Where to Stay in Milan: Top 10 Boutique Hotels for Every Budget

Milan, the financial heart of Italy, attracts around six million visitors annually. This bustling metropolis isn’t just close to the beauty of Lake Como and the Italian Alps. It has its own allure that captivates travelers. Known for its fashion week, Milan offers historic sights like the old city center and vibrant nightlife spots like the canalside areas of Navigli.

The city’s historic core is easily walkable, but every one of its nine zones presents unique experiences. Apart from being an industrial giant, Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and hosts many student districts, making it a lively mix of culture and affordable accommodations. Art lovers can catch glimpses of The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie or explore the modern art scene in Brera. Getting around Milan is a breeze thanks to a comprehensive metro and tram system.

Key Takeaways

• Milan offers both historical sights and modern attractions.
• The city has many distinct neighborhoods with different vibes.
• Milan is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore.

Historical Center of Milan (Centro Storico)

Where to Stay in the Historical Center of Milan

Finding the perfect place to stay in the heart of Milan, called Centro Storico, can make your trip amazing. This area is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and luxurious shopping. Here are a few suggestions:

• Château Monfort – This hotel combines antique charm with modern facilities. It’s themed around fairy tales and operas, giving you a unique experience.

• Hotel Dei Cavalieri – Offers a cozy Italian restaurant and an additional rooftop restaurant open during the summer. The terrace has a beautiful view of the piazza and statues below.

• Hotel Palazzo Delle Stelline – Set in a renovated 15th-century building, this hotel has a charming courtyard and an intriguing history as it once was part of an orphanage. The 3-star property offers a blend of history and comfort.

Brera

Brera sits in Milan’s northern part and is perfect for art lovers or those who enjoy beautiful architecture. Although it’s now within Zone 1, Brera used to lie outside Milan’s ancient walls.

Here, you’ll find key attractions like the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the Brera Art Gallery, both hubs of artistic activity in Plaza Brera. The area has a bohemian vibe, often compared to Paris’s Montmartre. It’s a favorite spot for art students and intellectuals.

The cobblestone streets are filled with art shops, fortune tellers, boutiques, and bars. For nightlife, you’ll find a mix of budget-friendly hostels and chic hotels. It’s a great place to stay central without being swamped by tourists.

Where to Stay in Brera

Luxury

• Bulgari Hotel Milano: Housed in an 18th-century building, this boutique hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a sprawling private garden that blends into the nearby botanical garden.

Midrange

• Carlyle Brera Hotel: Located in a sleek seven-story building, this elegant hotel is set right in the heart of the historic center, making it perfect for those who want a mix of comfort and convenience.

Brera itself adds a modern twist to Milan’s rich history, blending arts and design into every corner. A stroll through its streets reveals a world where the old meets the new, providing a perfect backdrop for any traveler.

Fiera & San Siro

Where to Stay in the Fiera and San Siro Area

Nestled in the northwest of Milan, Fiera and San Siro are perfect places if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay. These neighborhoods are mostly residential, making them ideal for families and anyone who likes quieter surroundings. There’s no shortage of parks here, with Parco delle Cave standing out due to its bike trails and family-friendly vibe.

Football fans have a special treat: the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where AC Milan plays, is right in this area. This means you can catch thrilling matches without traveling far. For those who enjoy a variety of cafes, bars, and easy metro access, this spot truly delivers.

Finding a place to stay here means you’re likely to get a great deal. You’ll find more modern rooms and larger spaces at competitive prices compared to the city center. Here’s a great option to consider:

• Antares Hotel Rubens – This hotel comes with added perks like a fitness center and a wine bar. Plus, there’s a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful garden view.

Whether you’re here with family or just looking for a quieter escape while still being close to city life, Fiera and San Siro offer a fantastic balance.

Stazione Centrale

Where to Stay near Stazione Centrale

Excelsior Hotel Gallia
If you’re looking for top-tier luxury, Excelsior Hotel Gallia won’t disappoint. This 5-star gem offers Italian-style rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy a world-class Shiseido spa, a rooftop restaurant, and impeccable service.

Andreola Central Hotel
A solid 4-star option, Andreola Central Hotel gives you all the essentials. Start your day with a generous buffet breakfast, relax in the hotel bar, and dine in their top-floor restaurant which provides panoramic views of the city.

Other Places to Stay

Hotel Berna Milan
For a comfortable stay, Hotel Berna offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a hearty breakfast. It’s very close to the station, making it convenient if you’re catching an early train.

NYX Hotel Milan
A chic, modern hotel right by Milano Centrale. NYX Hotel Milan combines style and comfort, featuring a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and vibrant urban designs. Ideal for young travelers looking to stay somewhere trendy.

Why Choose Stazione Centrale

Staying in Stazione Centrale is a smart choice if you’re arriving or leaving Milan by train. The central station, dating back to 1931, is one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful train stations, showcasing an intricate facade and grand arrivals hall.

From here, you can easily catch high-speed trains to places like Venice and Turin. If you’re planning to explore more of Milan, the metro system at the station makes it simple to get to other parts of the city, like the Duomo, which is just three stops away.

Local Attractions and Conveniences

Though the area around Stazione Centrale isn’t packed with tourist sites, it’s well-connected. Corso Buenos Aires, a popular shopping street, is nearby and packed with shops and cafés. Plus, the variety of hotels here means you can find everything from budget accommodations to high-end luxury.

