Liz Humphreys

Milan has always been loved for its fantastic shopping streets, great food and seriously nice cocktail bars. But it seems to have really blown up over the last year or so (owed in part to TikTok), and now Milan’s travel aesthetics are bringing visitors from far and wide for a weekend trip.  Luckily, Milan is absolutely perfect for a 48-hour visit. Not too much, not too little. Plenty of sightseeing, but lots of spots for downtime too. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to a weekend in Italy’s fashion capital, catering to all tastes. Take it fast, take it slow, and make sure you stop for lunch. Here is how to spend the perfect 48 hours in Milan.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Milan🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🛏 The best hotels in Milan 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan🚶‍♂️ The best tours in Milan This guide was written by Liz Humphreys. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Milan – the global capital of design and fashion. So unsurprisingly, there are plenty of glamourous, luxurious, and pricey places to stay in the gorgeous Italian city. But you don't have to break the bank to visit. There are many places to rest your head that are cheaper and will leave you with more spending money for the city’s great shops, restaurants, and bars. Budget accommodation tends to be clustered around the Milano Centrale train station, which means easy access to the city’s top attractions, but there are also a few in unexpected locations, such as near the Duomo and in Navigli. All of the places in this list offer great value along with other features that make them memorable, from comfortable rooms to a lovely breakfast spread or modern-cool décor. You'll still get the best of Milan and might experience it more like a local.  Updated in March 2024: Since we like to keep you as up-to-date as possible on all the best Milan stays, we've done another scan of the web and added a sleek spot with an indoor pool and Turkish bath, as well as a city central hotspot with tonnes of transport links.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Milan Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial cont

Sure, it’s got a bit of a reputation, but don’t be intimidated by Milan. Anyone who loves great restaurants, Instagram-worthy buildings and at least a bit of shopping will have an absolute blast in Milan, but to save you the stress, there are a few things you should know before you go. Our Milan experts have rounded up all the best tips and tricks to make you an expert in all things Milan living, from what time to drink coffee and the best negroni you can order to how to make sure you get to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the flesh. Here are our top travel tips for visiting Milan.  RECOMMENDED:🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan🍕 Where to eat the best pizza in Milan🚆 How to navigate public transport in Milan📍 The best things to do in Milan🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Milan Liz Humphreys is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Milan isn’t just for shopping. This city has been having a moment for quite some time now, and a fair chunk of its hype is due to how aesthetic it looks on Instagram and TikTok. There's simply nowhere better to spruce up your feed, from beautiful old buildings to enchanting spas.  So put on your best glad rags, grab your camera and get ready to snap some serious pics, whether it's for your next Insta dump or for the dating apps. The list of places to get great pics are endless, but we’ve rounded up the very best spots right here. Here are the nine best places in Milan to get an Insta-worthy shot.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Milan🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🛍️ Where to go shopping in Milan🏛️ Must-see attractions in Milan🍕 The best pizza in Milan Liz Humphreys is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. T

Dois dias em Milão já dão para conhecer a cidade e a cultura italiana. Mas para que não se perca e não deixe nada de fora, siga o nosso roteiro, escrito por quem melhor conhece a zona.

For a modern design city such as Milan, there are surprisingly few modern design hotels, which is why Magna Pars Suites is such a breath of fresh air—literally, as it’s also a perfume hotel, where fragrances are created on-site and used to freshen up the rooms. Located near the lively Navigli neighborhood, the hotel’s glass, white and wood look is wonderfully chic, and the 28 large-sized guest rooms include living areas as well as bedrooms, all of which face the lovely inner courtyard. Fashion and music events are often held here, adding to the fun. NeighbourhoodThe hip Navigli district is Milan’s own little Venice, known for its canals and its nightlife, with the highest concentration of bars for aperitivi (drinks and snacks) in town. The district’s interesting restaurants, cafes, and boutiques attract a youngish local crowd. Nearby1. Al Pont de Ferr: For creative Italian cuisine and wine pairings 2. Mag Cafe: For aperitivo in a vintage cocktail bar 3. MUDEC: For a museum of art and culture in a restored factory Time Out tipThough the restaurants of Navigli beckon, on-site DA NOI IN serves up interesting modern Italian cuisine with a thoughtful wine selection.

