Which city is cheaper, Milan or Barcelona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Milan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music
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Should you visit Barcelona or Milan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Milan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Milan
Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
How is Barcelona different from Milan?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Both Barcelona and Milan have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Barcelona that are not to be missed. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Food?
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine in both Barcelona and Milan.
Many restaurants in Barcelona have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico.
Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Nightlife?
Both Barcelona and Milan are comparable when it comes to partying.
Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Music?
Both Barcelona and Milan offer a variety of live music venues.
Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.
Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for its Old Town?
Both Barcelona and Milan have historic old towns worth visiting.
The old town of Barcelona is one of the most recognized in the world. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants.
Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Shopping?
Both Barcelona and Milan are good shopping destinations.
Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L’Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Families?
Both Barcelona and Milan are fun to visit with kids.
Barcelona is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the Magic Fountains Show near Plaça d’Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. There are also many great parks and playgrounds around town.
Milan offers lots of family activities. 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 Barcelona or Milan better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Both Barcelona and Milan are popular destinations for backpackers.
Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Milan. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Students?
Barcelona and Milan are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.
Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do.
Milan is a very popular city for students. 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.
Is Barcelona or Milan better for Public Transit?
Both Barcelona and Milan offer public transit options.
Barcelona has a great public transit system. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city.
Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
Is Barcelona or Milan a more walkable city?
Barcelona and Milan both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Barcelona is very walkable. The city is more spread out than some other major European cities, but there are many plazas and outdoor areas that are fun to explore on foot. The city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.
Barcelona and Milan: Pros and Cons
Barcelona
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Should I spend more time in Milan or Barcelona?
How long in Barcelona or Milan?
In either Barcelona or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Barcelona is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Milan is 1-5 days.
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How many days in Barcelona or Milan? Ideal Length of StayBarcelona 3-7Milan 1-5
One day in Barcelona or Milan?
Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Milan. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Barcelona or Milan?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
You'll find live music and food around the chic big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Barcelona or Milan?
Barcelona is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Milan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Barcelona or Milan?
Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week here when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is often enough time to spend here.
Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBarcelona €123Milan €133
The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €123, while the average daily cost in Milan is €133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Barcelona and Milan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBarcelona €75Milan €76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBarcelona €150Milan €152
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Barcelona €15Milan €28
Typical Local Transportation prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
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Airport Bus€5.00
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Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Private 5 days in Barcelona with private transfers and private tours: $1,524
- Private 5 days in Barcelona with tours and transfers and pick up and drop off: $1,213
- Private Round-Trip transfer from Barcelona Airport or Barcelona city to Andorra: $876
- Private 3 days in Barcelona with private tours and transfers: $796
- Montserrat Monastery Tour & Hot Air Balloon Flight, Including Transfer, Lunch, Photos, Cava: $791
- Private Transfer & Tours to Andorra from Barcelona 10 Hours: $597
- Barcelona city or airport to Andorra Private Transfer: $564
- Private Transfer from Barcelona travel to Andorra: $554
- Transfer Barcelona-Madrid: $531
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Montserrat from Barcelona: $529
- Private Transfer: Andorra to Barcelona City or BCN Airport by Luxury Van: $522
- Barcelona city to Andorra Private Transfer: $520
Typical Local Transportation prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Linate Airport and Milan Central Station Transfer: $5.67
- Bergamo: Bus Transfer to/from Milan City Center: $9.07
- Ultra - Milan Private Airport Transfer from city Milan centre to Malpensa (MXP): $9.41
- Ultra - Milan private transfer from train station to Milan city centre: $9.41
- Ultra - Milan Private Airport Transfer from city centre to Milan train station: $9.41
- Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center: $11
- Bus Transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central Station: $11
- Milan Hotel to Linate Airport: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $21
- Private Departure Van Transfer: Hotel to Linate Airport Milan (LIN): $31
- Private Arrival Transfer from Milan Linate Airport to Milan City: $40
- Private Departure Transfer from Milan City to Milan Linate Airport: $40
- Private Business Transfer from Milan City Center to Linate Airport (LIN): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Milan?
