Paris and Milan are both renowned for boasting architectural marvels, mouth-watering cuisine, and of course high-end luxury brands. But, if you’re planning a European trip in 2023 and only have time to visit one city, you may be wondering: Paris vs Milan, which is better to visit?
Fortunately, as someone who has both lived in Paris and spent plenty of time in Milan, I’m here to help you out!
In this post, I’ll provide an honest comparison of Paris vs Milan and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on which one is better for you to visit in 2023!
Pros & Cons of Paris
Pros of Paris
Let’s start by taking a look at the pros of visiting Paris. First and foremost, Paris is known for its stunning architecture that can be spotted everywhere you go.
From the iconic Paris Opera House to the gilded Hôtel National des Invalides and all the distinct bridges over the Seine… there’s certainly no shortage of beautiful places to explore and architecture to admire in this city!
But what always excites me to return to Paris is the opportunity to indulge in exceptional French gastronomy.
Sure, my bank account takes a hit, but the perfectly crispy, yet soft and chewy baguettes that you can find available on every corner for less than €2 make up for it — at least that’s what I tell myself.
And of course, we can’t forget the famous café culture or all the incredible Michelin-star dining experiences…
⭐️ Fun Fact: Paris is the city with the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s only second to Tokyo!
Finally, the central location of Paris makes it incredibly easy to travel around this massive city.
And if you get overwhelmed and need a quick break, you can easily take a day trip to some of the most beautiful places right outside the city, such as Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny or Loire Valley, which is filled with castles!
With the amazing transportation network, you can even visit new countries, such as Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, or Belgium on a day trip!
Cons of Paris
But like all cities, Paris of course has its drawbacks too.
For one, as the most visited city in all of Europe, it’s hard to find somewhere that isn’t swarming with tourists. This can be overwhelming for those who aren’t used to big-city environments where there’s always something happening somewhere.
My second biggest complaint about Paris is the poor air quality.
As someone that comes from a non-smoking household and lives in an area where hardly anyone smokes, the amount of smoke in the air in Paris may take some getting used to.
Not to be dramatic but I remember the first time I visited Paris… My lungs actually burned for a couple of days because of the amount of smoke inhalation. This is more of a cultural difference, but if you’re not used to it, it can definitely suck.
Finally, Paris is far from a clean city. You’ll see lots of trash on the sidewalk, in the Seine River, and tons of alcohol bottles on the lawn around the Eiffel Tower.
It’s a bit sad to see how people treat this beautiful city, but I also know it’s pretty challenging to keep somewhere as large and busy as Paris clean.
The good news is that a greater effort is being made to clean up the city in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games!
All this said, these are just a few of my personal opinions about Paris. There are so many more pros and a few more cons that I didn’t mention for the sake of brevity, but this should give you a decent idea of what to expect!
Pros & Cons of Milan
Pros of Milan
Now let’s take a look at the pros of visiting Milan, Italy.
First, Milan is a shopping paradise! From the luxurious stores of Montenapoleone to the affordable boutiques in Corso Buenos Aires, you can find anything and everything here.
It’s definitely one of those cities where you need to be prepared to spend some money while you’re there, especially if shopping is your thing.
For me, another upside to Milan is its efficient and easy-to-navigate transportation network. Similar to Paris, getting around the city is simple, whether you are taking the metro, bus, or tram.
Plus, Milan is a convenient home base if you’re interested in doing day trips to places like Lake Como and Bellagio!
The third major pro to Milan is that the city’s art and culture scene is fantastic!
For art lovers, there are so many great art galleries, like the Brera Art Gallery, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Museo del Novecento. At each of these places, you can admire some of the finest works from Italy’s past and present creatives!
Cons of Milan
Again, no city is perfect, so let’s look at some bits that I dislike about Milan.
The first downside that comes to mind is how expensive things can be in Milan, especially the food.
When I first visited Milan, I remember struggling a lot to find affordable places to eat that wouldn’t cost me €25 for a single item. I know Italy is known for its amazing pasta, but it was just shockingly expensive at times, and on occasion, the serving sizes were so small!
Another drawback about Milan is that there isn’t a whole lot to do and see in the city.
Sure if you’re staying in Milan for two or three days, you can find enough things to fill your itinerary. But, if you stay any longer, you start to run out of things to do, especially if you’re not into museums or shopping.
This is because geographically speaking, the city is pretty unremarkable. There are no rivers running through the city, the Mediterranean Sea is too far to reach on a day trip, and even getting to the Dolomites on a day trip is a challenging task.
