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

Should you visit Milan or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Milan and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Milan and Philadelphia are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Philadelphia is known for its museums, theatre productions, and christmas markets. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history.

How is Milan different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Philadelphia Better for Theater?

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

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

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.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Philadelphia?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

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

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Milan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Milan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

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 Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Milan is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Milan or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Milan or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Milan and Philadelphia are first-rate 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 Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Milan?

How long in Milan or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milan and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than in Philadelphia. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Philadelphia, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural big city offers. 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 Philadelphia?

Milan is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Philadelphia?

Milan is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic big city of Philadelphia. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Milan and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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. Even though Milan is in Europe and Philadelphia is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Milan is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 23°C (73°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Milan usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milan as well as Philadelphia. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Milan is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Milan often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. In the winter, Milan is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milan in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Milan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Milan is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 13°C (55°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Milan often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Milan