Next stop Italy? In that case, let us introduce you to the 3 best hostels in Milan. The metropolitan city for fashion lovers and art.
No doubt you’re going in search of rich culture, art and fashion. And a great hostel, perhaps?
Your Shortcut:
- Combo Milano – 5 Star Hostel
- Madama Hostel & Bistrot – party and social hostel
- Ostello Bello – best hostel for solo travellers
- Extra: Ostello Bello Grande – best for groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
We at Hostelgeeks have found striking hostels for a range of travellers.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
- you want the best places to stay in milan on a budget
We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Milan. All handpicked and reviewed in person! There’s street art, modern design and even a renovated 20th Century building amongst our chosen hostels in Milan.
Of course that all-important question of the best party hostels in Milan is mentioned, too.
- Introduction
- 3 top-choices for staying on a budget
- #1 Combo Milano – for female solo travellers & couples
- #2 Madama Hostel & Bistrot – party and social hostel
- #3 Ostello Bello – best hostel for solo travellers
Extra: Ostello Bello Grande – best for groups
- best hostels in Milan for solo-travellers
- best party hostels in Milan
- Cheapest hostels in Milan
- Discounts
- More Milan Hostels worth a mention
- Milan Tourist Tax
- Map + Main Sights
- FAQ
- Flights to Milan and Bologna
Milan is an expensive city, that is why hostels are a great idea. Not only because prices might be lower than other accommodations, also because they do offer many freebies:
- WiFi,
- city tours,
- free city maps,
- towels, or
- breakfast
Good to know: as many major destinations around Europe, Milan has tourist tax. We talk about this tax (and how to avoid it) below.
If you’re looking to extend your trip, be sure to check out our 5 Star Hostels in Europe.
Check out:
- All the best hostels in Italy put on a map (perfect for planning)
- Best hostels in Venice
- Combo Bologna, a super cool hostel in Bologna
- our collection of best hostels in Rome
- best hostels in Florence
Quick Introduction to Milan Hostels
Average price for a bed: The prices for hostels are around European standard, yet a budget option. A bed in a dorm in Milan can be as cheap as 15€ – 20€ per night in winter and easily up to 35€ per night or more in summer.
Hostels with private rooms in Milan charge between 50€ and 100€ per night. The gap is quite large. The difference is the quality. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Milan tourist tax: In Milan and almost every major destination in Europe there is a tourist tax. That means you have to pay an extra 2-4 € per person per night on the accommodation as a city tourist tax. Keep this in mind.
Budget: Check out our Milan Budget Travel Guide.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Milan are:
Let’s set those horses free and have a gander at the 3 coolest hostels in Milan Italy:
- Combo Milano – 5 Star Hostel
- Madama Hostel & Bistrot – party and social hostel
- Ostello Bello – best hostel for solo travellers
Extra: Ostello Bello Grande – best for groups
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Ostello Bello |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Combo Milano |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Madama Hostel & Bistrot |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Combo Milano |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Combo Milano |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Queen Hostel Milan |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Ostello Bello |
1. Combo Milano (top room choices & social atmosphere)
For the modern decor lovers that live very much in the 21st centruy, we bring you the swanky Combo Milano – our one and only 5 Star Hostel in the city!
All traveller types can find a room that suits. From female-only dorms to 6-bed rooms and private options. They’re super comfy and prepared with privacy in mind!
On the ground floor there is a bar-restaurant open all day to satisfy your taste buds.
The best bit is probably the weekly musical and cultural events which are also open to the public.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Official Website | Booking.com | Hostelworld
As for breakfast? It’s free! Enjoy it out in the courtyard – also an ideal space for that refreshing afternoon cocktail. Reception is open 24/7 and there is a handy shared kitchen for cooking.
What else can you expect?
- Shampoo, soap & hairdryers
- Equipped rooms for disabled people
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning in all spaces
- Combo radio broadcasting music all day
The large indoor and outdoor common spaces are great for socialising and catching up with work.
Location: Within a typical tenement block on the Navigli canals, in one of the most lively and dynamic areas of Milan. Fun nightlife, restaurants and coffee shops are within short walking distance.
Combo Milano is the best hostel in Milan for:
- Female solo travellers
- Families
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Official Website | Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Madama Hostel & Bistrot (great food + nightlife)
There is a former police station that has furniture built entirely of recycled materials, and its name is Madama Hostel & Bistrot.
For us personally, this hostel is the best place to stay in Milan on a budget. Yes, that’s true! The best Milan hostel ever! Decked out with quirky art, colourful decor and splattered with clever design details – it’s a traveller’s ideal chill space.
Rooms include female and mixed dorms, plus private rooms with either 1 or 2 beds.
All of which are air-conditioned with:
- linen,
- a private bathroom and
- individual lockers.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What else does this cool hostel in Milan include?
