Centro Storico / Ticinese

Ostello Bello Milano Duomo

★★★★★

For travellers on a budget who want to walk to the sights rather than ride the metro, Ostello Bello Milano Duomo is the most central option in the city. It sits on Via Medici, a quiet street in the old heart of Milan between the Duomo and the Ticinese district, about ten minutes' walk from the cathedral, five from the Roman columns of San Lorenzo and Corso di Porta Ticinese and fifteen from the Navigli canals. That puts the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Last Supper all within an easy walk, and the evening aperitivo scene of the Navigli and the Darsena close enough to stroll home from. Like its larger sister by Centrale station, the hostel combines the price of a hostel with standards closer to a simple hotel. There are private rooms and family rooms as well as shared dormitories for six or eight people, including female-only rooms, and every room has its own ensuite toilet and shower, air conditioning, lockers and USB plugs by the beds. The atmosphere is warm and social. The bar is open around the clock and serves drinks, cocktails, brunch and happy-hour snacks; there is a rooftop terrace with plants and lanterns looking over the old rooftops of the centre, as well as a terrace and garden with a barbecue. The same generous extras are included: a welcome drink, a shared kitchen stocked with free pasta, fruit and vegetables, free water, tea and coffee, laptops, hairdryers, irons and earplugs. Breakfast, aperitivo, towels and laundry are available at extra cost, and reception is staffed day and night.

The location is the big advantage. You can walk to the Duomo, the Ambrosiana and the shops of Via Torino in minutes, and the old Ticinese neighbourhood around San Lorenzo, Sant'Eustorgio and the Darsena is one of the most enjoyable in Milan for evening life. For transport, the Duomo and Missori metro stations and several tram lines are close by, so getting to Centrale for day trips takes around twenty minutes. The surrounding streets are mostly residential and quieter than the area around the main station.

Living in it: expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with lots of other travellers, and staff who know the city well and happily share tips on food and aperitivo. Private rooms offer good value in such a central location, and families appreciate the family rooms with ensuite bathrooms. As in any hostel, dorms can be noisy, so bring earplugs or use the ones provided. Book well ahead for weekends, fashion weeks and Design Week.

Who it suits: solo travellers, backpackers, budget-conscious couples and families who want to be in the centre and close to the Navigli. If your trip is focused on train travel and day trips, the Centrale branch is more practical; if you want a small hotel with breakfast included a few streets away, the Hotel Spadari is a step up in price and comfort.