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

Should you visit Cologne or Milan?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Milan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Cologne and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Cologne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cologne attracts visitors for its christmas markets. Cologne is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. 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 Cologne different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Milan.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Cologne is not a live music destination.

In Milan you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Families?

Cologne 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 Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent 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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Is Cologne 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 Cologne and Milan.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Milan has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Is Cologne or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Milan?

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Milan, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cologne or Milan?

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

In Milan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Milan?

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

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Milan?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cologne is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Milan. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Milan. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Cologne gets 104 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, Cologne usually receives less rain than Milan. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Cologne can be very cold. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Milan. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cologne is cooler than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives less rain than Milan. Cologne gets 55 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 Cologne