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

Should you visit Budapest or Milan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Budapest travel costs.

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. Many visitors also come to Milan because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milan travel costs.

Budapest and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Budapest is more touristy than Milan and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. 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 Budapest different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Milan.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Budapest or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Milan is a must-see party destination. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Milan?

Milan is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Budapest or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milan because of it's amazing beauty. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.

Is Budapest or Milan Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Milan.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Milan Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Milan are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or Milan Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Milan are amazing places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Milan is a great destination 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.

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

Budapest and Milan both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Milan a more walkable city?

Budapest and Milan are amazing when it comes to walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Milan?

In either Budapest 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 Budapest. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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 Budapest or Milan?

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

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Budapest or Milan?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic big city of Budapest. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Milan?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Budapest is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Milan. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Budapest is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Budapest gets 152 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. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Milan. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. Budapest can be very cold during winter. Budapest is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Milan. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Milan. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

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

In the spring, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Budapest