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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Milan?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

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. Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Milan travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Yogyakarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta is known for its museums and attractions. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Milan and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. 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 Yogyakarta different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Yogyakarta or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its live music scene. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its old town. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Milan?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Yogyakarta and Milan.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Milan.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

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 Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Milan are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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 Yogyakarta or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

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

Milan is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Milan?

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

Families should spend more time in Milan than Yogyakarta. 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 Milan than Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta or Milan?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Milan?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Yogyakarta or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. 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.

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 The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.