A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Milan vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Milan or Bari?

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 Bari 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 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Milan and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Bari. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bari attracts visitors for its beaches. Milan is more touristy than Bari and is known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Milan different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Bari 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 Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Milan and Bari can be difficult as they are each fantastic 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 Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Milan is a must-see party destination. 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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its music scene. However, Bari is not a live music destination.

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.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Bari?

Milan is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Milan or Bari Better for Couples?

Milan is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Milan and Bari are very good 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Milan or Bari Better for Students?

Milan is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Milan is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Milan is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Milan can take you anywhere. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Milan or Bari a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Milan?

How long in Milan or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari?

Milan is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Milan or Bari?

Milan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bari?

Milan is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Bari?

The trendy city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Bari?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Milan or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Milan is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milan usually receives more rain than Bari. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Milan during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Milan is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Milan often gets less sunshine than Bari. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Bari. Many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Milan is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Milan usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Bari. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milan as well as Bari. Most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Milan is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Milan often gets less sunshine than Bari. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Milan