Staying here means you’re close to transport links, affordable lodging, and various amenities that can make your visit to Milan convenient and enjoyable.

Navigli

Navigli is a lively neighborhood located in the southwest part of Milan. This area is famous for its historic canals, particularly the Naviglio Grande Canal. These canals were once essential for transporting goods around the city. Nowadays, Navigli is known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling nightlife. During the day, you can explore art galleries, unique boutiques, and quaint coffee shops. There’s also a charming antique market held monthly, and the ancient Basilica Sant Eustorgio, which dates back to the 4th century.

When the sun sets, Navigli becomes a hotspot where the remaining two canals intersect. The nightlife here is vibrant, with numerous bars and clubs. You can enjoy dinner and drinks along the canal banks before heading out for a night of dancing at venues like Porto Alegre.

Staying in Navigli offers a unique experience with several boutique hotels. The metro also makes it easy to travel to other parts of Milan.

Where to Stay in Navigli

• Hotel Magna Pars – This 5-star hotel is a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is surrounded by lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and a secret garden.

• Art Hotel Navigli – Ideal for artistic souls, this 4-star hotel features a splendid collection of modern artwork and sculptures. It’s housed in a cheerful yellow building that’s hard to miss.

• Hotel Des Etrangers – This 3-star hotel is located in a historic Italian-style building with a modern entrance. The seven-story hotel offers cozy rooms suited for all types of travelers.

Navigli is perfect for those who love a mix of history and modernity, not to mention its excellent food and drink spots. Whether you’re strolling along the canals by day or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s always something to see and do.

Bicocca

Lodging in Bicocca

Bicocca offers many choices for your stay. Whether you’re looking for an affordable hotel or a luxurious 4-star accommodation, this district has something for everyone. Being near the University of Milano-Bicocca, there are lots of lively student bars and activities.

The Hotel Zara Milano provides a cozy stay behind its cream-colored walls, giving off both comfort and modern vibes at its 3-star level. It’s a good pick if you want to balance budget and comfort.

If you enjoy exploring, don’t miss out on checking out places like the Unicredit Tower and Porta Nuova area. The views from the Bosco Verticale towers are impressive and worth a visit. For a trendy, upscale experience, Aethos Milan also offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.

Public transport, like the tram system, makes it easy to get to the city center from Bicocca. This allows you to enjoy the calm of the outskirts while still having access to central Milan’s highlights, including the buzzing Gae Aulenti square.

Porta Romana

Where to Stay in Porta Romana

Porta Romana is a charming area to stay in Milan, especially if you don’t mind being a bit outside the bustling city center. It’s an old neighborhood with a gate that dates back to the Roman era, making it quite historical.

There are two sides to Porta Romana. One side is wealthier and home to some of Milan’s more affluent residents. The other side may not be as luxurious but it’s full of life and offers many cool restaurants and bars.

When it comes to places to stay, you’ll find a variety of options. Towards the center of Porta Romana, you’ll see classic style hotels. On the outskirts, there are more budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.

Here are some options for you:

• Grand Visconti Palace: This elegant 4-star hotel is set within a historic building. It’s built on the remains of an old Verga mill from the early 1900s, offering a mix of charm and comfort.

So whether you’re looking for luxury or something more affordable, Porta Romana has options to suit your needs.

Sempione & Chinatown

Where to Stay in Sempione & Chinatown

Sempione is a cool area just north of Parco Sempione. You’ll love the tree-lined streets here. It’s calm and filled with modern hotels and charming guesthouses. The park itself is a gem, offering you a great place for walks or picnics.

Now, let’s talk Chinatown, which is actually within the Sempione neighborhood. This area has a rich Chinese history that goes way back to the time between the world wars. It’s a haven for leather and silk shops, and you can snag some good deals. Plus, if you’re a foodie, you’ve got to try the authentic Chinese dishes around Via Paolo Sarpi. Just a heads-up: you’ll be walking a bit since there’s no metro stop nearby.

If you’re thinking about where to stay, consider Hotel Mozart. This 4-star hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast each day and an American bar where you can grab a drink. It’s a comfortable option with all the conveniences you’d expect for a good stay.

Both Sempione and Chinatown offer unique experiences, whether you’re after the tranquility of tree-lined streets or the bustling charm of a historically rich district.

Citta Studi

Where to Stay in Citta Studi

Citta Studi, a bustling student area in northeastern Milan, offers a lively, budget-friendly experience. You can explore cultural sights during the day and enjoy the vibrant nightlife after dark. With the Porta Venezia gate and its own metro stop, getting around is convenient.

One of the highlights here is the Gardini Publici, a beautiful garden perfect for a relaxing stroll. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, head to Corso Buenos Aires—the longest shopping street in the city.

When it’s time to eat or grab a drink, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Citta Studi has plenty of affordable bars and eateries that cater to a young, diverse crowd. Plus, it’s close enough to central Milan that you can easily walk to many attractions.

For places to stay, Hotel Lombardia is a top pick. This 4-star hotel, in an elegant building from the late 1950s, has been meticulously restored. It offers a cozy retreat whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. With various options like hotels and hostels, Citta Studi makes a great base for exploring Milan without breaking the bank.

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