A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Milan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Milan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Sydney and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Milan. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Milan attracts visitors for its food, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Sydney is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world.

How is Sydney different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Milan.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Milan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milan and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Milan. 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.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Families?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Sydney or Milan Better for Students?

Sydney and Milan are first-rate places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Sydney and Milan.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Milan?

In either Sydney or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Milan 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Milan?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the trendy big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Milan, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Milan is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Milan?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Milan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Milan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milanin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Milanin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Milan. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sydney is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Milanin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. In July, Sydney is generally much warmer than Milanin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Milanin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Milanin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Sydney is a little warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milanin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Sydney