Where to stay in Milan: The best areas and hotels for every budget

Milan, Italy's cosmopolitan metropolis, is a city brimming with vitality, cultural heritage, and endless charm. As the capital of fashion and design, it attracts thousands of visitors every year, not only for its shopping but also for its impressive monuments, unique architecture, and deep history. The city combines a modern business atmosphere with the romanticism of the past, making Milan a top destination for cultural getaways and business trips.

Milan's city centre is home to some of Italy's most recognisable landmarks. The impressive Duomo Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and hundreds of sculpted figures, dominates the heart of the city.

Next to the cathedral, you'll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest and most impressive shopping arcades in the world. With its glass dome and luxury boutiques, it's an ideal place for shopping, and also for enjoying a coffee or meal at its historic cafés.

The Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses globally, offers a unique experience for lovers of classical music. Its architecture and the renowned productions hosted there make it a landmark for Milan's cultural life.

Another important site is the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. This invaluable work of art attracts visitors from all over the world daily.

Shopping enthusiasts will find their paradise on Via Montenapoleone, the street with the most luxurious fashion and jewellery boutiques. Via della Spiga is also known for its elegant shops.

The Navigli district, with its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy relaxed strolls and traditional restaurants by the water. In the evenings, the canals are illuminated and the cafés and bars fill with people enjoying the area's atmosphere.

Of course! Here's a comprehensive analysis of the first two areas, the Historic Centre and Brera, along with accommodation suggestions for each area.

Historic Centre (Centro Storico)

Milan's Historic Centre is undoubtedly the city's most touristy and bustling spot, where the most important monuments and attractions are concentrated. It's the ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in the city's history and culture, as it hosts some of the most iconic buildings, such as the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Duomo is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and Milan's most characteristic landmark. With the option to climb to the top of the cathedral for panoramic city views, the area becomes even more enchanting for every visitor.

Furthermore, the Historic Centre is full of luxury shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it an excellent destination for shopping and gastronomic experiences. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, offers unique options for shopping and strolls beneath its impressive glass dome. Visitors can also enjoy performances at the renowned Teatro alla Scala, located just a few minutes' walk from Piazza del Duomo.

This area is ideal for those who want to access all of Milan's main attractions on foot, without needing to frequently use public transport.

Advantages:

• Central location: The Historic Centre is in the heart of the city, offering direct access to all major attractions.
• Variety of choices: Luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, and exclusive boutiques are plentiful.
• Monuments and culture: The Duomo, Teatro alla Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele are all within easy reach.

Disadvantages:

• High prices: Hotels and restaurants in the Historic Centre tend to be expensive.
• Crowds: Due to the area's popularity, it's often very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Noise: The crowds and traffic make the area quite noisy, especially at night.

Accommodation suggestions in the Historic Centre

Hotel Straf
Hotel Straf offers a combination of modern design and luxury. It is located just a few steps from the Duomo Cathedral, making it ideal for visitors who want to be in the thick of the action. Guests can enjoy a gym, modern rooms with contemporary amenities, and an excellent breakfast. Average cost: 300€ per night.

Park Hyatt Milan
One of the top luxury hotels in Milan, the Park Hyatt offers exceptional service and ultra-luxurious accommodation with views of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Rooms are spacious and elegant, while guests can enjoy spa services and top-tier gastronomic experiences. Average cost: 600€ per night.

Hotel Rio
Hotel Rio is an affordable option in the heart of Milan, offering simple but comfortable rooms. It is located a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo, making it ideal for tourists who want to explore the city on foot. Average cost: 100€ per night.

Hotel Spadari al Duomo
This elegant hotel is located just a few metres from the cathedral. Although prices are more affordable compared to the area's more luxurious hotels, Hotel Spadari al Duomo offers high-quality services and stylish accommodation. Average cost: 250€ per night

B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio
The B&B Hotel is an excellent budget-friendly option for travellers seeking clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. It is located a 10-minute walk from the Duomo and offers modern amenities and a pleasant stay. Average cost: approximately 90€ per night.

Brera

The Brera district is one of Milan's most charming and artistic destinations. Known for its cobbled narrow streets and picturesque atmosphere, Brera attracts artists, creative professionals, and travellers seeking a more authentic and elegant accommodation experience. This neighbourhood is filled with art galleries, small independent shops, and some of the city's best restaurants.

At the heart of Brera lies the famous Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most important art galleries, where you can admire masterpieces by artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. The area maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for strolls, coffee on pavement cafés, and evenings in chic wine bars.

In addition to its artistic aura, Brera is close to important attractions, such as Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione, offering visitors easy access to green spaces and historical monuments.

