Milan vs Rome: An Honest Comparison in 2024

Last Updated: June 24th, 2024

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If you’re looking for a cool Italian city break, two of the best destinations have to be Milan and Rome. Full of stylish vibes, history, culture, and architecture, these iconic cities are both amazing vacation spots for a reason. But, if you can only visit one, which is going to be better Milan or Rome?

Looking for a fashion-forward city break with amazing Northern Italian food, stunning canals, and beautiful architecture, look no further than Milan. From the striking Duomo to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, there’s a lot to love about the stylish city.

If ancient history and tons of world-class tourist attractions are more your kind of thing, you need to book your flights to the Eternal City of Rome. With the Vatican, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and many more, there’s so much to see and do in this iconic European capital.

A Quick Overview & Comparison: Milan vs Rome

Milan'S-Naviglio-Grande-Canal

Milan

  • Luxury shops and experiences
  • Close to the mountains and lakes
  • Great nightlife
  • Great transport connections

Rome

  • Popular tourist attractions
  • Better weather
  • Family-friendly
  • Amazing food

 

Fancy treating yourself to a new handbag or pair of shoes while you’re in Italy? Well, Milan is the home of Italian fashion for a reason. As one of the global style hubs, Milan is full of high-end designer shops from Gucci to Versace to Dolce and Gabbana and many, many more, so if you’re a fashion diva, this is the city for you. As you might expect, there are also a ton of high-end hotels and restaurants to keep that luxury vibe going!

If you’re thinking about things to do, Rome is full of some of the biggest attractions in Europe. From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum to the Vatican, there’s so much to see and do, and it’s super family-friendly too. With reduced entrance rates for families and plenty of educational tours that are still entertaining as they dive into ancient history, it’s perfect for a cultural family getaway.

Coliseum-Rome-Italy

Want to get out of the city for a day trip? From Milan, you can easily get out to the stunning lakes and mountain scene of Lake Como for some fresh air and outdoor activities. It’s one of the most popular vacation spots in Italy, and for good reason! If you’re in Rome, make the most of the amazing southern Italian weather and head to the beach with your loved ones!

Let’s be honest, the food is great all over Italy, but southern Italian and Roman cuisine has to have the edge. You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten authentic cacio e pepe in the city! On the flip side, if you’re looking for a fun night out, the nightlife in Milan is hard to beat. The cool bars and clubs are frequented by models, business people, and so many other famous people it’s kind of insane!

If you’re looking for a city break that has quick and easy transport connections, it’s hard to beat the transport hub that a capital city like Rome provides. With a major international airport, tons of trains and buses, and a whole host of private shuttles and tours around the city, it’s easy to get around the city and easy to get to and from it!

Milan vs Rome: A Quick Guide to Choosing

Need to compare Milan vs Rome at a glance? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this quick guide!

Milan-Vittorio-Emanuele-Gallery-Italy

Milan Mini Guide

  • Location Size – 181.8 km²
  • Population – 1.352 million
  • Rainy Season – September to November
  • High Season – April to July and September
  • Top Sights – Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, Castello Sforzesco
  • Major Airports – Milan Malpensa (MXP)

If you’re looking for a weekend city break in Northern Italy, Milan is going to be the place to visit. With stunning architecture that comes from the Renaissance period and a Duomo that took over 600 years to complete, this is a city that takes pride in its appearance.

Honestly, Milan is a cooler city in more ways than one. As it’s further north than Rome, you’re not going to get the same warm temperatures as in the south, but it does mean that you can visit in July and not be sweltering in the peak of the summer heat. It’s also ideal if you want to combine a city break with a snow-filled mountain escape as it’s only a short drive from the mountains and the Swiss border.

St-Peter'S-Square

Rome Mini Guide

  • Location Size – 1,285 km²
  • Population – 2.873 million
  • Rainy Season – September to May
  • High Season – April to June
  • Top Sights – Colosseum, The Forum, Trevi Fountain
  • Major Airports – Airport Roma Fiumicino (FCO)

What can we say about Rome that hasn’t already been shouted from the rooftops? As one of the cradles of civilization, Rome is full of amazing historic and culturally significant attractions. Literally, there’s something ancient and interesting around every corner.

Rome is definitely a more touristy city, so if you want a destination that’s jam-packed with things to do, this is the place for you. You could probably spend the entire trip just seeing ancient attractions and still not see it all!

