: Known as a temple of nightlife in Northern Italy, Club Plastic offers an edgy and eccentric experience, making it a must-visit for dance enthusiasts.

Concert Halls

Milan is home to several venues that host live music and performances, from classical to contemporary genres. While specific concert halls were not highlighted, Milan's rich musical scene ensures there are plenty of options to enjoy live music.

Secret Party Spots

For those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist path:

• R(E)sistenza Casearia: A cheese bar offering a unique tasting experience with raw-milk cheeses and biodynamic wine, making for a trendy and unusual night out in Milan.

Best Neighbourhoods for Going Out

• The Navigli District: Famous for its lively atmosphere, this area is brimming with bars, pubs, and clubs. It's a favourite among locals and visitors alike for an evening out.

• Brera: This bohemian district is perfect for a sophisticated and trendy night, with a mix of artists, actors, and writers frequenting its bars and restaurants.

• Porta Romana: Known for attracting a more mature crowd with a love for music, this historic neighbourhood offers a quieter yet equally engaging nightlife experience with pubs and breweries.

Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing, live music, or a unique Milanese experience, the city’s diverse neighbourhoods offer a wealth of options for every preference. From the historic charm of Porta Romana to the bustling nightlife of Navigli and the chic allure of Brera, Milan is sure to provide an unforgettable night out.

The 10 must-sees of Milan

• Duomo: Monumental cathedral with 135 spires that showcases architectural styles from French Gothic to the Renaissance.

• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Neo-Renaissance shopping arcade with an ornate glass roof and dome.

• Cimitero Monumentale: A tranquil place for a stroll, with towering, beautifully decorated tombs of Milan’s great and good.

• The Last Supper: Iconic Da Vinci masterpiece housed in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

• Castello Sforzesco: Distinctive medieval fortification in red brick, now home to several interesting museums.

• Navigli: Milan’s bohemian canal-side area, teeming with bars and boutique stores.

• Pinacoteca di Brera: Major art gallery with dazzling works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Tintoretto and more.

• Teatro Alla Scala: An institution in the world of opera since its foundation in 1778.

• Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro): World-famous football stadium that boasts an eye-catching design like no other.

• Porta Nuova: This modern district combines green spaces, soaring skyscrapers and buzzing squares.

Hotels with rooftop bars

The Roof Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo needs to be seen to be believed. The large terrace has both indoor and outdoor seating for year-round use and serves up lunch, aperitifs and dinner, all with a view that stretches from the Basilica of Sant’Alessandro next door to the snow-capped Alps in the distance.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The recipient of a Michelin star, Anima at Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze is run by renowned chef Enrico Bartolini. The décor is sleek and stylish, while the fixed-price tasting menus showcase the best of Milanese tradition with a modern twist, focusing on seasonal ingredients. There’s also a superb selection of Italian and international wines.

Spa hotels in Milan

The name gives it away: Armani Hotel Milano is a 5-star luxury offering with a spa to match. Armani/SPA offers a range of face and body treatments to leave you feeling totally rejuvenated. Finish off with a dip in the relaxation pool or a trip to the sauna or steam bath.

Exceptional hotels

Situated just down the road from La Scala, Grand Hotel et de Milan has welcomed illustrious guests from the world of art and music since 1863, including legendary composer Giuseppe Verdi. Renovations in 1993 uncovered ruins of Milan’s Roman city walls, which can now be viewed in the Don Carlos wine cellar.

Luxury hotels in Milan

There are plenty of luxury hotels in Milan, but Bulgari Hotel Milano stands out from the pack. Perfectly situated in sophisticated Brera just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, it boasts gorgeously sunlit rooms, a swanky lounge and fine dining restaurant, a super-stylish spa, and direct access to the adjacent botanical garden.

Discover Shopping in Milan

Milan, a city synonymous with style and fashion, offers an array of shopping experiences, from the pinnacle of luxury to affordable street fashion, and vibrant markets to unique boutiques. Whether you're searching for high-end designer brands, unique vintage finds, or just looking to soak in the city's fashion-forward atmosphere, Milan's diverse shopping districts cater to every taste and budget.

Trendy Shopping Areas

• Via Monte Napoleone: The heart of Milan's fashion district, known for luxury brands and high-end shopping.

• Corso Como: Famous for the concept store 10 Corso Como, offering a unique mix of fashion, art, music, and design.

Budget-Friendly Shopping

• Corso Buenos Aires: Known as Milan's main "high street", it's one of the longest shopping streets in Europe, boasting a range of international ready-to-wear brands.

• Via Torino: Offers more accessible shopping options with a mix of high-street brands and smaller boutiques.

Craft Shops and Boutiques

• Brera District: Known for its bohemian vibe, Brera's boutiques offer "Made in Italy" fashion, and it's also home to lovely open-air markets.

• Navigli District: Famous for its canals and aperitivo scene, it's great for exploring unique boutiques and vintage shops.

Markets in Milan

Traditional and Trendy Markets

• Fiera di Senigallia: A famous flea market offering vintage clothes, records, and various oddities.

• Viale Papiniano Market: One of Milan's largest markets, known for its wide range of goods including clothing, accessories, and food.

Where to Buy Holiday Souvenirs

• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Not just a shopping destination but a historic site; its boutiques and stores offer luxurious souvenirs.

• Local craft shops in Brera and Navigli: Perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of Milanese design and creativity.

Shopping Malls

• La Rinascente: Situated in Piazza del Duomo, this high-end department store spans ten floors, featuring a vast selection of brands and a food hall with stunning city views.

• Il Centro: One of the largest shopping centers in Europe, located just outside Milan, offering a wide range of shops, from high street to designer brands.

Whether you're indulging in the luxury of the Golden Rectangle, exploring the trendy boutiques of Brera, or hunting for bargains on Corso Buenos Aires, Milan's shopping scene promises an exhilarating experience for every visitor.