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

Should you visit Milan or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Milan and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Milan. While Milan is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, beaches, and hiking, while Milan attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Milan and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

How is Milan different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Milan is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Milan and San Francisco can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Music?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

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.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or San Francisco?

If you're looking to go shopping, Milan and San Francisco both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

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.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Families?

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

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Both Milan and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Milan and San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Milan or San Francisco Better for Students?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

Milan and San Francisco both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Milan or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Milan?

How long in Milan or San Francisco?

Both Milan and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Milan. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this scenic big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Milan or San Francisco?

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. In San Francisco, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Milan or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Milan. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this one-of-a-kind big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and San Francisco is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or San Francisco?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Milan and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco 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 San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Milan is a little warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Milan usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the autumn, Milan is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and San Francisco. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. In January, Milan is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Milan usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or San Francisco in the Spring?

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

Milan is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Milan usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Milan