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

Should you visit Kyoto or Milan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Milan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Kyoto and Milan are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its museums. Kyoto is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. 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 Kyoto different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Kyoto or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Milan Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Both Kyoto and Milan have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto or Milan?

Milan is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Kyoto or Milan Better for Families?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and Milan are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Kyoto or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Milan is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Milan a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Milan both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Milan?

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

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

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

In Kyoto, 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.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kyoto or Milan?

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

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

Five days in Kyoto or Milan?

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kyoto. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Kyoto. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Milan?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Milan. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Milan. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Kyoto is around the same temperature as Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Milan. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kyoto is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Milan. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Kyoto