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

Should you visit Zurich or Milan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Milan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Zurich 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. You'll find world class beauty in Milan as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Milan travel costs.

Zurich and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. 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 Zurich different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Zurich and Milan.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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.

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

Milan is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Milan Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Is Zurich or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Zurich or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Zurich and Milan.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Milan has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Zurich or Milan?

Both Zurich and Milan are fantastic shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. 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 Zurich or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milan as well. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

Is Zurich or Milan Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Milan Better for Couples?

Zurich and Milan both very good destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Milan Better for Students?

Zurich and Milan are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

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

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 Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Milan?

In either Zurich or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Zurich. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this liberal destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Milan?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Milan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the trendy big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Milan, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Zurich gets 120 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than Milan. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Milan. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Milan in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

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