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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a less touristy, undiscovered, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Bucharest and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Milan?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Milan than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. 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 Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Milan is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its live music scene. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Milan?

Milan is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Families?

Milan is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milan. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Milan is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Milan?

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

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

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Milan because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Milan?

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

People visit Milan because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Milan?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Milan because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Milan?

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

Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Milan?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest 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 the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°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 Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Milan. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milan. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest 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.

In October, Bucharest is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 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, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Milan. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest 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 Bucharest in the winter. Bucharest is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest 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 the spring, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Milan. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Bucharest