A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hong Kong or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Milan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a compact, dense, and cosmopolitan 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 to Hong Kong because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hong Kong travel costs.

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. Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Milan travel costs.

Hong Kong and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Hong Kong. While Hong Kong is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milan is more popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Hong Kong is known for its beaches and hiking. Hong Kong is more touristy than Milan and is known for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. 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 Hong Kong different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Milan?

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Hong Kong or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hong Kong and Milan can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Hong Kong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is not a live music destination.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hong Kong attract visitors from all over. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Hong Kong does not have a 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.

Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong is great for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Milan?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Hong Kong and Milan.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

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.

Is Hong Kong or Milan More Beautiful?

Hong Kong and Milan are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Hong Kong is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is home to the nightly Symphony of Lights, which illuminates the waterfront area with a light show.

The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Families?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an extremely popular city to visit for families. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

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 Hong Kong or Milan Better for Couples?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hong Kong is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong is not popular with 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.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Hong Kong and Milan.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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

Is Hong Kong or Milan a more walkable city?

Hong Kong and Milan are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hong Kong. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Milan?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Hong Kong than Milan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hong Kong that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Milan. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the chic big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Milan?

Hong Kong is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Milan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Hong Kong or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Milan?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.