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

Should you visit Valencia or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Valencia and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Valencia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Valencia is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Valencia is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). 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 Valencia different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Valencia and Milan.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Valencia or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Milan can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Valencia or Milan Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Valencia or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Valencia is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Valencia is not a live music destination.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Valencia and Milan both have first-rate historical old towns that attract visitors.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Milan has a world-famous historical 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 Valencia or Milan Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Milan?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for Families?

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the 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 Valencia or Milan Better for Couples?

Valencia and Milan are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Milan is a great coastal 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.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia and Milan are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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.

Is Valencia or Milan Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Milan is a very popular coastal 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 Valencia or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Milan?

In either Valencia or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Valencia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Valencia. 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal 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.

The beautiful city of Milan offers museums and nightlife. 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 Valencia or Milan?

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

Valencia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Valencia. 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 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 Valencia or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal big city of Valencia. 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Milan in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valencia. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Milan. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Milan. Many travelers come to Valencia 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 October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valencia usually receives less rain than Milan. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Valencia 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. Valencia is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Milan. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia 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.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Milan. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Valencia