You’re probably not cool enough for the Armani Hotel—located, as expected, in Milan’s most exclusive shopping district, Quadrilatero della Moda—but it’s fun to pretend while people-watching the fashionistas and wannabes who congregate here. Each of the 95 guest rooms is decorated in minimalist beige-on-beige style and, of course, Armani furnishings. In another cool touch, in-room iPads control absolutely everything, from the TV to the lights to ordering room service. Items in the mini-bars are complimentary, though for libations of the alcoholic variety you’ll want to head up to the Armani/Bamboo Bar, with its stupendous city views. NeighbourhoodThe Quadrilatero della Moda area is Milan’s shopping central, filled with luxurious high-end designer shops. Nearby1. Teatro alla Scala: For world-class opera in sumptuous surroundings 2. Pinacoteca di Brera: For an amazing collection of Renaissance art 3. DMagazine Outlet: For fabulous fashion at discount prices  Time Out tipMichelin-starred Armani/Ristorante makes a lovely place to enjoy light, flavorful Italian dishes while city-gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you’re in Milan to shop (window or otherwise), the Four Seasons is in arguably the most convenient location for wandering the city’s famous high-end fashion boutiques. Housed in a gorgeous building—a former 15th-century convent—the Four Seasons is a relaxing place to stay, with both a lovely lobby and an outdoor courtyard in which to enjoy an Aperol Spritz or cocktail. The 118 guest rooms are decorated in modern Italian style, with patterned fabrics (some suites even have original frescoes), and marble bathrooms have both soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Neighbourhood The Quadrilatero della Moda area is Milan’s high-end shopping central: The Four Seasons is next door to Dior, and down the road from Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Chanel. Nearby1. Museo Bagatti Valsecchi: For a 19th-century house museum filled with antique furnishings and art 2. DMagazine Outlet: For discounted designer fashion 3. Paper Moon: For well-regarded, reasonably priced pizza and pasta Time Out tipSave time to check out the hotel’s spa, which has a unique atmosphere in a vaulted 19th-century wine cellar, complete with swimming pool.

On a side street near the Duomo, the STRAF has a hip, minimalist vibe with dark, moody rooms, and attracts a youngish crowd. Italian designer Vincenzo De Cotiis incorporated non-standard and recycled materials into his hotel design; rough-edged guest rooms have been constructed of slate, brass, concrete and marble, all warmed up with bright art on the walls. Locals and in-the-know visitors congregate for aperitivi at STRAFbar, made of concrete and iron and filled with ‘70s furnishings and modern art, which often features live music and DJs. Unlike most Milan hotels, a full breakfast is included with every stay.  NeighbourhoodThe area around the Duomo is the busiest in Milan, with tons of restaurants, bars and shopping. There are also easy transportation connections to go pretty much anywhere in town. Nearby1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: For shopping inside a beautiful 19th-century dome 2. Ristorante Cracco: For Michelin-starred Milanese cuisine from a celebrity chef 3. Museo del Novecento: For 20th-century Italian art in a unique space Time Out tipGelato lovers shouldn’t miss Cioccolati Italiani, which has to-die-for dark chocolate and nocciola (hazelnut) gelato—among other delicious choices—and is only about a minute’s walk from the hotel.

