Where to Stay in Milan for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Milan

Milan hit me like an espresso shot—fast, stylish, and a little expensive if you pick the wrong zip code.

After two backpacking rounds (one broke, one less broke) I learned that your neighborhood decides whether you snack on €2 panzerotti or pay €7 for the same dough.

Use this guide to lock the right base on your first Milan trip and save cash for aperitivo.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Milan

Best for Hostel Newbies

Ostello Bello Milano Du...9.2

from €24.31 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Madama Hostel & Bistrot9.2

from €25.85 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Yellowsquare Milan9.0

from €15.86 | 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%

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Milan

Duomo & Centro Storico

Classic postcard core with the cathedral, Galleria arcade, and crowds.

• My dorm window once framed the Duomo spires—magical at 6 a.m.
• Best for: First-timers who want sights at their doorstep.
• Pros: Walk everywhere, 24-hour food kiosks, safe late.
• Cons: Beds and coffee cost top euro; tourist menus lurk.

Brera

Cobblestone lanes, art studios, and chic cafés that still serve cheap espresso at the bar.

• I spent mornings sketch-watching outside Pinacoteca di Brera.
• Best for: Art lovers, solo women wanting calm streets.
• Pros: Cozy vibe, quick walk to Duomo, great aperitivo spreads.
• Cons: Limited budget dorms—book early.

Navigli

Canal district lined with vintage stores by day and packed bars by night.

• Happy-hour buffet here fed me for the price of one drink.
• Best for: Night owls, foodies, hostel social life.
• Pros: Cheap apericena, flea markets, boho hostels.
• Cons: Weekend noise—bring earplugs.

Isola

Hip area north of Garibaldi with street art, craft beer, and modern towers.

• Great base when I worked remote—cafés had outlets and fast Wi-Fi.
• Best for: Digital nomads, budget travelers.
• Pros: Lower dorm prices, quick metro, local diners.
• Cons: 20-minute walk to Duomo; nightlife smaller than Navigli.

Porta Romana

Student vibe, thermal baths, and easy trams into the center.

• Pizza slices under €3 saved my wallet here.
• Best for: Long-stay backpackers, spa fans.
• Pros: Cheap eats, calm nights, authentic trattorie.
• Cons: Fewer big sights on foot.

Stazione Centrale

Area around the main train station—mixed bag but very handy.

• Perfect for 6 a.m. departures to Lake Como.
• Best for: Early trains, quick layovers, tight budgets.
• Pros: Many hostels, cheap kebabs, airport buses.
• Cons: Busy traffic, watch bags at night.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Milan

1. Gogol'Ostello & Caftè Letterario - best for Couples, Female Solo Traveller
2. Milan Hostel Emmy
3. New Generation Hostel Urban Città Studi
4. Hostel Mister Mido
5. Sofia Hostel

Gogol'Ostello & Caftè Letterario

8.0

"…Only a year old, this hostel is designed with thought, care and beauty in an older neighborhood. more

Milan Hostel Emmy

8.0

"…The hostel is located on the fourth floor of an older building, accessible by old elevator or more

New Generation Hostel Urban Città Studi

8.4

"…Common Spaces There are a ton of common areas in the hostel, but they don't seem to be used more

Hostel Mister Mido

8.1

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

Sofia Hostel

8.7

Via Pietro Calvi, 18... more

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in Milan

1. Buy a 48-hour ATM transport pass; covers metro, tram, and night bus.
2. Skip elevator lines and walk the Duomo stairs—cheaper, good calf workout.
3. Order coffee at the bar, not seated; standing price is half.
4. Hit aperitivo buffets in Navigli — one drink = dinner.
5. Carry a small scarf; churches ask for covered shoulders.
6. Book Last Supper tickets weeks ahead or join a free waitlist at 7 a.m.
7. Drink water from public fountains marked “Acqua Potabile.”
8. Download the Trenord app for cheap day trips to Como or Bergamo.
9. Validate paper tickets on trams or face a €60 fine on the spot.
10. Watch for lunchtime “menu fisso” boards—two courses under €10.

Hostels in Milan Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Hostels slice Milan costs in half: dorms start near €25, kitchens let you cook pasta, and lounge boards fill with people heading to Lake Como or San Siro games.

Many run free walking tours and cheap bike rentals, so you cover more ground without extra euros.

Final Recommendations

Pick Duomo or Brera for walk-out-and-wow mornings, Navigli for nightlife and buffet dinners, Isola for a wallet-friendly creative vibe, or Porta Romana if you plan a longer chill stay.

Book hostel beds early during Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile, when prices skyrocket. Pack comfy shoes (trams shake), keep coins for espresso, and let Milan’s mix of fashion gloss and hidden courtyards surprise you each day.

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!

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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.