A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Milan vs. Imperia for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Milan or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milan or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan. Although Milan and Imperia are popular destinations, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Milan different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan
Imperia

Milan is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


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

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Milan or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Milan is a world class 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Milan or Imperia Better for Music?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Imperia is not a live music destination.

In Milan you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Imperia is not a live music destination.


Is Milan or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Milan can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Imperia?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Milan or Imperia Better for Families?

Milan
Imperia

Both Milan and Imperia are nice 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Milan or Imperia Better for Couples?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Milan or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Milan or Imperia Better for Students?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Milan. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.


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

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Milan or Imperia a more walkable city?

Milan
Imperia

Milan is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Milan?

How long in Milan or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Milan or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milan than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Milan than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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.


  • How many days in Milan or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milan 1-5 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Milan or Imperia?

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.

In Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This town 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 Imperia?

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.

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

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.

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

A week in Milan or Imperia?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Imperia. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Milan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Milan and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milan 96
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milan 192
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Milan and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Milan or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Milan


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Milan Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milan 35
    Imperia 36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Linate Airport to/from Milan Central Station Transfer: $5.33
  • Bus Transfer from/to Bergamo Airport: $11
  • Bus Transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central Station: $11
  • Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center: $11
  • Bergamo Airport Transfer: $11
  • Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer: $27
  • Luxury Private Day Transfer from Milan to Linate Airport: $38
  • Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46
  • Milan to Como hotels - Private Transfer: $53
  • Luxury Private Night Transfer from Milan to Linate Airport: $55
  • Private Transfer Milan Linate Airport LIN to Milan City in Business Class MB E: $60
  • Milan City Departure Private Transfer to Milan Linate LIN in Business Car: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Milan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Milan 39
    Imperia 35
Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $69
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $69
  • Local Cuisine Cooking Class with Wine: $72
  • Fresh pasta experience for children - Cooking Class: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milan 31
    Imperia 13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • The City Storytelling Experience: Art, History and Myths Come Together: $3.26
  • Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Giuseppe Verdi in Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.58
  • Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.58
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.79
  • Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
  • Self-guided Audio tour of Milan's Duomo in French: $5.54
  • Private Self-guided Audio Tour of the Duomo - Milan Cathedral: $5.67
  • Secrets, Myths & Tales Unveiled on a Self-Guided Tour: $5.96

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milan 24
    Imperia 7.50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $55
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


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

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


Which is Bigger, Milan or Imperia?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milan 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Milan or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Imperia. Many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milan 15°C (58°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Milan or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Imperia. Most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can be very cold during winter. In January, Milan is generally much colder than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Milan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Imperia. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milan 5°C (41°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Milan or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

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

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives more rain than Imperia. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milan 13°C (55°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Milan

Milan Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)