Advantages:

• Artistic atmosphere: The area is full of art galleries and independent shops, offering a unique experience for visitors.
• Elegance and tranquility: Despite its central location, Brera remains quieter and less touristy than the Historic Centre.
• Close to parks and monuments: Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione are within easy reach.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost: Although not as expensive as the Historic Centre, accommodation in Brera can be pricier than in other neighbourhoods.
• Fewer public transport options: It does not have as many metro stops as the Historic Centre.

Accommodation suggestions in Brera

Hotel Milano Scala
Hotel Milano Scala is a luxurious boutique hotel with eco-friendly options. Located in the heart of Brera, it offers elegant rooms, while guests can enjoy city views from the hotel's terrace. Average cost: 300€ per night.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa
One of the most luxurious hotels in Brera, Palazzo Parigi offers high-end luxury and services, as well as an impressive spa. It is centrally located and is a top choice for those seeking a luxurious stay. Average cost: 700€ per night.

Hotel Cavour
Hotel Cavour is in an excellent location, a few minutes from the centre of Brera, and offers comfortable and elegant accommodation at an affordable price. The rooms are modern and the service is high-standard. Average cost: 200€ per night.

Antica Locanda dei Mercanti
An elegant boutique hotel at an affordable price, ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of Brera. The rooms are tastefully decorated and provide all necessary amenities. Average cost: approximately 180€ per night.

Locanda Pandenus Brera
Offers more affordable accommodation in the area, with friendly service and comfortable rooms. The hotel is close to all major attractions in Brera. Average cost: 150€ per night.

Porta Nuova

The Porta Nuova district is one of Milan's most modern and rapidly developing areas. Known for its impressive skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture, Porta Nuova has evolved into the city's business hub and symbolises Milan's new era. The area hosts Piazza Gae Aulenti, a pivotal spot filled with modern cafés and shops, where visitors can enjoy a coffee with a view of the skyscrapers.

While Porta Nuova lacks the historical charm of Milan's traditional areas, it is ideal for those seeking modern accommodation in a quieter and less touristy environment. The area offers access to green spaces, such as Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi, one of the city's newest parks, combining urban and natural life.

Furthermore, Porta Nuova is within close proximity to Milan's more traditional neighbourhoods, such as Brera and the Historic Centre, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to combine modern and traditional experiences.

Advantages:

• Modern architecture: The area offers an impressive combination of modern buildings and skyscrapers.
• Quiet environment: Less touristy than the Historic Centre and Brera, offering a more relaxed experience.
• Access to parks: Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi provides a fresh green space for relaxation and strolls.

Disadvantages:

• Fewer tourist attractions: Although close to the centre, the area itself does not have historical monuments and attractions.
• Expensive accommodation: The modern architecture and business atmosphere of the area make accommodation here quite costly.

Accommodation suggestions in Porta Nuova

Boscolo Milano, Autograph Collection
Boscolo Milano is a luxury hotel, known for its contemporary design and high-standard services. It is located a stone's throw from Piazza Gae Aulenti and offers breathtaking views of the city's skyscrapers. The hotel also features a spa and swimming pool. Average cost: 350€ per night.

NH Collection Porta Nuova
The NH Collection is a contemporary choice for business travellers and guests seeking an elegant accommodation experience. The rooms are modern, with all the amenities one would expect from a high-category hotel. Average cost: 200€ per night.

Hotel VIU Milan
A hotel that combines luxury and modern aesthetics, VIU Milan features a rooftop bar with city views and contemporary amenities throughout the hotel. Its location in Porta Nuova makes it ideal for business trips or luxurious getaways. Average cost: 300€ per night.

AC Hotel Milano by Marriott
This Marriott chain hotel offers luxurious accommodation at an affordable price for the Porta Nuova area. It is ideal for business travellers, as it provides all modern amenities at a reasonable cost. Average cost: 180€ per night.

Meliá Milano
Meliá Milano is a hotel offering luxurious accommodation with modern rooms and excellent service. It is strategically located in Porta Nuova, close to business and commercial areas. Average cost: 250€ per night.

Navigli

The Navigli district is one of Milan's most distinctive and lively neighbourhoods, known for its canals and vibrant nightlife. The canals running through the area lend a unique romantic atmosphere, making Navigli popular for evening strolls and waterside dining. Along the canals, you'll find traditional restaurants, cafés, and bars, which fill with locals and visitors, especially on weekends.

Navigli is ideal for those wishing to explore Milan's more bohemian side, with art galleries, vintage shops, and outdoor markets creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Although not in the city centre, Navigli is easily accessible by public transport, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy something different from the bustling tourist crowds of the centre.

Advantages:

• Romantic atmosphere: The canals lend a special romantic ambience, ideal for strolls and evening meals.
• Nightlife: The area is known for its bars and restaurants, making it popular for Milan's nightlife.
• Artistic neighbourhood: Visitors can enjoy the relaxed, artistic atmosphere, with galleries and art shops found on every corner.

