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

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

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Cannes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cannes attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Cannes is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. 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 Cannes different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Milan can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for nightlife.

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.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Music?

Both Cannes and Milan offer amazing live music venues.

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Milan is known as a music capital 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.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

Cannes is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Cannes attract visitors from all over. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

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 Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Milan?

Both Cannes and Milan are amazing shopping destinations.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Milan. 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 Cannes or Milan Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Milan.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Milan is a family-friendly resort city. 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 Cannes or Milan Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cannes is a great resort city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Cannes is not popular with 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Cannes or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

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

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Milan?

In either Cannes or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Cannes because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Milan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cannes that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Cannes 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 Cannes or Milan?

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this luxury destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

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 Cannes or Milan?

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

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Milan?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 chic 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, 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.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music 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 the autumn, Cannes is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. It's quite rainy in Cannes. In October, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Cannes during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Milan. The spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Cannes usually receives less rain than Milan. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Cannes