A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit San Remo or Milan?

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

Should I visit San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than San Remo. 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 San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market. 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 San Remo different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Remo or Milan?

Milan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Milan is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for its music scene. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a live music destination.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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 San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Milan?

Milan is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Families?

San Remo 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo or Milan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Remo and Milan make for a excellent place to visit.

San Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is San Remo or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

Is San Remo 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, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is San Remo or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Milan?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Milan?

In San Remo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 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 San Remo or Milan?

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

San Remo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. 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 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 San Remo or Milan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of San Remo. 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.

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 The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between San Remo and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Milan. Many visitors come to San Remo 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.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives less rain than Milan. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Remo or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Milan. Most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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 the autumn, San Remo is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Remo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Milan. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit San Remo or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, San Remo is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 9°C (48°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Remo usually receives more rain than Milan. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Remo or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and San Remo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Milan. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in April than Milan. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and San Remo