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

Should you visit Basel or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Milan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Basel and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. 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 Basel different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Basel and Milan.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Milan just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel 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.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around the world. 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Milan Better for Families?

Basel 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 Basel. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Milan is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Milan a more walkable city?

Basel and Milan both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Basel?

How long in Basel or Milan?

In either Basel or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel or Milan?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Basel or Milan?

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

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Milan, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Milan. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Milan. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Basel is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Milan. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Milan. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Basel