Combo Milano

Combo Milano is a hostel, café and social space on the Naviglio Grande, in the heart of the canal district. It occupies a casa di ringhiera, the traditional Milanese apartment building with long open balconies running around a courtyard, which has been converted into a place to stay, eat, work and meet people. Combo is a small Italian group with other locations in cities such as Venice and Turin, and its Milan outpost suits travellers who want to be close to the city's nightlife.

Guests can choose between private rooms and shared dormitories, and the group's rooms range from doubles and family rooms to shared dorms. The interiors follow a simple, Nordic-inspired style, clean and minimal, which suits the old building. A laundry is available, which is useful on longer trips.

The ground floor is the social centre. A bistro and café serves breakfast with sweet and savoury options and a menu for sharing or a quick bite from morning until late, and it is a popular spot for brunch and aperitivo with local residents as well as guests. The large courtyard, surrounded by greenery, is the place to be on warm evenings. There are also coworking stations for travellers who need to work, and an event and exhibition space that hosts talks, music and other gatherings.

Prices are budget to moderate, depending on the room type, and the hostel is good value given its location on one of Milan's liveliest streets. The flip side is noise: the Navigli are busy late into the night, especially at weekends, so light sleepers should ask for a room away from the canal side or pack earplugs.

Milan charges a city tourist tax per person per night, which is usually paid at the hotel and is not always included in online prices, so check the total when you book.

Combo suits solo travellers, couples, friends and digital nomads who want a social atmosphere and easy access to bars and restaurants. The Porta Genova stop on metro line M2 is about ten minutes' walk away, giving direct access to the centre. The Darsena, the Vicolo dei Lavandai and the antiques market held along the canal on the last Sunday of most months are all on the doorstep.