Hostelling in Style: Milan for the New Generation Traveller
Fashion, food, football. These three words rule in Italian culture, especially in Milan. But with precious time to waste and faced with an incredible number of options, how do you know what to do, and most importantly where to stay? Luckily, there’s a new kid on the hostel block.
The modern traveller is looking for more than just a holiday: they’re looking for an authentic experience to share with a community of travellers. New Generation Hostels aim to promote a “youthful” way of travelling, not in terms of age, but by the ability to be open and to learn from others. Their new chain of chic hostels has succeeded in creating a dynamic space where different kinds of travellers can mingle and swap tips on hidden gems and local hangouts. Nowadays, technology is an important part of that sharing experience, and so all rooms and public areas are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and LCD TVs. I wanted to introduce some of Milan’s best New Generation hostels and their unforgettable locations.
Urban Navigli
Shuttle Direct sports a tidy and minimalist design and is amongst one of the cheapest hostels in the city. The location is ideal – the waterways in this area that played an important role in Milan’s industrial history now serve as a dramatic backdrop to the city’s hippest and most vibrant area. Sit back and enjoy a coffee in one of the outdoor cafes along the Naviglio Grande or while away some hours in the boutique shops and flea market.
Make sure you pop in to some of the art galleries that line the Naviglio Grande for a quirky insight into the local art scene. Personally I like to walk down the so-called Washerwoman’s Alley and thank my lucky stars that I now come here for a picturesque Instagram shot rather than to scrub dirty clothes…
The hostel comes furnished with everything you’ll need: air-conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen for cooking, and an onsite bar (need I say more?). Urban Navigili is the perfect base to explore the working-class history of Milan and discover the creative side of the city.
Urban Brera
The Insta-conscious traveller need look no further than Shuttle Direct. The hostel’s unique monochromatic interior design is the perfect backdrop for a social media post, let alone its central location in the cultural Brera district. There’s a convenient mini-market, and a lounge with board games, and every bed is equipped with a reading light, power socket and security locker. Oh, and giant bull statue that guards the reception because, well, why not?
A famous haunt of the nation’s intellectuals, the Brera district is Italy’s answer to Oxford mixed with a dash of Saville Row. Here you can browse some of Milan’s world-famous, high-end fashion, and step outside to marvel at ancient Roman and medieval walls. Take a stroll along cobbled streets to the grand Palazzo di Brera where you’ll find the literary, cultural and artistic hub of the city with some of Milan’s most important cultural institutions. The Academy of Fine Art, the Braidense National Library, the Astronomy Museum and Observatory, and the Botanical Gardens – there’s plenty here to take your fancy depending on your mood. My top recommendation would have to be Pinacoteca Gallery for its extensive collection of Italian paintings. Spending time in this district will be a delightful drain on your wallet, or at the very least, your time.
Urban Citta Studi
Shuttle Direct is just a 5-minute metro ride away from Duomo square, where you’ll find some of Milan’s best tourist attractions. The area Citta Studi is home to a number of campuses, so don’t be surprised to see lots of students decking the halls of the local museums and churches. If you want to reward yourself for a long day of sightseeing, head to the Birrificio Lambrate il Pub and practice some Italians with locals. Perhaps not the most glamourous of neighbourhoods, it’s popular with those passing through Milan for a night or two.
At the Urban Citta Studi, you’ll find a simple but well-furnished hostel. Each room is air conditioned, there’s a kitchen, games room and security lockers for guests. The staff are on hand 24 hours a day, you can even request allergy-free mattresses here.
How to Get to Milan
Milan is the perfect destination for a spontaneous getaway; with over 200 flights leaving from London alone, there’s always a last-minute deal waiting to be bagged. A short 2-hour flight will take you to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and from there you can hop on Shuttle Direct transfer and reach the city centre within an hour. Be sure to book in advance if you want to reduce hassle on arriving in the airport.
About Shuttle Direct
A precious weekend trip has no time for faffing around with public transport. Opt for the economic option and book yourself onto a Shuttle Direct transfer. It only takes a couple of minutes to fill in our booking form, and we will take care of everything else.