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- 24-hour reception – no curfew, no stress
- Free breakfast
- Well equipped kitchen w/ free food
- Luggage storage
The hostel’s team have travelled a lot and their motto is:
“Madama sounds like home”
Easy to understand when you notice the cosy chill-out room with foosball, TV and big, comfy beanbags. Underneath the hostel is the Ohibò club, so there’s no need to go far to experience the nightlife!
At the Bistrot, there is fantastic food, with special attention to veggie and vegan options.
From 6 pm the Bistrot transforms into a cocktail bar. OH YES!!!! Do not miss the opportunity to have a cocktail and finger food here.
Free, weekly activities and events are popular at Madama Hostel.
The hostels events include:
- karaoke,
- lives concerts and
- trips to the nearby vintage market.
The metro station Lodi T.I.B.B is a 5-minute walk away.
Bars aplenty are 10-minutes by foot in the Porta Romana neighbourhood.
Madama Hostel & Bistrot is the best hostel in Milan for:
- Social butterflies
- Couples that like to have a drink with more people
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Ostello Bello (everything imaginable under one roof)
Ostello Bello is rich in personality, situated on a medieval street that survived the war. It is the perfect backpackers milan choice for staying in style and having fun.
The design is cosy with a vintage feel we know you’ll love.
First off, the staff here are nothing but awesome. They’ve travelled extensively and speak 10 languages, including Flemish! They’re always available at the 24-hour reception.
It would easy to say this hostel offers everything you can imagine and leave it and that. But it deserves our full attention!
Rooms come in all shapes and sizes:
- Female and mixed dorms,
- private twin rooms,
- double rooms,
- quadruple rooms… are all on offer.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Guess what? Pets are more than welcome in the private rooms. Expect free linen, towel, air-con, an en-suite and locker (with free lock) in any room you choose. Honestly, there are so many inclusions here we don’t know where to start.
Free things and amenities at Ostello Bello
So, here’s a handy list of all things FREE at Ostello Bello:
- FREE welcome drink
- FREE Italian Aperitivo dinner ( every day from 7 pm-9 pm)
- Kitchen with FREE food
- FREE flow breakfast ( anytime you wake up!)
- 24 hours of FREE flowing tea and coffee
- FREE cultural activities all week
- city map and city guides without charge
- FREE tours
- complimentary Luggage storage
- Safety deposit box at reception
- FREE earplugs
- Towels at no cost
- FREE Shampoo and sap
- Hairdryer
- FREE locks
You get the idea. Ostello speaks your travelling language.
They even go as far as printing your boarding passes, that’s right, for free!
As for socialising, there are plenty of areas with things to do around the hostel.
There are:
- musical instruments,
- board games,
- books,
- TV,
- hammocks,
- BBQ area…
Explore the open terraces and the lounge area.
If that wasn’t enough; there’s a bar in the basement open until 1 am every night. Live music and DJs are hosted here frequently.
Duomo square is 500 (real) metres from the hostel. All historical points of interest are within walking distance.
Ostello Bello is the best hostel in Milan for any type of traveller that is looking to save money, meet people and have a jolly good time.
Ostello Bello is the best hostel in Milan for:
- Female Solo-Travellers
- Male solo-travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Ostello bello is so popular in Milan and it gets booked so fast that we recommend you to book as soon as possible.
Please use following links to book Ostello Bello: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Nevertheless, if it is fully booked, don’t panic!
The 2nd Ostello Bello Hostel
They opened a second hostel in Milano which is bigger, but has also great vibes and an amazing desing.
Ostello Bello Grande comes with all the freebies and events offered in the smaller brother hostel.
It is strategic located for local mobility:
- Just 100 meters away from Milan central station, the final destination for all travellers
- All historical attractions can be easily reached by subway lines
- Piazza Duomo and new trending areas are withing walking distance
If you are interested in the new trending areas of the city, such as Garibaldi or Isola district, OStello bello Grande is your best option.
Ostello Bello Grande is the best hostel in Milan for:
- groups of friends
- students
Yes, it is one of the best hostels in Milan for students, so you will see many young people.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
The best hostel in Milan for solo-travellers
By now you have seen our 3 coolest hostels in Milan.
In this section we want to go into detail for every fearless solo traveller and backpackers exploring Milan out there. After all, choosing a great hostel and meeting people is crucial for many solo-backpackers.
So, we had a look on cool and fun backpacker hostels where it is easy to mingle.
The best hostels in Milan for solo-travellers are:
What is the difference between these two places?
The difference here is basically your budget.
Ostello Bello has more freebies and is a bit cheaper than Combo. Both hostels come with a bar, fun events, great location, and a cool, clean design. Also, both dorms come with no curtains at the beds.
