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

Should you visit Milan or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Milan and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Seattle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Seattle attracts visitors for its theatre productions, beaches, and hiking. Seattle is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. 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.

How is Milan different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Seattle and Milan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Theater?

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

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is great for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Seattle?

Milan is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Milan and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Couples?

Milan is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Milan or Seattle Better for Students?

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

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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Milan is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Milan or Seattle a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Milan?

How long in Milan or Seattle?

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

Families should spend more time in Milan than Seattle. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this bustling big city offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Seattle?

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 shopping and museums around the bustling big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Milan and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milan or Seattle?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Milan is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Seattle. 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 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 Seattle this time of year.

In the autumn, Milan is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Milan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 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 Seattle. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milan or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Seattle. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle 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 around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Milan often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Milan usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Milan is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives more rain than Seattle. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Milan