A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Milan vs. Lake Garda for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Milan or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda 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 trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Milan travel costs.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. With stunning beauty, Lake Garda attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lake Garda travel costs.

Milan and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Milan and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lake Garda is known for its beaches and hiking. Lake Garda is more touristy than Milan and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Milan different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Milan is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Music?

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Lake Garda is not a live music destination.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Lake Garda attract visitors from all over. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Lake Garda?

Milan is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Milan or Lake Garda More Beautiful?

Milan is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

With stunning beauty, Lake Garda attracts visitors from all around. The beautiful lake, breathtaking viewpoints, and charming villages all make this a scenic place to visit.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Families?

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

Lake Garda is an extremely popular lake to visit for families. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Both Milan and Lake Garda are excellent 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.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Milan or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Milan is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Is Milan or Lake Garda 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, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Milan or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Milan?

How long in Milan or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Milan or Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lake Garda?

Milan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Lake Garda?

Milan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Lake Garda. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Milan or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Lake Garda. Many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Milan is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milan as well as Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Milan is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Milan often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. Milan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Milan is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milan in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Milan usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Milan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In April, Milan is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 13°C (55°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Milan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in April than Lake Garda. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Milan