My Solo Travel to Milan was the BEST - My Complete Guide

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Milan. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.

Find your Perfect Hostel in Milan

Milan often gets labeled a fashion stopover, yet it works beautifully for solo backpackers who like walkable streets, late‑night food, and hostels that never feel empty.

I wrote this guide to help you pick a cheap bunk, navigate the city with confidence, and find company even if you arrive knowing nobody. 

Everything here sticks to clear steps, small budgets, and honest tips—no buzzwords, just what you need for a good time.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Milan

Best for Hostel Newbies

Ostello Bello Milano Du...9.3

from $27.78 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Madama Hostel & Bistrot9.2

from $29.66 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Yellowsquare Milan9.1

from $17.86 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Why Milan Is Perfect for Solo Travelers

The historic center sits inside a compact ring, so you can cross it in thirty minutes on foot. Metro lines and trams meet like spokes around the Duomo, making route planning easy even without mobile data.

English signs appear in stations, galleries, and most cafés, so first‑time visitors rarely feel lost.

Milan mixes high culture—opera, Renaissance art—with street markets and student bars. That blend means you can dress up for La Scala one night and eat €2 pizza slices on a canal wall the next.

Free public fountains, low‑cost bakery lunches, and museum discount days keep costs down.

Hostels cater to international guests, offering group dinners, walking tours, and day trips. Women‑only dorms, reading‑light pods, and keycard security add comfort and safety.

Locals are busy but polite; basic Italian greetings open doors to extra help and friendly tips.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Milan

1. Hostel Mister Mido
2. Ostello Bello Milano Duomo - best for Couples, Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Sofia Hostel
4. Music B&B Hostel - best for Party Hostel
5. Milano Lion Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

Hostel Mister Mido

8.1

"… streets like Monte Napoleone Street, Via Torino, Via Porta Ticinese and Corso Buenos Aires). more

Ostello Bello Milano Duomo

9.3

Carrobbio

"…There is also a cafe selling delicious items cooked by the in-house chef (we can recommend the more

from

$27.78

Sofia Hostel

8.7

Via Pietro Calvi, 18... more

Music B&B Hostel

8.5

"…There is no computer to use (but there is Wi-Fi), but if you need one you can visit the internet more

Milano Lion Hostel

8.0

"…All the guests will be required to pay in Cash 5 euro per bed per stay as a security deposit upon more

from

$14.05

A 2–3 Day Itinerary on Your Own

Day 1

• Morning: Start at the Duomo terrace right when it opens; early slots mean no crowds and soft light for photos.
• Afternoon: Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then drift into Brera. Visit Pinacoteca di Brera to see Mantegna’s “Dead Christ” and Caravaggio’s fruit basket. Grab a takeaway panzerotto on Via Fiori Chiari and eat it in a shaded courtyard.
• Evening: Head to Navigli for aperitivo. Buy one spritz, earn unlimited buffet plates of pasta and olives, and watch the canal glow at sunset.

Day 2

• Morning: Pre‑book Santa Maria delle Grazie to view “The Last Supper.” Arrive fifteen minutes early; entry slots are strict, and latecomers lose tickets.
• Afternoon: Picnic in Parco Sempione with focaccia, then climb Torre Branca for city views at half the price of modern rooftops. Stop by the free Triennale design garden for quirky sculptures and shady benches.
• Evening: Join your hostel’s pasta‑making class or communal dinner. Afterward walk to Colonne di San Lorenzo; students gather with guitars, making an open‑air social scene that costs nothing.

Day 3

• Morning: Take a regional train to Lake Como; off‑peak tickets run under €5. Stroll Varenna’s lanes or ferry to Bellagio for an espresso by the water.
• Afternoon: Back in Milan, browse Mercato Centrale near Centrale station. Sample arancini, fresh pasta, and cannoli while chatting with vendors who love explaining recipes.
• Evening: Rent a BikeMi cycle and ride the Naviglio Grande path toward Abbiategrasso. Return for late gelato in Porta Romana, then pack for departure.

Hostels in Milan

Milan’s hostels range from vintage lofts to sleek co‑living towers. Expect pod beds with USB ports, free Wi‑Fi strong enough for streaming, and luggage rooms monitored by CCTV.

• Social Events: rooftop BBQs, language‑exchange nights, board‑game marathons, and Friday pub crawls.
• Facilities: small kitchenettes (kettle, microwave, induction hob), coin laundry, and reading corners.
• Costs: mixed dorms €20–€38, female dorms €22–€42, privates €55–€120 depending on season.
• Extras: city tax (€2–€3), linen fee in budget properties (€2), towel rental (€1).
• Booking Tip: prices jump 40 % during Fashion Week and Design Week; reserve at least eight weeks out.

Women‑only dorms book out quickly, especially during large trade fairs. Many hostels now run quiet‑hour policies after midnight, useful if you need early trains.

