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

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

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Milan. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, and christmas markets, while Milan attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Milan and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

Big Ben

How is London different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Milan Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Milan is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is London or Milan Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both London and Milan.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is London or Milan Better for Music?

London and Milan are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

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 London or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Milan?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Milan both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Milan Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Milan Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Milan Better for Families?

London 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.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Milan Better for Couples?

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

London is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Milan Better for Students?

For students, both London and Milan are amazing places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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.

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

London and Milan both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Milan a more walkable city?

London and Milan are amazing when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or London?

How long in London or Milan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in London or Milan?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London or Milan?

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

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London or Milan?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 chic 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Milan?

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

Both Milan and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

London is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. London usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Milan. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, London is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Milan. London gets 107 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. London usually gets less rain in October than Milan. London 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 London or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Milan. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. London can be very cold during winter. In January, London is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than Milan. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Milan. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

London is cooler than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Milan. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Milan. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and London