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

Should you visit Vienna or Milan?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Vienna and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Vienna is more touristy than Milan and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. 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 Vienna different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Milan.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Vienna or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Milan Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Vienna and Milan.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

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.

Is Vienna or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

The rich history of Milan can be explored in its historical center. 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 the Shopping Better in Vienna or Milan?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Vienna and Milan.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Vienna or Milan Better for Families?

Vienna and Milan are both good destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Milan Better for Students?

Both Vienna and Milan are first-rate destinations for students.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Vienna and Milan.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Milan a more walkable city?

Vienna and Milan are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Milan?

In either Vienna or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Vienna. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this classical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Milan?

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

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Vienna or Milan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classical destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the chic 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Milan?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Milan. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna 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, Vienna is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°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. In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music 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, Vienna is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Milan. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vienna 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. Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. Vienna is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Milan. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vienna is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Milan. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Vienna