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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Brussels. Milan is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. 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 Brussels different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brussels and Milan have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Milan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milan and Brussels.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Milan Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Milan Better for Couples?

Brussels and Milan both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Milan are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Milan.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Milan?

In either Brussels 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 Brussels. However, 1-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful city of Milan offers museums and nightlife. 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 Brussels or Milan?

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

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Brussels or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 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 Brussels and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and 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.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Milan. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

Brussels is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Brussels gets 114 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than Milan. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels 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 Brussels in the winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Milan. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Milan. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Milan. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Brussels