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

Should you visit Graz or Milan?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a medieval, cultural, and historical city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Graz and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Graz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Graz is more touristy than Milan and is known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Graz different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Graz and Milan.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Graz or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Graz or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its live music scene. However, Graz is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Graz is not a live music destination.

Is Graz or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Milan?

Milan is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Graz or Milan Better for Families?

Graz 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 Graz. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Milan is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Graz offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Graz or Milan a more walkable city?

Graz and Milan are terrific when it comes to walkability.

Graz is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Graz?

How long in Graz or Milan?

In either Graz or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Graz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

In Graz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Milan is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Milan?

Graz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Graz. 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 trendy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Graz or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Graz. 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.

The chic city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Graz or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz 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 Graz or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Graz in the summer for 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.

In the summer, Graz is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Graz in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Graz. In July, Graz usually receives more rain than Milan. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Graz or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Graz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Graz for 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 October, Graz is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Graz often gets less sunshine than Milan. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Graz usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Graz 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. The weather in Graz can be very cold. Graz is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Graz usually receives less rain than Milan. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Graz or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Graz as well as Milan. The natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Graz is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Graz in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Graz often gets less sunshine than Milan. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Graz