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

Should you visit York or Milan?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than York. Milan is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Milan both to be terrific destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Milan just to party. 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is York or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for live music. However, York 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Milan Better for Families?

York 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.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Milan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Milan make for a excellent place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Milan are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

Is York or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or York?

How long in York or Milan?

In either York or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Milan?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. 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 cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of York. 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.

The cultural city of Milan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Milan. Many visitors come to York in the summer for 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, York is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Milan. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Milan. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to York for 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.

York is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, York usually receives less rain than Milan. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and York during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in York can be very cold. In the winter, York is cooler than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Milan. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Milan. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Milan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Milan. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and York