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

Should you visit Bruges or Milan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bruges and Milan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Bruges and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Milan and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Bruges different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Milan and Bruges.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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.

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

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

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Bruges or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Bruges or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Bruges and Milan.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Milan?

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

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Bruges or Milan Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Milan are nice family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bruges or Milan Better for Couples?

Bruges and Milan both very good destinations for a couple.

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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.

Is Bruges or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Milan are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Bruges or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Milan is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

Is Bruges 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, Bruges 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.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Milan a more walkable city?

Bruges and Milan are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Milan?

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

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

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bruges or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bruges or Milan?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bruges or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Milan. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bruges gets 105 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. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Milan. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bruges is much colder than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Bruges