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

Should you visit Bonn or Milan?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Bonn. Milan is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milan is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Bonn different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Bonn or Milan.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Milan is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Milan is known as a music capital 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.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Milan has a world-famous historical 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Milan?

Milan is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Milan. 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Milan is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Bonn or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Milan?

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

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

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

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy 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 Bonn or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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 Bonn or Milan?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Milan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bonn or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bonn 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, Bonn is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Milan. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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.

Bonn is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Bonn 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 Bonn can be very cold. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Milan. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Milan. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bonn is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Bonn