Milan is a large, dense city in northern Italy, and it works as a base for both city sightseeing and onward travel around Lombardy. Its core is compact enough to cross on foot, and the metro and rail stations make it easy to move between districts without a car.
Most of what a visitor wants to see sits close to the centre, and the city's accommodation clusters around a handful of well-connected points rather than spreading evenly. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like for different kinds of traveller, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Milan
1. The area just south of the Central railway station
This is the city's densest concentration of accommodation, which makes it the most practical base if your priority is easy arrival and departure. The Central railway station gives you rail connections onward, and the metro station is not far away, so you can reach the rest of the city without much effort.
It suits travellers arriving by train, those on a short stay, and anyone who wants to keep transport simple. Be aware that this is a rather shabby part of the city, and you can run into dubious individuals, especially at nighttime. The hotels themselves are clean and safe, and for the most part the streets are lit.
2. Further out, close to a metro station
If you are arriving by car, staying further away from the centre is the way to save on accommodation expenses. The key practical point is to choose somewhere close to a metro station, so that the distance from the centre does not cost you time on every trip into the city.
This suits drivers and budget-conscious travellers who are willing to trade a central address for lower costs and a straightforward connection into town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: look at accommodation further away from the centre, preferably close to a metro station, and at the dense cluster of hotels south of the Central railway station.
- Mid-range: the area south of the Central railway station offers the widest choice, with clean and safe hotels in a convenient location despite the shabby surroundings.
- Splurge: Milan has many luxury hotels, and the city is well supplied with starred dining, so the upper end of the market is widely available.
Best area for a first visit
The area just south of the Central railway station is the most straightforward choice for a first visit. It puts you in the middle of the city's densest concentration of hotels, keeps you near the metro, and makes arrival and departure by rail simple. Accept the shabbier surroundings and the need for care at night in exchange for convenience.
Frequently asked questions
Is the area south of the Central railway station safe?
The hotels there are clean and safe, and the streets are for the most part lit, but it is a rather shabby part of the city where you can run into dubious individuals, especially at nighttime.
Where should I stay if I am arriving by car?
Stay further away from the centre to save on accommodation expenses, and choose somewhere close to a metro station so you can still reach the city easily.
How do I get around from my accommodation?
The metro station near the Central railway station area is not far away, and staying close to a metro station is the practical way to connect to the rest of the city from further out.
Does Milan have luxury accommodation?
Yes. Milan has many luxury hotels, and the city is the fifth most starred in the world by Michelin Guide.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.