Disadvantages:

• Distance from the centre: Although easily accessible, Navigli is not close to the city's main attractions, making commutes slightly more time-consuming.
• Crowds: Especially in the evenings and on weekends, the area can become very crowded due to its popularity.

Accommodation suggestions in Navigli

Art Hotel Navigli
An elegant hotel that combines art with hospitality. Art Hotel Navigli offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities and is ideally located for exploring the area's canals. Average cost: 200€ per night.

Nhow Milano
One of the most modern hotels in the area, Nhow Milano stands out for its impressive design and artistic atmosphere. It is located near the Navigli canals and offers guests a unique accommodation experience. Average cost: 250€ per night.

Maison Borella
A boutique hotel located in a historic building by the canal. Maison Borella offers an authentic accommodation experience in the heart of Navigli, with traditional architecture and modern amenities. Average cost: 180€ per night.

Magna Pars Suites Milano
A luxury all-suite hotel offering refined accommodation in the Navigli area. Ideal for those seeking comfort and luxury, combined with the artistic atmosphere of the area. Average cost: 400€ per night.

Navigli Aparthotel
A budget-friendly option for those seeking comfortable and flexible accommodation in the area. Navigli Aparthotel offers fully equipped apartments with all amenities, at an affordable price. Average cost: 120€ per night.

Porta Romana

Porta Romana is one of Milan's most historic and authentic neighbourhoods, known for its rich history and relaxed atmosphere. Located in the south of the city, its name comes from the gate that existed in the area during Roman times. Today, Porta Romana is a neighbourhood that blends old with new, with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants meeting modern amenities.

The area is ideal for those seeking a more local accommodation experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centre, while also offering easy access to all the city's major attractions. Porta Romana is also known for its QC Termemilano thermal baths, which offer visitors the chance to relax and enjoy a unique wellness experience.

Despite its relaxed atmosphere, Porta Romana boasts a lively nightlife with bars and restaurants offering local and international flavours, making it an ideal choice for those who want to combine cultural experiences with gastronomic delights.

Advantages:

• Quiet and authentic: The area is quieter and offers a local accommodation experience, away from the crowds of tourist areas.
• Thermal baths: QC Termemilano is a major draw for those who want to relax and enjoy a spa experience.
• Easy access: Although not in the centre, Porta Romana is easily accessible by metro and public transport.

Disadvantages:

• Far from central attractions: Although the area has its own charm, it does not have the major attractions found in the Historic Centre or Brera.
• Fewer luxury options: The area mainly offers mid-range and budget accommodation options, with fewer luxury choices compared to other neighbourhoods.

Accommodation suggestions in Porta Romana

UNAHOTELS Mediterraneo Milano
A modern hotel offering comfort and affordable prices. Located close to the metro, it is an excellent choice for those who desire easy access to the city centre. Average cost: 150€ per night.

Grand Visconti Palace
A luxury hotel with beautiful gardens and elegant decor, the Grand Visconti Palace offers luxury at an affordable price. Guests can enjoy the hotel's indoor pool and spa. Average cost: 250€ per night.

Hotel Five
A small but elegant hotel, ideal for those who want an affordable option close to the metro. The rooms are modern and offer all necessary amenities. Average cost: 120€ per night.

Hotel di Porta Romana
A hotel offering affordable prices and simple, clean accommodation in the heart of the area. Ideal for travellers seeking a budget-friendly option with easy access to the centre. Average cost: 100€ per night.

QC Termemilano Apartments
An ideal option for those who want to combine their stay with the services of the QC Termemilano spa. The apartments offer independent accommodation with the comfort of a hotel. Average cost: 220€ per night.

How to get to Milan

Milan is easily accessible from Greece, with direct flights operating daily from Athens and Thessaloniki. From Athens, flights to Milan's Malpensa Airport take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with options from major airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and easyJet. From Thessaloniki, flights take approximately 2 hours, offering convenient and fast connections to Milan, either to Malpensa Airport or Linate Airport, which is closer to the city centre.

Search for the best deals on flight tickets from Greece to Milan on travelo.gr and take advantage of special discounts and offers that will make your trip even more affordable. Find the best option for your next trip and book your ticket easily and quickly!

Milan is a city that combines modern aesthetics with rich history and culture, offering visitors a unique experience. Whether you prefer to stay in the cosmopolitan Historic Centre, the artistic Brera, the modern Porta Nuova, the romantic Navigli, or the relaxed and authentic Porta Romana, accommodation options cater to every need and budget.

Explore the historical attractions, enjoy luxurious gastronomy, and experience the nightlife of this vibrant city. Milan awaits your discovery, offering an unforgettable experience.

Don't miss the opportunity to organise your trip to Milan easily and quickly via travelo.gr, by booking your flight tickets and discovering the best deals for your accommodation in the city!