The Best Areas To Stay in Milan: 5 Fantastic Neighbourhoods

When it comes to seeking out the best area to stay in Milan, just ask yourself one thing – what’s most important to you? Perhaps it’s the iconic sites of the city, from the world-famous Duomo (the largest cathedral in the world, no less) to the church that is home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper mural. Perhaps you prefer to explore the city like a local, spending less time seeing the sites and more time soaking up the atmosphere in bars and restaurants. You may be heading to the fashion capital of the world to shop – and with high-end stores, boutiques and antique markets, you’ll certainly have plenty of choice there. If you’re visiting with children, your accommodation wishlist may be entirely different. Whether you’re searching for the best area to stay in Milan as a first-timer, or already know you’re keen to be in the thick of the city’s nightlife district, this guide will help you choose the best neighbourhood in Milan for you.

If this is your first visit to Milan then chances are you’ll want to tick off the big hitter sites – many of which are handily located in zone 1 and Zona Magenta, or the Centro Historico. It’s here that you’ll find the Gothic towers and gargoyles of the Duomo cathedral (which is worth appreciating from the inside as well as outside), the Santa Maria delle Grazie church (home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper) and the Sforzesco Castle and its various museums.

Steps away from the sprawling Duomo you’ll also find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; the glass building is an architectural marvel in itself, but inside you’ll find dozens of designer stores and boutiques that are perfect for some serious window shopping. There are plenty of local cafés, bakeries and food markets in the area too. Try Luini’s for panzerotti (think mini fried calzones) or any number of local spots where you can grab a pre-midday cappuccino, or a speedy espresso standing at the bar. If you’re keen to have the city’s iconic sites on your doorstep – but also be within easy reach of various other interesting neighbourhoods – then this is the best area to stay in Milan for you. Considering your accommodation options? Book into the ibis Styles Milano Centro for a stay in a restored historical building.

Transport: Buses run from all of Milan’s airports to the city centre. From here you can reach anywhere in the city easily, hopping on the Metro, tram or bus, or jumping in a taxi.

When you’re wandering around the city centre it’s hard to imagine that Milan is home to two canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. If you’re looking for nightlife, this is where to head, although don’t let the word "nightlife" put you off – it can be as laid-back as you like, with relaxed early-evening drinks as the sun sets over the water, or sipping natural wines, cocktails and craft beers in one of the busier bars after dark.

Navigli isn’t just for nighttime, though. In the day, the neighbourhood is a lovely and relaxed place to wander, popping into vintage stores or rummaging at the city’s famous antiques market, when stalls line the banks of Naviglio Grande on the last Sunday of every month. Base yourself at Mercure Milano Solari and you’ll be a short stroll from Navigli’s boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Transport: It’s just a 30-minute walk from the Duomo, or you can reach the area in 20 minutes from the city centre by tram, bus or Metro. Head to Porta Genova station if you choose the latter.

Looking to be surrounded by colourful architecture and experience a more relaxed side to the city, while also being minutes away from the main sites? Brera is a great choice for you.

Within a few hours in Milan you’ll see that this is one of the most celebrated cities in the world for art lovers. To soak up the artistic and more bohemian side of the city, base yourself in or close to Brera – a laid-back neighbourhood where you can saunter along cobbled pedestrianised streets, popping into boutique art galleries and antique shops, and admiring the 18th-century houses.

It’s one of Milan’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, with a relaxed and bohemian ambiance. Some of the most influential intellectuals and artists have trodden the very same streets that you will, including Mozart, who stayed in the monastery of the San Marco Church for three months as a young musician. If you’re keen to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, make a beeline to the Orto Botanico Brera, a free and beautiful botanical garden located behind Palazzo Brera.

Transport: The nearest Metro station is Lanza (line M2), which is a few minutes’ walk away. It’s also a really easy 15-minute walk from Duomo to Brera district.

Porta Romana is a Milan neighbourhood that’s all too often overlooked by visitors. Located between the historical centre and the newer cultural additions to the city (the Fondazione Prada contemporary art gallery being one of them), it’s the best area to stay in Milan to live life like a local, whether you’re spending two nights in Milan or ten.

Milan first timer? If you’re less interested in sightseeing and more interested in exploring the city through its cafés, bars and restaurants, this neighbourhood in the south-east of the city is also a great choice for you. You'll still get your fair share of sites here though – from the crumbling remains of the 16th-century Spanish walls to Cascina Cuccagna, a 17th-century farmhouse, where medicinal herbs were once grown for the Ospedale Maggiore. Today it’s home to farmers' markets and puppet shows – and makes for an unusual addition to your Milan itinerary.

Transport: It’s a slightly longer walk from the city centre to Porta Romana (around 35 minutes or so), and a handy 10-minute tram ride from Duomo.

For contemporary architecture and a cosmopolitan vibe, base yourself in Porta Nuova or neighbouring Isola. These areas are brilliantly close to the city’s iconic sites, but have their own distinct appeal. Visitors keen to celebrate Milan’s status as the fashion capital of the world (head to the luxury stores on Corso Como for that) will love sophisticated and stylish Porta Nuova, whereas Isola has a more vibrant, hipster vibe.

Today, shiny high-rises are part of the skyline, and you’ll also find the lush landscaped gardens of Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi within easy reach of the two. The large, meticulously planned park and green space is home to a Library of Trees, with hundreds of species said to thrive here. From dog walkers to yogis, it’s a tranquil green place where plenty of locals congregate.

Transport: You’re a few minutes from Garibaldi, one of the city’s major train stations, and there are tram, bus and Metro connections to the city centre and other neighbourhoods.

Milan may be home to some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks and galleries, but let’s face it – most kids aren’t visiting the city to see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in real life. Instead, it’s about balancing sightseeing with fun – like gazing up at the Duomo in the morning after sunny afternoons spent splashing in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool (base yourself at Novotel Milan Nord Ca Granda for that). The same hotel is also a handy distance from San Siro, home to InterMilan and AC Milan. Budding players will love the stadium tour and peek inside the locker rooms, and you may even plan your trip over a concert – big-name artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Beyoncé have performed here, and summer concert dates are usually announced in the autumn of the year before.

Transport: It’s easy to reach the city centre by tram or bus (or a 10-minute taxi ride). The Metro line 5 (lilac) will also zip you over to the San Siro Stadium, Porta Nuova and Isola neighbourhoods.

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or solo, you'll find plenty of things to do in Milan for an unforgettable vacation. And when you've decided on the best area to stay in Milan to suit your needs, don't forget to book your accommodation.