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

Should you visit Milan or Boston?

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 Boston 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Milan and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Milan. While Milan is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, beaches, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Boston is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

How is Milan different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Milan is not a theatre destination.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Both Milan and Boston have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Boston has a world-famous historical area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Boston?

Milan is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Boston offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around 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 Boston Better for Couples?

Milan is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Milan or Boston Better for Students?

For students, both Milan and Boston are fantastic places to visit.

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.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

Milan and Boston both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Boston has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Milan or Boston a more walkable city?

Milan and Boston are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Milan?

How long in Milan or Boston?

In either Milan or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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 Boston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this proud big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Boston?

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 Boston. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Milan or Boston?

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.

Boston is a fun place to experience. In Boston, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Milan or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural 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 shopping and museums around the historic big city of Boston. 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 museums. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and Boston 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 Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Boston?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Boston. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Boston. 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. Also, many visitors come to Boston 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, Milan is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 15°C (58°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Milan usually receives more rain than Boston. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milan or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Boston. Many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can be very cold during winter. Milan can get quite cold in the winter. Milan is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Milan often gets less sunshine than Boston. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Boston in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Milan is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milan in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Boston and Milan