If it’s total luxury you’re after, the Mandarin Oriental, Milan (housed in four 18th-century buildings in the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion area) may be the right place for you. Within the hotel, the sleek, contemporary décor has an Asian flair, and the 104 guest rooms are outfitted with custom-made Italian furnishings, desks and marble bathrooms. The truly amazing top-of-the-line suites, decked out with designer furniture, are larger than some apartments. To complete the pampering, don’t miss the lovely Spa at Mandarin Oriental; it includes an indoor pool and 24-hour gym, along with all manner of relaxing treatments. NeighbourhoodThe Quadrilatero della Moda area is Milan’s shopping central, filled with luxurious high-end designer shops. Nearby 1. Teatro alla Scala: For world-class opera in sumptuous surroundings 2. Pinacoteca di Brera: For an amazing collection of Renaissance art 3. DMagazine Outlet: For fabulous fashion at discount prices Time Out tipBook in advance (and save your pennies) to try lunch or dinner at two Michelin star Seta, which features creative Italian cuisine. For a real treat, opt for the tasting menu with wine pairings.

Fresh, fun and design-minded, Room Mate Giulia is perfectly located just steps away from the Duomo. Retro interiors were created by Spanish/Italian designer-of-the-moment Patricia Urquiola, and each of the 85 industrial-chic rooms in greens, oranges, and blues features a flat-screen TV, desk and coffeemaker. The light and bright lobby, lined with original art and design books, invites lounging and socializing, and there’s a small gym and sauna in the basement if you feel the need to sweat it out.  NeighbourhoodThe area around the Duomo is the busiest in Milan, with tons of restaurants, bars and shopping. There are also easy transportation connections to go pretty much anywhere in town.  Nearby1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: For shopping inside a beautiful 19th-century dome 2. Duomo di Milano: For the largest Gothic structure in Italy 3. Museo del Novecento: For 20th-century Italian art in a unique space Time Out tipPerfect for late risers, breakfast (for an extra fee) is served until noon.

Originally opened in 1863, the Grand Hotel et de Milan has a rich musical history; Verdi lived off-and-on in the hotel for 20 years (and died there in 1901), and many musicians from the nearby La Scala opera have stayed and practiced at this hotel. The 95 understatedly elegant rooms feature antique furniture, parquet floors, richly patterned rugs and chandeliers, along with marble bathrooms stocked with luxe Etro toiletries. Even the fitness room is charming, with floor-to-ceiling windows through which gym-goers can glimpse lots of greenery. The lovely Don Carlos restaurant pays tribute to Verdi, and has walls lined with art from La Scala’s museum, along with well-prepared traditional Italian cuisine. Fabulous (if pricey) shopping on Via Montenapoleone is right outside the door. NeighbourhoodThe Quadrilatero della Moda is Milan’s prime shopping area, chock-full of the crème de la crème of Italian and international designers—think Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Nearby1. Teatro alla Scala: For world-class opera in sumptuous surroundings 2. Pinacoteca di Brera: For an amazing collection of Renaissance art 3. DMagazine Outlet: For fabulous fashion at discount prices Time Out tipConsider splurging on the full Opera Experience, which includes two nights at the hotel, breakfast and dinner and La Scala opera tickets.

With an excellent location near the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (and just around the corner from La Scala), the Park Hyatt is known for its superlative customer service and spacious rooms. Many of the 106 guest rooms have large windows with prime Milan city views; all feature a king or queen bed, sofa and marble bathroom with soaking tub and rainfall shower. The top-end suites are amazing, with private terraces and whirlpool baths. All this elegance is matched by in-house Michelin-starred restaurant VUN Andrea Aprea, which showcases local ingredients in its delicious modern Italian dishes. NeighbourhoodThe area around the Duomo is the busiest in Milan, with tons of restaurants, bars and shopping. There are also easy transportation connections to go pretty much anywhere in town. Nearby1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: For shopping inside a beautiful 19th-century dome 2. Duomo di Milano: For the largest Gothic structure in Italy 3. Peck: For fabulous Italian deli food and a tremendous wine cellar Time Out tipMake time for the Spa by Sicily, which has stream rooms and a trippy gold mosaic whirlpool along with the usual spa treatments, plus a 24-hour gym.

