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

Should you visit Nice or Milan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Milan 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.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nice and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Nice different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Nice and Milan.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Both Nice and Milan are world-class when it comes to partying.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Milan?

Milan is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Families?

Both Nice and Milan are good to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Milan is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Milan Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Milan is a very popular city 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Milan is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Nice or Milan a more walkable city?

Nice and Milan both are world-class when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Nice?

How long in Nice or Milan?

In either Nice or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Nice. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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.

Milan is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Milan?

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Milan?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The trendy city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Nice and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Milan. The summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. Nice is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Milan. Many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Milan. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Nice