A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Cagliari 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 Cagliari and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a under-rated, laid back, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cagliari 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. Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milan travel costs.

Cagliari and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Cagliari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cagliari is known for its beaches. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. 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 Cagliari different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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 Cagliari or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is not a live music destination.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cagliari attract visitors from all over. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Milan?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cagliari is not a destination known for its beauty.

Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Cagliari is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Families?

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Milan is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Cagliari is a very walkable destination. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Milan?

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

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

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

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 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 Cagliari or Milan?

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

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Cagliari or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Cagliari. Most people come for the beaches. 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 in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Milan. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, 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, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Milan. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Milan. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cagliari 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. Cagliari is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Milan. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Cagliari during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the spring, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Milan. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Cagliari