One of the chicest cities on the planet, Milan is famous for its fashion, shopping, fashion, football, food and did I mention fashion?
Truth be told, Milan has a lot more to offer than just it’s fashionable reputation. The only problem? It’s freaking expensive. Which is exactly why I’ve made this guide to the best hostels in Milan.
Any way you slice it – Milan is very expensive. Dorms are going to run you around 40+ Euros a night, and the food costs and sights can be equally ‘omg’.
But if you take a look at this list of the top hostels in Milan, you’ll see there are opportunities to save money. Many of the best hostels in Milan offer freebies – whether it be Wifi, city tours, maps, towels, or most important of all, FREE breakfast.
I’ve taken the list a step further by organising the hostels into different categories because I’ll be honest, Milan hostels can be hit and miss. But never fear, I’ve done the leg work for you!
So, whether you are a solo traveller looking to make friends, or a couple just looking for some privacy, this list of the best hostels in Milan will help you book your hostel quickly, and save you a ton of money in the process.

Photo: @monteiro.online
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Milan
- Best Overall Hostel in Milan – Madama Hostel & Bistrot
- Best Hostel in Milan for Solo Travellers – Ostello Bello Grande
- Best Cheap Hostel in Milan – Best Hostel Milano
- Best Party Hostel in Milan – Babila Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Milan – YellowSquare
The 5 Best Hostels in Milan
With so many epic options for you to stay while backpacking in Milan, picking only five was quite the task. But I took on the challenge, I sifted through the ALL and I come to you with the best of the best. I’ve even separated them to meet your personal travel needs.
I’m confident you’ll have no trouble finding the place for you!
1. Madama Hostel & Bistrot – Best Overall Hostel in Milan

- Dorm (mixed): From $47
- Private Room: From $176
- Address: Via Benaco, 1, Milan, Italy
The overall best hostel in Milan is the much-loved Madama Hostel & Bistrot. Not only is this the best hostel in Milan but one of the best in all of Italy. Madama has a fantastic feel to it and the staff are super helpful. The light and modern style runs from reception all the way through to the dorms and beyond.
You can also expect free breakfast each morning too and with its fun atmosphere in the fashion capital of the world, you’ll love it!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- City Centre Location
- Free Wifi
- Private Rooms
Madama is the perfect haunt for solo travellers, a great shout for couples and ideal for digital nomads. Madama is a real home away from home for backpackers in Milan. This eco-friendly hostel is located inside a former police station right in Milan city centre and the walls are adorned with custom murals and street art everywhere. On the last Sunday of each month, they offer city tours of nearby street art too!
This high-quality hostel is within walking distance of a train station, so you can get to Milan Central Station (and the epic things to do in Milan) in no time. What’s also great about this cool hostel is that not only can you get dorm rooms, but private double rooms at hostel prices.
What’s even better is that Madama Hostel & Bistrot is an eco-friendly accommodation option. All the furniture is made from recycled materials, single-use plastic is banned and recycling is encouraged and made easy for guests and staff alike.
Looking for the best hostel in Milan? Head to Madama!
2. Ostello Bello Grande – Best Hostel in Milan for Solo Travellers

- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $119
- Address: Via Roberto Lepetit, 33, Milan, Italy
The best party hostel in Milan is the multi-award-winning Ostello Bello Grande. In all fairness, Ostello Bello Grande could easily be the best hostel in Milan but with their epic party vibes and an onsite bar, they firmly fall into the party category. However, if you just want a cool place to lay your head, the private rooms and the terrace with hammocks are pretty chill too.
Ostello Bello Grande is the coolest hostel in Milan as they have a gorgeous outdoor garden, funky decor inside and their very own hostel bar.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free City Tours
- Games Room
- Great location
If you’re looking to explore the city, there are free city tours too so you can get your bearings. Here you can also choose to stay in a dorm, which is great for solo travellers especially, with their on-site games room, too. If you’re with mates though, you could opt for the private twin rooms and get a hotel-style room at hostel prices!
Location-wise you’re right by the central station at this top-quality hostel, so you really can’t go wrong. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Milan. I stayed here when I visited Milan and it’s probably one of my favourite hostels even after 62 countries!
Ostello Bello Grande really goes above and beyond, offering a free welcome drink, 24-hour tea and coffee and an absolutely massive and fully equipped kitchen. It pretty much covers every base there is when it comes to hitting it out of the park for a hostel. They even let you bring your pet if you stay in a private room!
3. Best Hostel Milano – Best Cheap Hostel in Milan

- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $82
- Address: Piazzalle Loreto 9, floor 8, Milan, Italy
As the name suggests, Best Hostel Milano is one of the best budget hostels in Milan. If you’re on a shoestring budget during your Italian adventure be sure to hit up Hi! Ostello Milano Hostel when you’re in town. Milan ain’t cheap, so keeping the costs down at Best Hostel Milano is a great shout.
The dorm rooms are simple but super comfy. The hostel is one of the cleanest I’ve come across in all my backpacker days. These guys take sanitisation and cleanliness SERIOUSLY. And I love it. There is something that hits differently about a simple, modern hostel that is kept in tip-top shape. It almost gives hotel feels.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Modern
- Clean
- CHEAP!
The vibes aren’t as social as other hostels around. There are no organised social events. So, if you’re keen to meet new mates you’ll have to put in a bit of extra effort or potentially stay somewhere like Babila Hostel or Ostello Bella Grane.
The hostel is located right outside the metro station (M1 & M2) which makes it easy to get to Central Milan in less than 15 minutes. It’s not the best location but also definitely not the worst!

