A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Milan for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Milan are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Milan is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Milan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Milan is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a live music destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milan. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

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

Families should spend more time in Milan than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Many people visit Milan for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Milan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Milan, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Milan. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Stratford-upon-Avon