A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Milan for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Milan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Milan than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Milan is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Milan and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. 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 Interlaken different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing. However, Milan is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Milan is not a skiing destination.

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

Milan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Milan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Interlaken 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, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Interlaken or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Milan?

In either Interlaken or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Interlaken. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Milan?

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

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Milan?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Milan?

You'll find food and skiing around the stunning destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Milan, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Milan in the Summer?

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

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Milan. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Interlaken is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Milan. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Milan. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Milan. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milan. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Interlaken