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

Should you visit Geneva or Milan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Milan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a classy, diverse, and international 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 cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Geneva and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Geneva. Milan is bigger than Geneva, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Geneva different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Milan have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Geneva or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Geneva is not a live music destination.

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.

Geneva is not a live music destination.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Milan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milan and Geneva.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Milan are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Milan offers lots of family activities. 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 Geneva or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Milan Better for Students?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit 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.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Is Geneva 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 Geneva and Milan.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Milan?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Geneva or Milan?

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

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 Geneva or Milan?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Geneva or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the professional big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 trendy 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Milan, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Milan. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milan. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Geneva gets 127 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, Geneva usually receives less rain than Milan. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is cooler than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Milan. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Geneva is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives less rain than Milan. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Geneva