A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Alicante or Milan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its beaches. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Alicante different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan and Alicante. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Milan?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Alicante and Milan.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Milan is a must-see party destination. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its live music scene. However, Alicante is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Milan?

Milan is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Families?

Alicante is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Milan are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is terrific for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Milan can take you anywhere. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Milan?

In either Alicante or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Alicante because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Milan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Alicante, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Alicante. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Alicante if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Milan.

One day in Alicante or Milan?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Milan is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Milan?

Alicante is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alicante. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan than you might in Alicante.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alicante Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Milan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Alicante or Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Milan. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Milan. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Milan. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. Alicante is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Milan. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Milan. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Alicante