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

Should you visit Marbella or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marbella and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Marbella, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marbella is more touristy than Milan and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. 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 Marbella different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Milan is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Marbella and Milan.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its live music scene. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

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.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Milan has a world-famous historical 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Milan?

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

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Milan Better for Families?

Marbella 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 Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Milan is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Milan?

In either Marbella 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 Marbella. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

Milan is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Milan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Milan?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Milan?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Milan. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Milan. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Milan. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. Marbella is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Milan. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Milan. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Marbella