The 5 Key Differences Between Milan vs Rome

Want to see how Milan and Rome stack up and what their differences are? Here are five key differences between Milan and Rome that are going to help you make your decision!

How Does The Culture Compare?

Skyline-Of-Rome-From-Castel-Sant'Angelo

Milan

If you’re into the modern cultural scene of style, art, and architecture, Milan is a great city. There are so many different museums to check out and just wandering around the Old Town is like stepping back in time. While it’s not as old as Rome, there are plenty of Renaissance-era and 19th-century buildings all around the city.

Rome

Let’s be honest, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find better cultural attractions in the whole of Europe than in Rome. With the Colosseum, the Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and so many more iconic attractions it’s clear that when it comes to culture, Rome stands head and shoulders above Milan.

Which Is Better For Families?

Crowd-Of-Tourists-In-Vatican-Museums

Milan

Traveling to Italy with kiddos in tow? If you’re heading to Milan, you’re probably going to be better off spending time in the area outside the city. The outdoorsy areas around Milan, like Lake Como, have a lot more things for families to do. In the city itself, it’s more of a vibe for couples or groups of friends.

Rome

Rome is definitely a more family-friendly spot with tons of museums and attractions that offer kid-friendly tours and treasure hunts. As a capital city, it’s got plenty of variety depending on what you want to do with your family, and of course, with the sunshine and proximity to the coast, a day trip to the beach is always an option!

Which Is Better For Couples & Honeymoons?

Milan-Skyline-From-Duomo-Di-Milano-Italy

Milan

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Milan is a great option. You and your loved one can treat yourself to a life of luxury in one of the most stylish cities in Europe. Enjoy delicious aperitivo, take in world-class fancy meals in the heart of the city, and explore the stunning sights of the city.

Rome

Like any European capital, Rome has plenty of amazing spots for couples and honeymooners. From private tours of the main ancient sights to some of the best restaurants and bars in the country, there are so many romantic places to visit during your visit to Rome.

Which Is Cheaper?

Roman-Ruins-In-Rome-Forum

Milan

Overall, Milan is slightly cheaper than Rome, but the accommodation costs in Milan do tend to be more expensive. So, you make up the cost of your trip in cheaper meals, excursions, and nightlife. The difference is pretty nominal and there’s only around an average of 5 Euros per person per day difference, but Milan remains slightly cheaper.

Rome

It’ll come as no surprise that Rome is expensive. It’s a pretty standard rule of thumb that the capital city is going to be the most expensive area in any given country, and Rome is no different. However, accommodation costs in Rome tend to be cheaper than in Milan, so there are places where you can save money, so you can splurge more on experiences.

Which Is Easier To Get To?

Bridge-Across-The-Naviglio-Grande-Canal

Milan

As Milan is a major city, there are plenty of flight routes to the main city airport, Milan Malpensa. However, if you’re traveling on low-cost airlines, you’ll end up flying into Milan Bergamo (BGY) which is actually in neighboring Bergamo and takes around 40 minutes by train to get into the heart of the city.

There are also a ton of trains and buses into Milan over the border into France, Switzerland, and even Germany, so if you’re interrailing, it’s a relatively easy place to get to from Central Europe.

Rome

With tons of daily flights from all over the world flying into Rome, it’s super easy to get to the Eternal City. There are also a ton of bus and train routes from all around Italy, including Naples and Florence, so if you want to combine a trip to Rome with some other amazing Italian locations, Rome is a great shout.

4 Questions to Help You Decided to Travel to Milan or Rome

Prada-Store-In-Milan

Do you still need a little bit more guidance in deciding between Milan and Rome? Check out these four questions to help you come to the conclusion that’s right for you.

When is Your Italian Trip?

One of the key deciding factors between going to Milan or Rome is going to be the time of year that you’re traveling. As Milan is way further north, it gets a lot colder in the Fall and Spring months, and there actually tends to be sprinklings of snow in the winter months. It’s great if you want to ski and shop, but it’s not always ideal for a quick and easy city break. If you want some winter warmth, head to Rome.

On the other hand, going to Rome in July or August is just a no-go. It’s hot, humid, and super busy. In fact, a lot of southern Italy gets too warm to explore during the peak of the summer, so you’re better off heading north to Milan.