Lastly, I personally find that Milan lacks that dreamy Italian allure. What I mean is that many other cities in Italy, such as Rome and Venice, have cobblestone streets, old buildings, and a charming atmosphere that makes you want to explore.
Unfortunately, Milan doesn’t have this vibe or ambiance. It’s one of the most modernized cities in Italy and can often feel like you’re in any other major city.
But remember, all these pros and cons are just my take on Milan, so take everything with a grain of salt…
Paris Top 5 Things to Do
To give you an idea of what Paris has to offer, here are some of the best things to do.
If you want to see a more holistic list, I have an entire post that gives reasons to vacation in Paris with tons of different things to do…both popular and hidden gem activities.
1. Eiffel Tower
The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Paris is the iconic Eiffel Tower. This world-famous marvel stands tall against the skyline and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city — and honestly in the entire world!
Although the Eiffel Tower is as touristy as it gets, it’s still worth seeing at least once during your visit.
Personally, I love seeing it during sunrise when I do my morning runs because it’s the only time of day the city feels quiet. Everything is still, and it feels like you have the entire view all to yourself!
And of course, it’s always fun to witness the famous light show that happens at the top of every hour from sunset until midnight.
One thing I highly recommend doing if you’ve got the time and money is taking a trip to the top of the tower. It truly is spectacular and you can take in incredible views of the cityscape and River Seine!
✅ Check availability for tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tour via stairs
✅ Check availability for tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tour via elevator
2. Arc de Triomphe
For those interested in French history or who want to catch a different panoramic view of the city, the Arc de Triomphe is another must-see!
This monument was constructed back in the early 19th century to honor the French people who died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
As such, it still stands proudly at the center of one of Paris’ most famous roundabouts. And of course, you can admire the stunning architecture from both afar or up close!
Again, if you want an intimate view of the Arc de Triomphe, visit it at 6 AM! You can appreciate the famous monument with no cars zooming by or having to deal with hoards of other tourists.
The picture below was captured from another early morning run — you can likely tell there’s a recurring theme haha 🤠
And of course, you can climb several staircases to the roof of the Arc. From there, you’ll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance and see the star that’s formed by the 12 different avenues converging at the Arc de Triomphe!
If this is something that interests you, you can purchase an entry ticket below.
✅ Purchase your skip-the-line entry ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
3. Louvre
As one of the most iconic and renowned attractions in Paris (and in the world), the Louvre is the third part of what I like to call the Parisian trifecta.
Again, it’s likely not a surprise to see this on the list of top things to do, but I find that it’s worth every single bit of praise it receives.
Within the Louvre, you’ll discover some of the world’s most famous works of art. Everything from Liberty Leading the People and the Mona Lisa to lesser-known African masks and Greek statues.
The museum houses tens of thousands of other pieces of artwork from all over the world and is constantly rotating pieces in and out.
Truly, no trip to Paris is complete without a few several hours at the world-renowned Louvre! Just know that it gets extremely crowded so get there bright and early to avoid wasting time in excessively long lines! You can purchase an entry ticket to the Louvre here.
And if you want to make the most of your visit, I’d recommend taking a guided tour. That way, you can learn about French history and get more insight into some of the museum’s most iconic pieces.
Even with a pretty strong art history background, I found myself learning all kinds of interesting tidbits about the pieces of artwork!
✅ Purchase an entry ticket to the Louvre to avoid waiting in line.
✅ Check availability for this awesome tour of the Louvre that I recommend
4. Day Trip to Giverny
For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, I recommend taking a day trip to Giverny.
And if you’re thinking what the heck is in Giverny?! It’s a small charming village just outside of Paris and where Claude Monet once lived and painted some of his most iconic works.
In addition to admiring the beautiful French countryside and the quaint little village, you can also visit the French impressionist painter’s home which he moved into in 1883.
The house has been restored to its former glory, so you can walk through the halls of the very home in which Monet created some of his most famous pieces!
The gardens surrounding the house have also been nicely maintained and you can easily spend several hours here wandering around and admiring both the flowers and tranquil water lily pond. It’s honestly just a great place to just sit back, relax, and take in nature at its finest.
Afterward, you can pop into local restaurants for a bite to eat or see some other sites nearby!
Visiting Giverny is honestly one of my favorite activities to do, and the ideal day trip if you’re looking for something a little different and off the beaten path during your stay in Paris.
You can learn more about how to get to Giverny here or just opt to go with a guided tour group for a stress-free time.
✅🌷 Check Availability for a guided tour of Giverny from Paris
5. Dinner Cruise on the Seine
One of the best ways to round off any trip to Paris is to enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine.
The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours and is worth every cent.
