Where to Stay in Milan

Milan spreads out in concentric circles with Piazza Duomo at its heart. This area includes the fashion district of via Montenapoleone along with multiple art galleries, museums, and various touristic activities. The square is named after and dominated by the Milan Cathedral (the Duomo) and it also marks the center of the city when it comes to its importance from a cultural, artistic, and social point of view. The massive baroque Galleria with flagship stores for Bulgaria and Prada along with countless shops and eateries is here too. Plus, many other attractions beyond the immediate neighborhood can easily be explored on foot. A stroll through the Galleria followed by a short walk to the north passing many 18th-century facades and the world-renowned opera house, Teatro all Scalla, will bring you to the city’s lone pedestrian-only avenue for some unforgettable window shopping. You’ll find a wide range of hotels from international chains to luxury boutique hotels.

Elegant Brera lies just northwest of the city center. A trendy neighborhood between Sforzesco Castle and Quadrilatero d’Oro, it’s filled with picturesque, cobbled streets and 18th-century buildings as one of Milan’s most charming neighborhoods. It’s also known as the art district, home to the Pinacoteca di Brera which includes an important collection of Italian paintings. It includes works by the likes of Rafael, Carvaggio, Tintoretto, Piero della Francesa, and Andrea Mantegna along with other world-famous international artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt. The exquisite Kaufmann-Repetto Gallery can be found here, featuring contemporary pieces, including works by younger artists, photography, video, and performance installations. The small garden in the front is frequently used for specific projects. Be sure to visit Biblioteca Braidense where you can pick up a cappuccino on the first floor to sip while surrounded by impressive art. There are many trendy boutique hotels, independent shops, restaurants, bistros, and bars here as well.

Located at the south edge of the city near two canals and a dock, bustling Navigli is typically quiet by day but after the sun goes down, it gets busy. It’s the best neighborhood in Milan for those who are here for the lively nightlife, with the most vibrant party scene and dozens of restaurants and bars. It’s the place to be during aperitivo, Italy’s version of happy hour, with locals piling in every night to take advantage of it. As they compete with each other for the biggest crowds, many bars offer buffets filled with free food – just buy a drink and enjoy. Don’t miss the avenues and side alleys off the canals as there are many hidden venues for dining and drinking. If you’re looking for clubs and live music, head to Corso Como in the Porto Nuovo neighborhood which offers many options, including lots of electronic music and a renowned jazz club.

Navigli is not only a good pick for nightlife, but it’s a great place to experience the local life with more of an authentic, laidback vibe. There are cozy cafes, some fabulous bookstores, vintage shops selling cool clothing for cheap, artsy boutiques, and numerous restaurants and bars. Every Saturday, the Fiera di Senigallia flea market takes place where you can mingle with the locals while checking out the stalls where you might just find a treasure, with some great antiques often found here. Hotel rates tend to be cheaper here too. Just east of Centro Storico and the Duomo, south of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, is San Babila, a peaceful enclave home to wealthy Milanese and often overlooked by tourists, despite its proximity to Piazza Duomo. It’s a great place to stroll, perhaps picking up some gelato at one of the multiple shops close to the San Babila metro stop.