Where to stay in Milan or Rome: areas and hotels

Milan and Rome are the two Italian cities most searched for from Algeria: Milan for business, trade fairs and shopping, Rome for its monuments. In both, the neighbourhood matters as much as the hotel itself. Here are the areas to stay in depending on your trip, a few addresses worth knowing, what to check before you book, and how to pay for your hotel in dinars, without a bank card.

Milan: where to stay

#### Around the Duomo: the centre on foot

The heart of Milan lies around the cathedral, the Duomo, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the great covered arcade next to it. Two hotels right there: Park Hyatt Milano, beside Piazza del Duomo, and Room Mate Giulia, on Via Silvio Pellico, steps from the cathedral and the Galleria.

Best for: a short first visit, shopping, doing everything on foot.

#### Brera: Milan with charm

Brera is the romantic district of the centre, popular with artists and antique dealers.

Best for: couples looking for a more intimate Milan than Piazza del Duomo.

#### Navigli: canals and evenings out

The Navigli are Milan's canals, known for their nightlife, especially along the Naviglio Grande.

Before you book: the area stays lively late. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room overlooking the courtyard.

#### Porta Nuova and Isola: modern Milan

Porta Nuova is the business district with its skyscrapers. Next door, near Porta Garibaldi station, Isola is home to the Bosco Verticale, the famous plant-covered towers.

Best for: business trips and fans of contemporary architecture.

#### Milano Centrale: handy for trains

Milano Centrale is one of Italy's main railway stations. Staying next to it is handy if you continue by train to Venice, Florence or Rome. The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, on Piazza Duca d'Aosta, is right beside the station, for example.

#### A trade fair at Fiera Milano: stay near Rho

The Fiera Milano exhibition centre sits on the border of Rho and Pero. You reach it by metro (line M1, Rho Fieramilano station) and by train (Rho Fiera station). Staying near the fairground saves rush-hour journeys during a fair; but check the travel time to the centre if you plan to spend your evenings there.

Rome: where to stay

#### The historic centre: Pantheon, Navona, Trevi

For a first visit, the historic centre puts the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain within walking distance.

#### The Tridente and the Spanish Steps: elegance

The Tridente starts at Piazza del Popolo, with Via del Babuino, and leads to the Spanish Steps. This is the area of grand hotels: Hotel de Russie, on Via del Babuino, and Hassler Roma, at the top of the Spanish Steps.

#### Monti: at the foot of the Colosseum

Monti stretches between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum: the Colosseum and part of the Roman Forum lie within its boundaries.

Best for: travellers who want ancient Rome on their doorstep.

#### Trastevere: across the Tiber

Trastevere, on the right bank of the Tiber, is a web of cobbled lanes climbing towards the Janiculum hill, between the river and the Vatican.

#### Prati: next to the Vatican

Prati lies just above the Vatican, across the Tiber from the historic centre. A practical choice if a visit to the Vatican is on your list.

#### Termini and Via Nazionale: central and practical

Around Termini station, Via Nazionale is central and well connected: Hotel Artemide, for example, is a few minutes from the station, with a rooftop restaurant.

Before booking in Milan or Rome

• Check on the map how far the hotel is from the nearest metro station.
• Ask whether the city tourist tax is included or payable at the hotel.
• Arriving late? Make sure reception is open at your arrival time.
• In lively areas, ask for a room overlooking the courtyard.

Paying in dinars, and the visa

From Algeria, you pay for your hotel in Milan or Rome in dinars, by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office, with no bank card needed. Living abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. All the details: how to book a hotel without a bank card.

As for the visa: in principle, Algerian citizens need a Schengen visa for Italy. Check the current requirements with the consulate or the official provider before you travel. Nreservi does not sell any visa service.

Frequently asked questions

Which area is best for a first stay in Rome? The historic centre to do everything on foot, or the Termini and Via Nazionale area if you arrive by train.

Where to stay in Milan for a trade fair at Fiera Milano? Near Rho, next to the exhibition centre, or in town along metro line M1, which serves Rho Fieramilano station.

Where to stay in Milan for shopping? Around the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Can I pay for my hotel in Italy in Algerian dinars? Yes. From Algeria, you pay in dinars by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our office; from abroad, online by bank card.

Do I need a visa for Milan or Rome? In principle, yes: a Schengen visa. Check the current requirements with the consulate or the official website before you travel.

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.