Prices for flights to both Milan and Barcelona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBarcelona €27Milan €31
Typical Food prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
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Sandwich€1.70
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Baguette & Horchata€3.80
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Tapas on the beach€8.28
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Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Live from Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Live from Barcelona to China: Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Barcelona organic dinner in a beautiful rooftop garden: $35
- Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Tour: $48
- Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona: $49
- Hands-on Brunch Cooking Class with Bottomless Mimosas!: $50
- Born district food tour and tasting in Barcelona: $51
- Street Food Tour & Gothic Quater Sightseeing with Local Expert: $52
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $52
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $59
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show and Dinner Ticket: $62
- 2-Hour Bites & Flavors Private Food Tour: $66
Typical Food prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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Cappuccino€1.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Evening Food Tour: $90
- Dining experience at a local's home in Milan with show cooking: $106
- Food Tour of Brera: $110
- Small-group Street food tour in Milan: $111
- Pizza and Gelato-Making Class: $112
- Gourmet Food Tour: $113
- Private Italian cooking class & lunch in the woods outside Milan: $118
- 3.5-Hour Traditional and Modern Food Tour: $130
- Central Market Tour and Cooking Class: $135
- Market Tour and Lunch or Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $158
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Milan: $162
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Milan: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Barcelona €27Milan €25
Typical Entertainment prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
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Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
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Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- #1dayBarcelona. 6-Hour Action Packed Private City Discovery Tour: $549
- 'Game Of Thrones' Small Group Tour in Girona from Barcelona: $125
- 1 hour private sailing tour: $158
- 1,5 hour Vermut & Sailing Experience Barcelona with drinks and snacks!: $41
- 1-hour Private Speedboat Cruise from Barcelona: $372
- 1.5-Hour Sights of Barcelona E-Bike Tour Led by a Local Guide: $34
- 2 Hours Private Sailing Tour for Family and Friends: $316
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Barcelona with Local Guide: $35
- 2 hour Private Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $372
- 2 hour Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hours Exclusive Sunrise Sailing Experience from Port Vell: $335
Typical Entertainment prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie Self-Guided Tour App: $3.97
- Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Sforza Castle: $3.97
- Santa Maria delle Grazie Reserved Entry Ticket & Tour: $14
- Bagatti Valsecchi Museum Ticket Entrance: $14
- Cathedral, Archeological Area and Museum Ticket: $14
- Milan Cathedral: Rooftop Terraces Ticket (No Church Access): $15
- Leonardo3 The World of Leonardo: Tickets for the Interactive Exhibition: $15
- Leonardo's Vineyard with Guided Tour Option: $15
- Leonardo3 - The World of Leonardo Museum Entrance Ticket: $16
- Skip the Line: Milan Cathedral Rooftop Ticket: $17
- Casa Milan Admission Ticket: $17
- Walking Street Art Tour of Ticinese and Navigli: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBarcelona €14Milan €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $9.08
- Generation Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $19
- Barcelona Pub Crawl: $20
- Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $22
- Opera Samfaina: Food and Wine Tasting Interactive Experience in Barcelona: $26
- Wine tasting & tapas: $39
- Barcelona Guided Local Wine Tasting Tour: $44
- Wine Tasting near Sagrada Familia: $47
- Home Food and Wine Tasting with Wine Lover: $51
- Fun Wine Tasting in Barcelona with a Sommelier!: $53
- Spanish wine tasting in a historic building with a Sommelier: $54
- Food Tasting Tapas and Wine Tour: $62
Typical Alcohol prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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Beer€3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $41
- Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $93
- From Wine Tasting Tour in the Countryside: $101
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $127
- Milan Countryside and Wine tasting Tour: $148
- Wine Tour Barolo from Milan: $243
- Day trip from Valtellina and wine tasting - private tour: $603
- Food & Wine Tour on Lake Orta from Milan - Private Tour: $695
- Wine Tour in Franciacorta from Milan: $821
When comparing the travel costs between Barcelona and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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