The Best Neighborhoods in Milan

To be in the absolute center of the city, stay in the Duomo area. While it’s not my personal choice, if you are in Milan for one night and want to see the Duomo and shop, this is the place. However, as I mentioned, Milan is very walkable and bikeable. So even if you don’t stay near the Duomo, you’ll still be able to come here easily. I lived in the South of the city and walked or biked to Duomo many times. What you’ll find here is obviously, the Duomo, the Galleria – a covered shopping are with all of the luxury stores, La Rinascente – a high end shopping mall, rooftop bars, and a few museums such as Museo del Novecento. It is often very busy. Stay at Amibilia Suites ($$$$), M20 Boutique Hotel ($$$), Missori Suites ($$).

Arguably the chicest area to stay in Milan, this would be my choice. There are many hotels and Airbnbs in this area and it’s right near Sempione Park. It has a lot of amazing boutiques and great restaurants as well. It’s still central enough to walk to Duomo, but out of the hustle and bustle. It will likely be one of the most expensive areas to stay. Of all the neighborhoods in Milan, this would be my choice to stay for a short visit. Stay at Brera Boutique Suites ($$), Locanda Pandenus Brera ($$$), Moscova Luxury B&B ($$$).

Slightly West of Brera is Castello Sforzesco and Sempione Park. I like this area because again, it’s walkable to Duomo, but it’s a bit quieter than the very center of the city. This area is mainly residential, but you can also easily walk to Brera and also enjoy the beautiful Sempione Park. It is also close to the Milano Cadorna train station, which is where you may take a train to another area of Italy. Stay at Unahotels Cusani ($$$), Cadorna Luxury Hotel ($$$), Hotel Milano Castello ($$$$).

If you want nightlife, this is the spot. The Navigli area is in the South of the city and generally full of students. This is where I lived because it was close to my school. There are some great restaurants and bars, but it does skew a bit younger. Of all of the neighborhoods in Milan, I would say Navigli is a great place to stay in your twenties. Stay at 21 House of Stories Navigli ($$$), Art Hotel Navigli ($$), Hotel La Vignetta ($).

Just North of Brera and Northeast of Sempione is Porta Giribaldi. If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive option from Brera, but still nearby, this is a good option. It is also known as the gay area of Milan and has lots of fun bars and restaurants. Just adjacent to this neighborhood is Chinatown, which has the best dumplings in the city. Stay at Urban Hive Milano ($$$), Hotel Tocq ($$$).

A lot of my friends lived here, and it’s easily accessible to the city center via the metro or bike (like everything). It is again a more residential neighborhood, but I’d say every neighborhood in Milan has some good restaurants and sites. It’s also close to QC Terme Milano, the best place to go for a spa day. Stay at Hotel Major ($$), Radisson Santa Sofia ($$$), Hotel Five ($$$).