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

Should you visit Granada or Milan?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Granada. Milan is bigger than Granada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milan is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is more popular for its museums and hiking. Granada is more touristy than Milan and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. 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 Granada different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. 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 Granada or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Milan just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Granada or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Milan Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Granada and Milan.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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.

Is Granada or Milan Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Milan.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milan. 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 Granada or Milan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Milan make for a excellent place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Milan are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Granada or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Is Granada 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, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Granada?

How long in Granada or Milan?

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

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

In Granada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Granada or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Granada or Milan?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Granada. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Granada or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Granada. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Milan. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Milan. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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.

Granada is a little warmer than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Milan. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Granada because of the museums, 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. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Milan. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Milan. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Granada