Is Milan Safe for Solo Travelers?

Overall safety is high, but pickpockets work in trams and metro steps. Wear a cross‑body bag, keep zippers forward, and avoid waving phones near carriage doors.

Empty side streets behind Centrale can feel edgy late at night. Stick to lit avenues or walk with other hostel guests. Front tram cars and metro areas near staff kiosks typically feel calmer for women traveling alone.

Common Scams:

• Friendship‑bracelet hustlers near the Duomo—decline firmly.
• Fake charity petitions at train stations—ignore and keep walking.
• Ticket “helpers” at machines who then demand tips—use English‑language screen yourself.

Emergency number 112 offers English operators. Pharmacies display a green cross and stay open late in tourist areas if you need supplies.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Milan

#1 Top Hostel in Milan: Madama Hostel & Bistrot

This is the overall best rated hostel in Madama Hostel & Bistrot. The overall rating is 9.2. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at Madama Hostel & Bistrot starts from $29.66.

Check out Madama Hostel & Bistrot here

How to Meet People?

• Hostel Breakfast: communal tables encourage day‑plan chats over brioche.
• Free Walking Tours: sign up at the Duomo steps; guides end near cafés for post‑tour coffee breaks.
• Couchsurfing Meet‑Ups: Tuesday craft‑beer nights in Isola draw locals and travelers.
• Cooking Classes: kneading dough or layering tiramisu sparks quick friendships.
• Language Exchanges: many bars run English‑Italian swap evenings; buy one drink to join.
• BikeMi Group Rides: social cycling events advertised on hostel boards.
• Student Aperitivo Bars: streets around Università Statale buzz with budget crowds open to new faces.

Basic Italian greetings—“Ciao” and “Grazie”—earn smiles and occasional free biscotti. Most people speak some English and will correct your tram route with enthusiasm.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay Solo in Milan

1. Navigli: Canal views, thrift shops, and endless aperitivo. Ideal for night owls, musicians, and photography lovers.
2. Brera: Art studios, cobbled lanes, and peaceful wine bars. Great for culture seekers, painters, and quiet walkers.
3. Isola: Street art walls, food‑truck courts, and second‑hand stores. Perfect for budget eaters, digital nomads, and indie music fans.
4. Porta Romana: Local trattorias, thermal baths, and direct tram to Linate Airport. Good for relaxed evenings, spa breaks, and early flights.

Where to Eat and Drink in Milan

• Espresso Bars: stand, sip, pay €1—repeat often.
• Lunch Panzerotti: Luini or cheaper bakeries in Porta Genova.
• Mercato Centrale: sample arancini, fresh pasta, and Sicilian desserts under one roof.
• Aperitivo Buffets: Navigli bars offer free food with one €8–€12 drink.
• Chinatown Dumplings: Via Paolo Sarpi sells ten‑piece trays for €4.
• Risotto alla Milanese: try unpretentious trattorias around Porta Venezia.
• Gelato: artisanal shops like Cioccolati Italiani rotate seasonal flavors daily.
• Midnight Pizza: Spontini slices—fold and walk; locals do the same.

7 Hidden Gemz in Milan (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Tips and Surprises

• Transit: a 24‑hour ticket covers metro, tram, and bus for €7; buy at machines in any station.
• Water: public fountains labelled “Acqua Potabile” provide free refills—look for rounded stone columns.
• Museum Free Days: first Sunday monthly—arrive at opening time to avoid hour‑long lines.
• Regional Trains: Como, Bergamo, and Pavia cost under €6 one way; validate paper tickets before boarding.
• Weather: thunderstorms pop up anytime; a packable umbrella saves shopping for overpriced street ponchos.
• Fashion Week: dorm prices surge; if dates overlap, stay in Bergamo and day‑trip by train.
• Cash: many cafés accept cards now, but coins help for tram tickets and toilets.
• Wi‑Fi: city hotspots called “Open Wi‑Fi Milano” require a quick SMS registration—use for maps if your data plan dies.
• Souvenirs: street posters of vintage Expo art roll up small and cost €3—lighter than ceramics.
• Quiet Corners: Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi near Porta Nuova has free loungers for reading and skyline shots.
• Personal Dislike: elevator waits in high‑rise hostels can take five minutes; choose lower floors if possible.
• Personal Surprise: early mornings in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele create mirror‑like floors that double your photos.

Milan balances runway glamour with student energy and centuries‑old art. Stay in a social hostel, greet baristas with a quick “Ciao,” and ride trams as locals do.

You’ll leave with new friends, full memory cards, and maybe a thrifted blazer that still smells of espresso.

Backpacking Milan? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Milan

My experience and what you can expect

Where to stay in Milan for First Time

My experience and what you can expect

Backpacking Milan

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

Where to Stay in Milan as a Solo Traveler

Best Areas and how to get around

How to Pick a Hostel in Milan

What to Expect (and what not!)

About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.