We tend a bit more to Combo Milano as #1 of the best hostels in Milan since their bar-restautant offers more elaborated food. You can actually have your free breakfast and dinner here.
Fun Fact: Even locals come to Combo Milano for aperitivo, dinner and to hang out with travelers when live music and cultural events are happening.
The Best Party Hostels in Milan
We have found two options for you to stay in a party hostel Milan. A good party is usually made up of 3 things:
- awesome people,
- great drinks and
- fun atmosphere.
Which is why we’re awarding Madama Hostel & Bistrot as number one of best party hostels in Milan.
It really does tick all the boxes.
We should mention that it doesn’t advertise itself as a party hostel.
Have yourself a blast, continue the party at the nearby nightlife scene and remember to respect your fellow travellers upon return to the hostel. So basically you start your fun night in the bar and then move to a different bar or club to celebrate the backpacker life.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
But wait, there’s more!
CasaBASE Hostel is also a great party hostel in Milan.
This boutique hostel, filled with a creative, laid-back atmosphere is located in the vibrant Tortona area. Have a look on the map below to see where this district is located.
Rub shoulders with the artists of BASE, enjoy great food at the bistro and grab a cocktail at the bar.
How about Cheap Hostels in Milan?
Are there any cheap hostels in Milan? There can be certainly cheaper and the cheapest hostels than the ones mentioned above. These can be the typical backpacker hostels. Cheap hostel Milan Italy has is not always ideal.
In our opinion, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2), and a lot of amenities are not included.
This can be breakfast or linen. Keep also in mind a bad location far away from the city center costs you more in transport. This can be pricey in Milan. Also, bear in mind that many hostels in Milan and Italy are not really good quality.
We really encourage you to invest a few more € into the best hostels in Italy.
It makes a huge difference and these extra 1-2€ per night go a long way in terms of experience.
However, if you are travelling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Milan. Okay, we get it.
So, here you go:
- Open Hostelworld with full list of backpacker accommodations in Milan
- Order the listing by price
- pick the hostel with the cheapest rate
- done!
Just bear in mind, Freebies can make you save money in an expensive city like Milan. This is what we mentioned with all the top hostels above.
But, do we have a recommendation for a cheap hostel in Milan Italy for you? Well yes, we do.
Hostel California is usually the cheap hostels in Milano; and a backpacker hostel. However, the rating of less than 6/10 does not impress anyone, really.
Discounts and Promo Codes for hostels in Milan
At the moment we do not have any valid discounts for the hostels in Milan.
We do not have a any valid promo codes for Ostello Bello or Babila Hostel, or any other. Now, we know, that is a pity.
You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive direct news on any hostel discounts we get for our readers.
More Milan Hostels Worth a Mention
The hostels listed above are our personal favorites – Madama Hostel & Bistrot, Babila Hostel, Ostello Bello and Ostello Bello Grande.
We want to show you more hostels in Milan so here’ more.
- Youth Hostel Milan
- Family Hostel in Milan
- Capsule Hostel Ostelzzz Milano
- New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli
- Atmos Luxe Navigli
- Queen Hostel
- Hostel Colours
Youth Hostel Milan
If you are not into backpackers hostel and more looking for a youth hostel in Milan, then you are in luck.
The Youth Hostel Italy AIG Piero Rotta is the YHA and IYHF in Milano Italy. However, be aware that the ratings are not impressive either.
There is no way on earth we would recommend this place to stay in Milan. We mention this only to have this a super complete guide for you.
We are not your mama, but as friends we have to say again: better go with the options we gave you above.
Family Hostel in Milan
So, we made all the way to the where to stay in Milan for families.
There is actually a hostel literally called “Family Hostel Milan“. However, again, ratings are not overwhelming. The comments are all about dirty bathrooms, althugh the location is perfectally central.
For families with children Madama Hostel & Bistrot is a good option.
That being said: We rather recommend going for a smaller hotel, guesthouse or even Airbnb. Hostels in Milan are not really the perfect fit for families with children, we would say. Here’s an overview guide on where to stay in Milan, very helpful.
Have a look on Airbnb for best places to stay on a budget in Milano with families. Here you can get a 35€ discount for your first stay with Airbnb.
Capsule Hostel Ostelzzz Milano
The brand new kid in town is the capsule hostel Capsule Hostel Ostelzzz Milano.
While the name is obviously already fun, the capsules are really an eye-catcher.
Set in the Stazione Centrale district, Ostelzzz Milano features super cool sleeping boxes, a shared lounge and a breakfast. You can even expect a welcome drink.
Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli
New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli is a combination of white, red and black. It looks clean and simple. The rooms look decent.
Staff are always happy to chat and help. There is a kitchen and a bar with good coffee and snacks.
