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

Should you visit Melbourne or Milan?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. 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 Melbourne different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Milan.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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.

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

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

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Milan?

Milan is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Families?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Milan Better for Students?

Both Melbourne and Milan are terrific destinations for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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.

Is Melbourne 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. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Milan?

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Milan. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Milan?

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

You'll find live music and food around the trendy big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Milan?

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy city of Milan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the progressive big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Milan, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Milan is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Milan?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Milan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Milan in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Milanin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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 April, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Milanin October. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Milanin October. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Milanin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne 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. Melbourne is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F)in January.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Milanin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Milan in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Milanin April. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Milanin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Melbourne