A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Pisa or Milan?

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

Should I visit Pisa or Milan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming 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 trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Pisa and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Pisa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pisa is known for its beaches. Pisa is more touristy than Milan and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. 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 Pisa different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pisa and Milan.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Many visitors head to Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Pisa or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Milan is a must-see party destination. 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.

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pisa is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Pisa is not a live music destination.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Beaches?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Milan?

Milan is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Milan.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

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 Pisa or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pisa and Milan are excellent places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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.

Is Pisa or Milan Better for Students?

For students, both Pisa and Milan are terrific places to visit.

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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 Pisa or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Milan can take you anywhere. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Pisa or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Milan?

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

Families should spend more time in Milan than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Milan?

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this classic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 Pisa or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. 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 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 Pisa or Milan?

Pisa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a trendy 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 Pisa or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the world-famous destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa or Milan?

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 Pisa or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pisa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives less rain than Milan. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Pisa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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.

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

In the autumn, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Milan. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Milan. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Pisa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. Pisa is a little warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Milan. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Pisa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Milan. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Milan. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Pisa