A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Volterra or Milan?

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

Should I visit Volterra 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Volterra and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Milan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Milan than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Milan is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volterra is more popular for its small town charm. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Volterra different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Volterra and Milan have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Milan.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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.

Is Volterra or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Volterra or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is terrific for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Volterra or Milan Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Volterra and Milan.

Volterra has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. 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 Volterra or Milan?

Milan is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Volterra or Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Milan.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Milan offers lots of family activities. 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 Volterra or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is terrific for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Milan is terrific for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Milan can take you anywhere. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Milan a more walkable city?

Volterra and Milan both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

Milan is a very easy town to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Milan?

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

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

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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 Volterra or Milan?

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

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Volterra or Milan?

Volterra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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 Volterra 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 Volterra or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm 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.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volterra. In the summer, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Milan. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Milan. Most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives more rain than Milan. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volterra or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, 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 the winter, Volterra is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Milan. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Volterra 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 Volterra