A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions

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

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Milan are popular destinations, Dubai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Milan attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dubai is more touristy than Milan and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Milan is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Milan is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Milan and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Dubai and Milan.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Music?

Dubai and Milan are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Milan is a world class music destination. 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 Dubai or Milan Better for Resorts?

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

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a 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 Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Milan?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Milan both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Families?

Dubai 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 Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Milan Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Milan?

In either Dubai or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Milan, many people enjoy the live music and food that this trendy big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Dubai or Milan?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan is a fun place to experience. In Milan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. 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.

A week in Dubai or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Milan. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Milan, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Milan is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Milan?

Milan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is much warmer than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Milan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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, Dubai is much warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Milan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. 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, Dubai is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Milan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Milan. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Dubai is much warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Milan and Dubai