A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Messina and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Messina. Milan is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milan is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina is more popular for its beaches. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Milan is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Milan Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Is Messina or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for live music. However, Messina is not a live music destination.

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.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Messina or Milan Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Milan?

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

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Milan Better for Families?

Messina 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 Messina. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. Also, Messina 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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Milan is renowned for its public transit. Also, Messina 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.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Messina?

How long in Messina or Milan?

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

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

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

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This port 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.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Milan?

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

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Milan?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Milan in the Summer?

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

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Milan. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Milan. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, 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.

Messina is a little warmer than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Milan in the Spring?

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

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Milan. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Messina