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View on Osprey View on REI4. Babila Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Milan

- Dorm (mixed): From $48
- Private Room: From $136
- Address: Via Conservatorio,2a Milano, Milan, Italy
If you’re looking for a chic kinda party hostel in Milan you should snap up a spot at Babila Hostel. None of the naff and nasty parties here, Babila has nothing but class. If you’re keen on hanging out in a modern, bright and boutique hostel and also like a drink or two of an evening you should just book right away!
Babila is the best hostel in Milan for party-loving flashpackers and boutique backpackers. You’ll even get a free brekkie in the morning to set you up for the day.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Historic Building
- Rooftop Terrace
- Great location
It’s located in a beautiful old building dating back to 1896 in the fashion district of Milan. The design as you would expect is stylish and combines the old with the new. One of the features we love most is the roof terrace with stunning views over the city as well as the AC and ensuite bathrooms in each room.
There’s an onsite Bar & Bistro if you don’t fancy cooking, here you can enjoy some tasty authentic Italian food. They also host jam sessions, art exhibitions and cultured parties, so it’s a cool spot to be. It’s great for those who want a lively but classy atmosphere where you can meet similar-minded people.
The location of this hostel is ideal for those wanting to take full advantage of the city. It’s within walking distance of San Babila Square as well as a subway station and plenty of tasty places to eat. No matter your Milan itinerary, this spot will have you close to all the best bits in town.
5. YellowSquare – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Milan

- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $99
- Address: Via Lattuada 14, Milan, Italy
The best hostel for digital nomads in Milan is YellowSquare Milano. With fast and free Wi-Fi, food is available all day at their restaurant, CO-WORKING SPACES AND MEETING ROOMS!!! Yep, this is a truly nomad-friendly hostel.
You’ll definitely have a unique hostel experience here as it’s decorated in a very unique minimalistic but colourful style. The massive social spaces are great for making new friends and connecting with other travellers. Expect a more refined and classy feel than your standard backpacker’s hostel. Here they really have turned things up a notch or two when it comes to faculties and style.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible ratings
- Co-working spaces and meeting rooms
- Great location
The dorm rooms are spacious and comfortable however, they do also offer private rooms for those after a bit more privacy. It’s a super social hostel! The hostel organises awesome social events to meet fellow travellers and nomads, plus the bar is also open to the public so you can get the know the locals too.

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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Milan Hostels
Want even more options? Well, look no further because I’ve only gone and bloody search for a whole heap of other hostels for you lucky folk!
Combo Milano

- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Private Room: From $145
- Address: Ripa di porta ticinese 83, Milan, Italy
The best hostel for solo travellers in Milan is Combo Milano for sure, it’s practically perfect in every way! Modern, bright and homely, Combo Milano is a fairly new Milan backpackers hostel that is proving a popular place for solo travellers in Italy to make new friends.
This modern and understated hostel is set in a historic tenement building right on the Navigli, combining the old and the new. This area is ideal for those wanting to hang out in this stylish and hip neighbourhood without having to take the metro back home after a night out.
There’s a bar restaurant on the ground floor that’s open all day. It offers a diverse menu of world food and is a great spot for meeting new people or enjoying a drink after a day of exploring. It’s not a party hostel, instead, expect a high-class spot for cocktails or a business lunch instead. They also have a stunning greenhouse to hang out in with your food and drink!
The dorm rooms are spacious and sleep up to six people at a time but they do also offer private rooms and female-only dorms if you need a bit more privacy. For those on a budget or travelling long term, you’ll love the kitchen and laundry facilities which are super useful.
Meininger Milano Garibaldi

- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $83
- Address: Via Privata Giovanni Calvino 11, Milan, Italy
Menininger is a top hostel in Milan for solo travellers. The Menininger group have hostels all over Europe and their Milan venue lives up to their good name and more. Menininger Milano is a youth hostel for solo travellers who wanna stay in a modern and happening hostel.
There are plenty of cool and comfy hang-out areas and you’ll often find the crew in the kitchen in the early evening. Oh and FYI, Menininger Milano has a great selection of private rooms. Whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend in Milan, this is an ideal spot to lay your hat.
Ostello Bello

- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $154
- Address: Via Medici 4, Milan, Italy
Ostello Bello is a multi-award-winning youth hostel that is perfect for couples. Not only do they have modern and stylish rooms but also their own onsite bar and cafe; the ideal place for travelling couples to hang out and meet new peeps.
Ostello Bello is a great budget hostel in Milan for couples who want to stay in a private room but not fork out for a hotel. Easily the best hostel for couples in Milan is Ostello Bello and it’s incredibly popular. If you want to stay here, especially in high season, you need to book your room ASAP!
Queen Hostel

- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $137
- Address: Viale Regina Margherita, 9, Milan, Italy
The best hostel for digital nomads in Milan is Queen Hostel. Digital nomads are generally looking for a different set of facilities than the average backpacker. In light of this, you’ll be happy to hear Queen Hostel ticks all the boxes of a Milan backpackers hostel perfect for digital nomads.
They have free, fast Wifi available throughout the building and their own cafe too. As a rule, digital nomads are powered by WiFi and coffee… and Queen Hostel has you covered!
OstellOlinda

- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: Via Ippocrate 47, Milan, Italy
OstellOlinda is an innovative hostel in Milan ideal for solo travellers who are keen to meet a wide range of people. OstellOlinda is a social business that helps people get back to work and learn the hospitality trade. If you like to learn other people’s stories you’ll love OstellOlinda.
OstellOlinda offers FREE breakfast, free WiFi, free bed linen and free city maps too. The staff and training staff are super helpful and are always more than willing to lend a hand when they can.
QUO Milano

- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $137
- Address: Viale Regina Margherita, 9, Milan, Italy
QUO Milano is another highly recommended hostel in Milan and is the perfect hostel for newbie travellers keen to experience a little bit of everything. QUO is a great hostel for backpackers who want to explore Milan but also take some time to chill out in the hostel itself, to soak up all those Italian hostel vibes.
You can beat the location of the hostel, you can literally walk to all the best places to visit in Milan! Reach the famous Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele on foot within 15 minutes. Oh, and did I mention it offers FREE BREAKFAST?!
Ostello Bello Milano Duomo

- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $154
- Address: Via Medici 4, Milan, Italy
Ostello Bello Milano Duomo Hostel is a top hostel in Milan for backpackers, with just the right balance of social vibes and time to chill. Located in the heart of Milan, you’ll be close to some of the city’s main attractions with the Milan Cathedral a mere 500m down the road! The social vibes are high here, with nightly events organised by the hostel to make it easier for you to meet fellow travellers.
New Generation Hostel Urban Navigli

- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $77
- Address: Via Aurispa 7, Milano, Milan, Italy
New Gen Urban Navigli is a cracking youth hostel in Milan and as its name suggests, is urban, modern and paving the way for a new generation of Milan backpacker hostels. Clean cut and moody in design New Gen Urban Navigili is one of the top hostels around. If you’re looking for a simple, clean and ideally located place to stay New Gen Urban Navigili is worth booking. It’s also close to the famous BackDoor 43 bar, too!
New Generation Hostel Urban Brera

- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $71
- Address: via Renzo Bertoni, 3, Milan, Italy
New Generation Hostels have several venues throughout Milan but their Urban Brera venue is the coolest hostel in Milan in terms of design. The checkered monochrome theme runs throughout the hostel and is perfect for any Instagram-obsessed travellers out there. Be sure to pose with the giant bull at the reception! Being a modern youth hostel, Urban Brera has a reading light and plug socket for each bed, and plenty of security lockers too.
Panda Hostel

- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: Via Canzio, 15, Milan, Italy
Panda Hostel is a great all-rounder, they have exactly what you’re looking for in a Milan backpackers hostel. Free breakfast, free bed linen, free WiFi and free city maps are all included in your room rate. Panda Hostel is quite a sociable little hostel found near Central Station.
If you’re arriving or departing by train or taking a day trip from Milan, Panda Hostel is a great shout. There’s almost always someone hanging out in the common room to have a chat with.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Milan
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FAQs About Hostels in Milan
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Milan.
What to Pack for Your Milan Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Milan?
According to my research, the average price of hostels in Milan ranges from 35-60€ for a dorm, while a private room costs 100-200€.
What are the best hostels in Milan for couples?
Ostello Bello is a multi-award-winning ideal hostel for couples in Milan. It has modern and stylish rooms as well as an onsite bar and cafe.
What is the best hostel in Milan near the airport?
Queen Hostel, one of the best hostels for digital nomads in Milan, is 6.5 km from Milan Linate Airport. It has free and fast Wifi available throughout the building.
Final Thoughts on Milan’s Hostels
By now I hope this epic guide to the best hostels in Milan has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Whether you are travelling solo and looking to party, or a digital nomad trying to get some work done (or both!) this list of the best hostels in Milan will help you book your hostel quickly and stress-free.
Still can’t decide which of the best hostels in Milan to go for? Just book Madama Hostel & Bistrot – my top pick for the BEST hostel in Milan! It’s in a banger of a location and the hostel has a vibe that is unbeatable. Make new friends and enjoy exploring the incredible city of Milan.
If you think I’ve missed anything on this Milan Hostels guide or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments! 🙂

Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Milan covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Milan if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Milan before you arrive
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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