A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Palermo and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Palermo. 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 Palermo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. 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 Palermo different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

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

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its music scene. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a city 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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Milan has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Milan?

Milan is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Palermo 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Families?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Milan Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Milan is very popular for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo 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.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Milan?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Palermo. 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Milan?

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful 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.

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.

A weekend in Palermo or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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.

Five days in Palermo or Milan?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. 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 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.

A week in Palermo or Milan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Palermo. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Milan. The summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Milan. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo 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 the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Milan. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, 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. In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Milan. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Milan in the Spring?

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

Palermo is a little warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Milan. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Palermo