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

Should you visit Wellington or Milan?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Wellington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is known for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Milan and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. 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 Wellington different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Beaches?

Wellington is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wellington attract visitors from all over. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Milan?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Families?

Wellington 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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Milan are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Milan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Wellington or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Milan?

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

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

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

In Wellington, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination offers. 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.

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wellington or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

When visiting Milan, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Milan?

Wellington is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wellington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Milan?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Milan. Many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, 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 the summer, Wellington is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wellington in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Wellington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milanin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wellington or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene 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.

In April, Wellington is generally around the same temperature as Milanin October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milanin October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Milanin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Wellington 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. Wellington is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F)in January.

Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Milanin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Wellington during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milanin April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Milanin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Wellington