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

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Should you visit Bern or Milan?

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

Should I visit Bern or Milan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming 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 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Milan: Pros and Cons

Bern
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Milan
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


How is Bern different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bern or Milan Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Bern
Milan

Both Bern and Milan have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and Bern Cathedral.

Many visitors head to Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


Is Bern or Milan Better for Food?

Bern
Milan

Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Milan a bit more than Bern.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Milan

Party-goers will usually choose Milan over Bern.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Milan

It's fun to wander around the old towns in both Bern and Milan.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

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 Bern or Milan Better for Shopping?

Bern
Milan

Both Bern and Milan are good shopping destinations.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. 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 Bern or Milan Better for Families?

Bern
Milan

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Milan.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Milan is a family-friendly city. 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 Bern or Milan Better for Couples?

Bern
Milan

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Milan make for a good place to visit.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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

Is Bern or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Milan

Both Bern and Milan are popular destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Many backpackers 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 Bern or Milan Better for Public Transit?

Bern
Milan

Both Bern and Milan offer public transit options.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.


Is Bern or Milan a more walkable city?

Bern
Milan

Bern and Milan both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bern?

How long in Bern or Milan?

In either Bern or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Milan is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Bern or Milan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Milan 1-5

One day in Bern or Milan?

In Bern, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

Milan is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Milan?

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

Milan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Milan?

Bern is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bern. 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 chic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Bern or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Bern. 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.

The chic city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Milan or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $197, while the average daily cost in Milan is $141. 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 Bern and Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $127
    Milan $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $254
    Milan $162
Compare Hotels in Bern and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Milan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bern


Hotels in Milan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bern Hotel Prices and Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $26
    Milan $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Zurich City - One Way: $661
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Basel City - One Way: $586
  • Private transfer from Bern City to Zurich Airport: $416
  • Private Transfer from Bern City Center to Zurich City Center: $318
  • Geneva: Premium 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Bern: $277
  • Premium Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Interlaken: $250
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Bern City - One Way: $105

Typical Local Transportation prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    $7.46
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    $23
  • Taxi From Airport
    $96
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    $4.80
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.60

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 Bern or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan and Bern 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bern $47
    Milan $33

Typical Food prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    $9.17
  • Restaurant Pizza
    $7.04
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    $29
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $68
  • Cappuccino
    $1.74

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $26
    Milan $26

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • Adventure: Diamond Skull Virtual Reality: $230
  • Bern - Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $446
  • Bern Capital City Private Tour: $194
  • Bern Capital City Small Group Tour: $90
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $491
  • Bern Old Town- Private Tour: $435
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $366
  • Bern Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $497
  • 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour: $72
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $162
  • 4-Hour City Tour with Private Guide: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    $7.46

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $21
    Milan $21

Typical Alcohol prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    $8.96
  • Beer
    $3.57

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

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Milan, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Milan.


When is the best time to visit Bern 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 Bern or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Milan stays around 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 Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milan. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bern or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The temperature in Bern is usually 13°C (55°F) in October, and Milan stays around 15°C (58°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Bern gets 126 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, Bern usually receives less rain than Milan. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bern or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January are around 3°C (37°F), and Milan is about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Bern or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Milan. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Milan. Temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Milan stays around 13°C (55°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Milan. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Bern

Bern Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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Bern vs. Milan Travel Comparison

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