Milan for a Day
 

I will be in Milan for 1 day in early September and would like some recommendation on hotel options near the Central train station. I'll be arriving around noon on a Saturday and leaving by train on Sunday around 3pm. Any suggestions on hotel and must see attractions are greatly appreciated!

What is your hotel budget and what are your interests?

Hotel budget $300 US, interested in art, architecture, a little shopping. I know it's a short amount of time but I'd like to soak up as much as I can.

The distance from the Central station to the area around the Duomo is so short that you should consider this latter area which is more likely to satisfy your tastes.

Where are you arriving from and leaving to? This would help to give a better choice of options.

$300 would give you a lot of options based upon your in/out plans.

Does it have to be near Centrale? In a short visit, I'd much rather stay in a nicer area and closer to the things I consider "must see." Maybe your priorities are different, but I'd want to see the Duomo (inside, walk on the roof, exterior from different viewpoints, the facing piazza), walk through the Galleria, visit the La Scala Museum, stroll around the Brera area, explore the Castello, and see the Last Supper (if you can get tickets).

Kellie, I was also going to suggest you stay right in the centre closer to the Duomo so you can maximize your time.

I stayed at the Principe di Savoia which is near Centrale and it was lovely but I only stayed there (in March) because I got an amazing deal at your price point. I have checked just now and the rates are much much higher for your dates.

Next time I would stay right in the centre. One hotel I was considering which is at or below your price and is right behind the Duomo is the Starhotels Rosa Grand. If you Google Boutique hotels in Milan you will find a bunch of good looking hotels.

I did a Walks of Italy tour which included tickets to the Last Supper, walking on the Duomo rooftop, walking through the charming Brera neighbourhood and a few other things. It took a few hours and was well worth it. The Duomo rooftop was a great experience.

There is fantastic shopping in Milan and it is easy to walk from the Golden quarter where all the top designers are (fantastic windows to see even if the goods are $$$$$$) back up toward the Duomo where there are great shops with better price points, and also not far to walk to Brera from the Duomo for charming shops, cafes etc.

The dep't store La Rinascente is worth a visit, particularly for lunch at their rooftop restaurant looking across to the Duomo. If you visit their customer service office with your passport they will give you a 10% off card for visitors.

Have a look at the Berna which is within walking distance of Centrale.

You can GET to the Duomo area VERY easily by using the Milan Metro.

If your budget is $300 you can certainly find something in a classier and safer area than where the Hotel Berna is.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will be flying in to Malpensa on Saturday, landing at 1:30pm. On Sunday I will be leaving at 3pm from the Central train station, heading to Turin.

With that short time frame I would stay right in the centre. Go directly there from Malpensa. On Sunday it will be a short cab ride to the station, your hotel can arrange the cab for you. Or if you use Uber, they have UberBlack in Milan.