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

Should you visit Milan or Genoa?

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 Genoa 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Genoa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa attracts visitors for its beaches. Genoa is more touristy than Milan and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Milan different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Genoa 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Milan is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its music scene. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa 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 go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Genoa?

Milan is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Both Milan and Genoa are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Milan and Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Milan or Genoa Better for Students?

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

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 Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Is Milan or Genoa 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, Genoa 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Milan or Genoa a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Milan?

How long in Milan or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Milan or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Milan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic 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.

A weekend in Milan or Genoa?

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

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

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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

A week in Milan or Genoa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Genoa. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Milan and Genoa, we can see that Milan 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Genoa?

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

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Genoa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milan usually receives more rain than Genoa. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Milan during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the autumn, Milan is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Milan often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Genoa. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Genoa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. In January, Milan is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Milan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milan as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Milan is cooler than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Milan often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Milan