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

Should you visit Milan or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan and Rijeka: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milan or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its beaches. 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. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Milan different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


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

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Music?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its music scene. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.


Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Milan
Rijeka

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

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Rijeka?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.


Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Families?

Milan
Rijeka

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Milan or Rijeka Better for Students?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Milan
Rijeka

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

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Milan or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Milan
Rijeka

Milan is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Milan?

How long in Milan or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Milan or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milan than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milan 1-5 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Milan or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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.

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


A week in Milan or Rijeka?

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 food and shopping around the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milan 96
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milan 192
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Milan and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Milan or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milan 35
    Rijeka 16
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: $5.35
  • Bus Transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central Station: $11
  • Bus Transfer from/to Bergamo Airport: $11
  • Bergamo Airport Transfer: $11
  • Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center: $11
  • Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
  • Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12
  • Transfer Milan city center - Bergamo Airport: $12
  • Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer: $27
  • Private Luxury day Transfer from Linate Airport to Milan: $37
  • Luxury Private Day Transfer from Milan to Linate Airport: $37
  • Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka 34
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
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milan 31
    Rijeka 8.89
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: $3.21
  • 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: $4.60
  • Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.60
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.60
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.60
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
  • The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $6.42

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milan 24
    Rijeka 16
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: $56
  • 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: $181
  • 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 Rijeka, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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


Which is Bigger, Milan or Rijeka?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Milan is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milan 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Milan or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Milan is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 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 Rijeka. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milan 15°C (58°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Milan or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Rijeka. The winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. In January, Milan is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Milan often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milan 5°C (41°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Milan or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Milan is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Milan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milan 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Milan

Milan Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)