Milan is a city of hidden courtyards, grand hotels and some of the best shopping in the world. Its finest hotels cluster around the Duomo, the fashion district and Brera, so you can walk from the cathedral to La Scala and the boutiques of Via Montenapoleone. Here are the best areas to stay in Milan and the luxury hotels we recommend.
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The short answer
- Best area for a first visit: around the Duomo and the Galleria
- For shopping: the Quadrilatero della Moda
- Most charming: Brera
- For nightlife: the Navigli
- Best hotel garden: Bulgari Hotel Milano
The Best Areas to Stay in Milan
Duomo and the Galleria: the heart of the city, with the cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala within a few minutes’ walk. Ideal for a first visit.
Quadrilatero della Moda: the fashion district between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Manzoni, with the flagship stores of the great Italian houses and several of the city’s finest hotels.
Brera: cobbled streets, galleries, antique shops and small restaurants around the Pinacoteca di Brera. The most charming district in the centre.
Porta Nuova and Garibaldi: the modern skyline of Milan, with the Bosco Verticale towers, Piazza Gae Aulenti and contemporary hotels close to Garibaldi station.
Magenta: an elegant residential district around Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo’s Last Supper.
The Navigli: the canal district in the south of the city, lively in the evening with bars and restaurants along the water. Fun to visit, but noisy as a base.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Milan
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
A hotel in a former 15th century convent in the heart of the fashion district, with cloisters, a quiet garden and a spa.
Best for: calm in the middle of the shopping streets
Check rates at Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Mandarin Oriental, Milan
A contemporary hotel in four historic buildings between Brera and Via Montenapoleone, a short walk from La Scala, with a spa.
Best for: design lovers
Check rates at Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Bulgari Hotel Milano
A hotel on a private street between Brera and the fashion district, with a large garden next to the botanical garden of Brera and a spa.
Best for: a garden in the city
Check rates at Bulgari Hotel Milano
Park Hyatt Milano
A hotel steps from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo, in a 19th century building with a glass domed lobby.
Best for: staying right by the Duomo
Check rates at Park Hyatt Milano
Grand Hotel et de Milan
A historic grand hotel on Via Manzoni near La Scala, where Giuseppe Verdi lived for many years.
Best for: old world elegance and opera
Check rates at Grand Hotel et de Milan
Charlotte’s tip: check the trade fair calendar
During Milan Design Week in April and the fashion weeks, hotel prices in the centre rise sharply and the best rooms sell out months ahead. If you are not travelling for these events, check the dates before you book.
Compare hotels in Milan
Hotel rates in Milan change strongly with the fair calendar. Check current rates for your dates.
Travelling with a racket or golf clubs? See our guides to tennis courts in Milan and golf near Milan.
FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Milan?
For a first visit, near the Duomo or in the Quadrilatero della Moda, where you can walk to the main sights and the best shops.
Is Brera a good area to stay in Milan?
Yes. It is central, charming and full of galleries and restaurants, and quieter than the area around the Duomo.
How many nights should I stay in Milan?
Two nights for the highlights, three to add a day trip to Lake Como or the Franciacorta wine region.
Is it worth staying near Milano Centrale station?
Only for convenience on a short stopover. The historic centre is far more pleasant.
