A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Positano 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 Positano 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.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Positano and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan. Although Positano and Milan are popular destinations, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Positano attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Milan and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. 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 Positano different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Positano and Milan offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Milan is a world class 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Positano or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Milan?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. 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.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Families?

Both Positano and Milan are nice family-friendly destinations.

Positano offers lots of family activities. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

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 Positano or Milan Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. 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 budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Positano or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Milan is a very popular place to visit 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

Milan has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Positano or Milan a more walkable city?

Positano and Milan are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Positano?

How long in Positano or Milan?

In either Positano or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village 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 with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Positano or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. 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.

Milan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Milan?

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Milan?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Milan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Milan, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano 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 Positano 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 Positano or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Positano is around the same temperature as Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Milan. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Positano during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Positano is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Positano in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets more sunshine than Milan. Positano gets 189 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 Positano. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Milan. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Milan. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Also, 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, Positano is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 8°C (47°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Milan. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Positano as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milan. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Positano