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

Should you visit Milan or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Austin 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.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Milan and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Austin. Milan is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milan is better known for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is more popular for its hiking. 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. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Milan different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Austin and Milan.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Milan and Austin can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

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.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Milan and Austin.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Music?

Milan and Austin are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Milan or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Austin?

Milan is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Families?

Both Milan and Austin are notable to visit with kids.

Milan offers lots of family activities. 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.

Austin is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Couples?

Milan is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Milan and Austin are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Milan or Austin Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Milan or Austin a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Milan?

How long in Milan or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milan and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than in Austin. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Austin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this lively destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Milan or Austin?

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.

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

Five days in Milan or Austin?

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.

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

A week in Milan or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the trendy 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and Austin, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and Austin is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Austin?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Austin, 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 Milan or Austin?

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 Milan or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milan as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milan is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milan in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Austin. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In October, Milan is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 15°C (58°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Milan. In October, Milan usually receives more rain than Austin. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milan or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Milan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. Milan is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Milan often gets less sunshine than Austin. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Austin. Many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milan is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milan in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives less rain than Austin. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Milan