A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Milan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Lisbon or Milan?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant 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 because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Milan. While Milan is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Milan and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

How is Lisbon different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Lisbon or Milan Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Milan.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Milan is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Lisbon or Milan Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and Milan.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Is Lisbon or Milan Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

The rich history of Milan can be explored in its historical center. 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 Lisbon or Milan?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Lisbon and Milan.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Lisbon or Milan Better for Families?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Lisbon or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Lisbon and Milan.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Milan a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Milan are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Milan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Milan 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Milan?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lisbon 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Milan. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and 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.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Milan. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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 the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Milan. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon 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 January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Milan. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Milan in the Spring?

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

Lisbon is a little warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Milan. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Lisbon