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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Milan?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Bordeaux, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. 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 Bordeaux different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Milan both to be terrific destinations.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Bordeaux or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bordeaux or Milan Better for Music?

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

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Bordeaux or Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Milan.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or Milan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Milan make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Bordeaux or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Is Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Bordeaux or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Milan?

In either Bordeaux or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Bordeaux. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Milan than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Milan?

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Milan is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Milan?

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Milan?

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

Both Milan and Bordeaux during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bordeaux is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Milan. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Milan. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

In October, Bordeaux is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 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, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Milan. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Bordeaux is a little warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Bordeaux