Also, it’s a great idea to try and avoid the major festivals and events in the respective cities. For example, I’d avoid trying to book a stay in Milan during fashion week. All the accommodation goes through the roof, it’s impossible to get a restaurant reservation, and getting around the city can be a lot of hassle. Check before you book your flights because you don’t want to get stung by all those extra costs and crowds!

Which Flights are Easier and Cheaper?

While there are always plenty of flights going into Rome from all around the world, they’re not always the cheapest flights in the world. However, Milan has more budget airline routes so if you’re looking for a cheap getaway, you can get flights from the UK to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), outside the city from £30 return. It’s kind of insane.

Rome flights tend to be more expensive as a short-haul option but for more long-haul options, Rome tends to be a more affordable route option. That’s mostly because it’s an airline hub, so more routes normally mean cheaper rates! However, it’s a popular route, so there are rarely deals on flights to Rome. So, where you might be able to get a deal for Milan, the prices for Rome rarely fluctuate.

Who are you traveling with?

Whether you opt to visit Milan or Rome is also going to depend on who you’re traveling with. If you’re on a romantic weekend away with your partner, you’re probably going to have a better time in Milan with the luxury restaurants, hotels, and shops. It definitely has an anniversary vibe and feels like a more grown-up city, designed for couples or a girls’ weekend away!

If you’re traveling with your family, you might prefer to head to the bustling metropolis of Rome. With so many top-tier attractions and ancient wonders, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy, and there are plenty of guided tours to jump on if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of organizing your entire family!

Traveling with friends? You really can’t go wrong with either Milan or Rome. You can explore these beautiful cities by day and enjoy the Italian nightlife when the sun goes down. If you’re more into history and culture, opt for Rome, if you’re more into luxury vibes and nightlife, Milan is probably going to be the option for you.

How many days are you spending in Italy?

If you’re spending a long weekend in Italy, both Milan and Rome are great shouts, but if you’re staying for longer and want to stay in the city, Rome is going to be a better option. Rome has a lot more to do for a longer period of around five days, whereas you might be struggling to find stuff to do actually in Milan for that long.

On the other hand, if you’re having a longer vacation and want to check out the surrounding area, Milan is probably the better option. While there are beaches to explore in Rome, the surrounding area isn’t exactly as full of activities versus other Italian cities like Florence, Naples, or Milan.

If you’re in Milan and want to stay longer than a weekend, you can explore the stunning Lake Como or the medieval city of Bergamo, which are all within an easy direct train ride that takes less than an hour. It’s all about how much time you want to spend in a city environment and how many day trips you’re open to doing!

Milan vs Rome: Which Is The Better Choice?

Piazza-Navona-In-The-City-Of-Rome

All in all, if you’re after a jam-packed city break Rome is the ultimate Italian place to visit. While Milan is super stylish and luxurious, there are only a handful of attractions to explore, so it definitely has a much more laid-back vibe to it.

It’s difficult to compare Milan vs Rome because they’re such different cities with completely different vibes. If you’re after a more chilled but luxurious quick and easy long weekend away, I’d definitely recommend booking a trip to Milan. If you want to tick some major ancient sights off your travel bucket list and don’t mind the crowds, Rome is going to be more up your street.

Finally, if you’re looking to combine an Italian city break with some time out in stunning nature, you can’t do much better than a combination of Milan and Lake Como. So, if you’re looking for a dual center trip, I’d suggest hitting up Milan over Rome for sure!

About The Author

Rebecca Crowe is a freelance content writer who specializes in writing about travel, food, drink, and adventure. She specializes in budget and adventure travel content and can usually be found climbing some rocks, eating some tacos, or waiting around at the nearest airport. Her best budget travel achievement was spending a weekend in Paris with Roland Garros tickets for under £150, although she's always on the lookout for even better adventure and travel deals! If you want to keep up with her next adventure, check out her website at Wandering and Wine.

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Picture of Rebecca Crowe

Rebecca Crowe

Rebecca Crowe is a freelance content writer who specializes in writing about travel, food, drink, and adventure. She specializes in budget and adventure travel content and can usually be found climbing some rocks, eating some tacos, or waiting around at the nearest airport.

Her best budget travel achievement was spending a weekend in Paris with Roland Garros tickets for under £150, although she's always on the lookout for even better adventure and travel deals!

If you want to keep up with her next adventure, check out her website at Wandering and Wine.

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