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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Milan travel costs.

Beijing and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Milan. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its museums and attractions, while Milan attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

How is Beijing different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Beijing or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Milan can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Beijing or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Milan you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Milan Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Milan are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

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 Beijing or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Milan are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Milan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

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

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Beijing or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Milan?

In either Beijing or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Milan, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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.

In Milan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Milan?

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

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Milan is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Milan?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Beijing is a little warmer than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Milan. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Milan. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beijing is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Beijing gets 227 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, Beijing usually receives less rain than Milan. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Milan. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Milan. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Beijing