You’ll never know how far you can go if you’re too scared to move forward.
Have you ever wondered which Italian city would be best to spend a few days while you’re in Europe? Ideally, you would go to both places. There is so much similarity between Milan vs Rome… however, they both have their particular charm. Rome is known for its history, art scene, and beautiful architecture. On the other hand, Milan is the home of high fashion, luxurious stores, and restaurants. But which one is better?
Map of Milan, Italy
Map of Rome, Italy
Weather
The best time to visit both cities is during spring and fall. It’s warm enough to walk around without dying of heat or having to wear lots of layers to fight the cold.
Summertime is hot and humid. Also, there is usually fog due to excessive pollution, especially in Milan.
Winter can get quite cold. Because tourism goes down a lot during that season, a few commerces close down during that time.
Transport
| Milan | Rome | |
| Airport | 2 (LIN, MXP) | 2 (CIA and FCO) |
| Train | No train but there is a tram 2.20$ for a ticket (lasts 90 min) 5$ for a day pass 9.20$ for a 2-day pass | 1.70$ for a ticket (lasts 75 min) 6.70$ for a day pass 18.40$ for a 3-day pass |
| Taxi | Yes, but it’s very expensive. | Yes, but it’s very expensive. |
| Bus | 2.20$ for a ticket (lasts 90 min) 5$ for a day pass 9.20$ for a 2-day pass | 1.70$ for a ticket (lasts 75 min) 6.70$ for a day pass 18.40$ for a 3-day pass |
| Metro | 4 lines 2.20$ for a ticket (lasts 90 min) 5$ for a day pass 9.20$ for a 2-day pass | 3 lines 1.70$ for a ticket (lasts 75 min) 6.70$ for a day pass 18.40$ for a 3-day pass |
| Biking | Yes | Yes |
| Uber | Yes | Yes |
Accommodation while traveling
The advantage with Milan and Rome is how most attractions are close to the city center. You can find accommodation depending on your budget. The prices go higher during summer also during international events such as fashion week.
Rome can offer hotel rooms from 30$ a night to 100$ or more if you want a luxurious stay. It can be a little more expensive in Milan, as there is less tourism. Also, if you look at hostels, you can find a room for as low as 20$ per night.
The same goes for Milan, although the accommodations can be more expensive.
Food life
Milan is known for many fine cuisines such as Milestrone Milanese, Ossobucco, a traditional Cassoeula, piadina on the go, and of course, a Rissotto. The city has all the traditional meals with a modern spin and sparkled with creativity.
Rome on the other hand has the Allesso di Bollito, pasta a la carbonara, gelato, and Maritozzi. All the classics you can think of when thinking about Italy, you will find it there.
And of course, if you are not aware, you can get an excellent pizza pretty much anywhere in Italy. And the best way to enjoy your food is on a terrasse, looking outside.
Touristic sights
Things to do in Milan
- Visit the Milan Cathedral
- Walk down the Naviglio Grande
- Go to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Watch a show at La Scala Opera
- Shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II
- Walk around the Brera district
- Drink an espresso on a terrasse
Things to do in Rome
- Visit the Colosseum
- Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
- Get a pizza near the Piazza Navona
- Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo
- Climb the Spanish Steps
- To know where the best spots are for the amizing pictures, check out the red reiding hood article.
Did you connect with one city in particular? Personally, I feel like it really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. The two cities appeal to different crowds even thaught they are similar.
For more city comparisons, you can check out:
Until next time,
Sofyah,
I think both sound appealing, but I think I would go to Rome. Not to say I would never go to Milan, but Rome would be the first visit. I like how you broke this down so a novice can quickly see the comparisons of each city. Italy looks like a beautiful place to visit!
~Cassie
It definitely is! And yes Rome is definitely the first place to go to have a better understanding of the history!