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

Should you visit Montpellier or Milan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Milan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Montpellier and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. 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 Montpellier different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan and Montpellier. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Milan?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Milan.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Montpellier and Milan.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Milan are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Milan both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great 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.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Milan are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Milan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Montpellier or Milan Better for Students?

Montpellier and Milan are fantastic places to visit for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Montpellier or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Milan?

In either Montpellier or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Montpellier because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Milan than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Milan?

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Milan is a chic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Milan is a chic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Milan?

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

Milan is a trendy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Montpellier. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Milan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Milan, 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 Montpellier or Milan?

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 Montpellier or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Milan. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

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

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. In January, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Milan. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Milan. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Milan in the Spring?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Milan. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Montpellier