Cool Hostel Highlights:
- 24 Hour Security
- Housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Reception
- Air Conditioning
- Elevator
- Security Lockers
Location: Located in Milan’s Porta Ticinese area, New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli is a 7 minute walk from the lively Navigli neighbourhood. It is 19 minute walk from New Generation Hostel Urban Brera.
From New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli, guests can visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, a 10-minute walk away. A tram, with links to the Duomo Square stops 100 m from the property. The Expo 2015 Exhibition Centre is 11 km away.
Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Atmos Luxe Navigli
Atmos Luxe Navigli is very quiet and calming. The interior design is very well done, so refreshing from the usual banal style of many hostels.
Staff are so nice, kind, welcoming and quick to assist to our needs. The rooms are spacious with beautiful bathrooms.
Cool Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Lift
- Good breakfast
Location: Located in Milan, a 5-minute walk from Navigli. Duomo Milan is 2.7 km from Atmos Luxe, while Sforzesco Castle is 2.8 km away. Milan Linate Airport is 9 km from the property.
Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Queen Hostel Milan
Queen Hostel Milan is a good place for solo travelers. The facility is quite large yet the guests fill the room. The common room invites conversations and its easy to talk to one another. You can meet fellow backpackers and play board games with them.
Just want to say the best hostel for digital nomads in Milan is Queen Hostel.
Cool Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private parking
- WiFi available in all areas
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Location: Queen Hostel is set in Milan, 1.6 km from Milan Cathedral. Milano Centrale Train Station is 3.7 km from Queen Hostel, while La Scala is 2 km away. Milan Linate Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property.
Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Hostel Colours
Hostel Colours is ultra-friendly and ultra-fun. It is a family-run hostel so expect their care and approach is more personal.
The kitchen is nice and clean. You can really cook your meal. They also have big clean fridges. Comfortable common area with space to rest and work is really amazing!
Cool Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Heating
- Bar
Location: Located in the district of Città Studi. The M2 Lambrate FS Metro Station, with links to Milan’s centre and main train stations, is a 5-minute walk from the Colours. The Polytechnic University of Milan is 1 km away. It is also 8.8 km away from Piero Rotta Youth Hostel.
Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Milan Tourist Tax
As mentioned at the beginning, in Milan and almost every major destination in Europe there is a tourist tax. That means, you have to pay an extra 2€ – 4 € per person per night on the accommodation as a city tourist tax.
Bear in mind this tax is usually extra to pay when booking your accommodation in Milan.
In Hostels, guests pay a 2€ tax per person per night.
At guesthouses, hotels, or home rentals, this tax can be up to 5€.
That is another reason why a hostel is a great idea for everyone looking for a budget accommodation in Milan.
Can the tourist tax be avoided?
This tourist tax can be avoided when you are younger than 18 years old. Obviously, when you are under 18, you are not allowed to stay in hostels unless you come with an adult.
Also, it means that Youth Hostels in Milan might not have to pay this tax if the hostel is managed by public or private subjects for the achievement of social, cultural and educational purposes, as defined by the current regional legislation.
So ask at the hostel you would like to book if you have to pay the tax or it is included in the price.
When booking, keep an eye on extra fees. These extra fees like the tourist tax should be highlighted somewhere in your booking confirmation – even before actually confirming your reservation!
Read: 15 ways to book hostels in a smarter way
My Best Hostels in Milan for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
This is not really a Milan tourist map but you can see our best hostels in Milan + top sights.
We like to make your planning as easy as possible. That is why we ellaborated an easy map. Find here all of the hostel locations, plus must-see sights in Milan.
This gives you a better understanding of the locations.
Looking for activities to join? We recommend…
- Grabbing your Milan Cathedral ticket + reap the extra inclusions
- Joining a history and Last Supper tour
- Exploring on The Bike Tour of Milan
- Trying your hand at a Pizza, Pasta or Risotto Cooking Class
Exploring Milan by Hop-on Hop-off Bus is an easy way to explore the city.
Zoom into the map for details. You can also activate and deactivate the different layers we set up for you. Just open the sidebar on the left.
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More Hostels in Italy
Alright, since you already made your way to the North of Italy, we encourage you to go ahead and explore more. Italy changes so much; from region to region; from North to South.
Here are some of our other guides:
- best hostels in Italy
- best hostels in Rome
- best hostels in Tuscany
- best hostels in Florence
- best hostels in Venice
- best hostels in Bologna
- best hostels in Turin
- best hostels in Naples
- best hostels in Palermo
- best hostels in Pisa
- best hostels in Genoa
- best hostels in Catania
- best hostels in Verona
- best Hostels in Sorrento
- best hostels in Amalfi Coast
- best hostels in Cinque Terre
- best hostels in Sicily
And here are our Italy travel guides. Seriously, get these guides, you will LOVE our secrets:
Find all our guides to the best hostels in Europe here.
Safe travels!