This super-funky boutique hotel in one of Milan’s coolest areas—the Navigli canal district—has an eclectic style all its own. The 32 spacious rooms are organized by sports theme (boxing, tennis, rugby), but even non-sports fans will love the oversized beds, comfy couches and retro furniture. Many rooms even have large private terraces, a rarity in ultra-urban Milan. A complimentary breakfast basket—filled with bread, pastries, muesli, yogurt and fruit—is served in the hip lobby or out on the charming front patio. NeighbourhoodThe hip Navigli district is Milan’s own little Venice, known for its canals and its nightlife, with the highest concentration of bars for aperitivi (drinks and snacks) in town. The district’s interesting restaurants, cafes, and boutiques attract a youngish local crowd. Nearby1. Al Pont de Ferr: For creative Italian cuisine and wine pairings 2. Bar Basso: For aperitivo in one of Milan’s oldest cocktail bars 3. Wok Store: For cool men’s and women’s designer clothes and accessories Time Out tipDon’t miss out on cocktails and small plates at the Doping Club, the Yard’s in-house mixology bar. It can be a scene, but the drinks are delish.

Bustling Milan is often said to lack true Italian charm. Not so at Hotel Principe di Savoia, which dates from 1927 and exudes old-world glamor and sophistication. The 301 guest rooms are decorated in luxe Italian style, with neutral tones enlivened by jewel-toned pillows and bedspreads, lush patterned carpets and brocade drapes; modern conveniences include desks and mini-bars. Bathrooms, lined in marble and mosaics, feature elegant Acqua di Parma bath products. The penthouse Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center offers a pool, superlative spa treatments and a high-tech gym, all with amazing city views.  NeighbourhoodThough there’s not much of interest in the surrounding Piazza della Repubblica area, the boutiques of the Brera Design District are just a short walk away. It’s also not far from Milano Centrale train station, from where you can travel all over Italy.  Nearby1. Joia: For delicious Michelin-starred vegetarian dishes 2. Radio Rooftop Bar: For cocktails with fab city views 3. Galleria d’Arte Moderna: For 19th-century Italian and European paintings Time Out tipThe Principe Bar, home to a 5000-piece chandelier, exudes sophistication, and is a wonderful place for an apertivo while enjoying tracks from the bar’s resident DJ.

In a former industrial-space-turned-hotel filled with modern art, this lively place to stay offers sleek modern rooms and a fun location near the Navigli canal district. The 246 modular guest rooms are all white with pops of colour; only junior suites and up come with desks and mini-bars. There’s also an in-house restaurant and bar—the latter by famed designer Karim Rashid—as well as a small gym and hammam (steam bath). Massages are available in the rooms after a hard day of Milan shopping. NeighbourhoodThe hip Navigli district is Milan’s own little Venice, known for its canals and its nightlife, with the highest concentration of bars for aperitivi (drinks and snacks) in town. Its interesting restaurants, cafes, and boutiques attract a youngish local crowd. Nearby1. Al Pont de Ferr: For creative Italian cuisine and wine pairings2. Mag Cafe: For aperitivo in a vintage cocktail bar3. MUDEC: For a museum of art and culture in a restored factory Time Out tipTry one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes for a fun, fast way to navigate the city.

This smart and surprisingly quiet hotel couldn’t be more centrally located—right near the Duomo—and the comfortable rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Service is also exceedingly friendly; you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a smile. Each of the 27 air-conditioned guest rooms comes with a desk and a mini-bar, plus a large-sized bathroom with shower, tub, or both; some have their own small terraces. Though breakfast is available only through room service (at an extra charge), there are plenty of cafes in the area to grab your own. NeighbourhoodThe Duomo area is very lively, with a large concentration of places to eat, drink and shop. It’s also really easy to get from the neighborhood to many of Milan’s major sights either by walking or public transport.  Nearby1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: For shopping inside a beautiful 19th-century dome2. Duomo di Milano: For the largest Gothic structure in Italy 3. Museo del Novecento: For 20th-century Italian art in a cool building Time Out tipFor a tasty bedtime snack, Italian-style, order a cheese and meat spread up to your room—along with a bottle of wine, of course.