You’ll get to indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner while sipping on some bubbly and listening to live entertainment! And as darkness falls, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of the city’s most prominent landmarks as they light up the night sky!
For me, a dinner cruise on the Seine was one of the most special experiences that I shared with my friends. And now it’s something I try to do every time I introduce my friends to the city 🙂
So if you’re interested in experiencing something similar, here is the cruise I booked and thoroughly enjoyed.
✅ Check Availability for a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine
That said, I know a dinner cruise along the Seine can be an expensive activity. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can do a 1-hour sightseeing tour for ~$19 USD.
In fact, this is one of the first things my professor told us to do when I was studying abroad in Paris. He said it was the easiest way to introduce and familiarize us with all the city’s sites.
Plus, with the audio guide option, we were able to learn about all of the sights flying by in real-time, which definitely helped.
With or without food, I recommend cruising down the Seine because it’s such a wonderful way to really take in the beauty of Paris.
✅ Take the most popular Seine tour that I did when I first arrived in Paris all those years ago :’)
Milan Top 5 Things to Do
Now that you have a solid idea of some of the things to do in Paris, let’s take a glance at a few of the things available to do in Milan!
1. Duomo Di Milano
When people think or talk about Milan, the Duomo di Milano is usually the first thing that comes to mind. This awe-inspiring Gothic-style cathedral is the centerpiece of Milan and a definite must-see attraction!
It was built over a period of six centuries and is the largest church in the Italian Republic! And while its sheer size is quite impressive, I find that it’s all the intricate details in the carvings, sculptures, and ornaments on the façade that make it worth visiting. I think I spent half an hour just walking around the exterior admiring everything…
But to really experience the Duomo di Milano thoroughly, I highly recommend booking an entrance ticket to enter the cathedral and access its rooftop. It’s not often to get to examine and appreciate the meticulous architecture of a masterpiece like the Duomo.
Plus, this is pretty much the only place you can go in Milan where you can see sweeping panoramic views of the city! Well, that and it’s the best one in all of Milan 😉
The rooftop is accessed by climbing a long winding staircase, which I won’t lie is challenging. But, I promise the view from above is worth it!
And if you don’t want to walk up several flights of stairs, they do have an elevator entry ticket to the roof available. You just have to pay a couple of extra euros 🙂
✅ Book your ticket to the top of the Duomo via stairs OR via elevator
Either way, just make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty of the Duomo up close!
2. Sforzesco Castle
Another fun thing to do in Milan is to make a stop at the Sforzesco Castle. This 15th-century castle is located in the heart of Milan and serves as an incredible symbol of Italian Renaissance architecture.
When I first visited, I did no research beforehand — oops. 😅
So, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the walls of this castle house are not just antique furniture and decorations but also some of the world’s finest artworks! You’ll find magnificent works of art such as sculptures by Michelangelo and frescos by Da Vinci, just to name a few.
Plus, there are several on-site museums, such as the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, and a few more. So you have tons of opportunities to learn more about the history of the castle and connect with the past.
There’s also a giant courtyard that is great for strolling around. Or, you can opt to have a chill afternoon picnic with friends since it’s technically a public park.
Given its impressive size, I’d recommend at least half a day to explore the Sforzesco Castle.
I spent about 8 hours walking around the castle and some museums and still didn’t see everything I wanted to. Therefore, you’ll likely need a full day or more to see everything the castle has to offer.
✅ Entrance tickets cost ~$10 USD and can be purchased here.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The next stop is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is a stone’s throw away from the Duomo di Milano. This shopping galleria is the oldest functioning shopping mall in Italy and will literally make your jaw drop…at least it did mine.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built over a period of 12 years in the 19th century and is a prime example of Italian Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Within it, you’ll find impressive ornate sculptures, beautiful stained glass windows, and even four-floor mosaics of Turin’s, Rome’s, Florence’s, and Milan’s coat of arms.
And while the entire structure is impressive, the main attraction is its unique glass and iron dome. A dome of this size had never been accomplished before and proved to be quite the engineering feat!
Plus, directly beneath the dome, in the center of the galleria, you’ll see some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, and Prada.
Everything about the shopping galleria just screams opulence, luxury, and wealth. It’s for this reason, I call it a “wealth check” haha. One that I, unfortunately, do not pass. 🥲
So even if you can’t afford or don’t want to shop at the numerous high-end stores housed inside, it’s still fun to stroll around. I mean the architecture alone provides a magnificent enough backdrop to draw millions of visitors in.
Oh! And there are also cafés and ice cream shops, which I do recommend for even budget travelers!
4. The Last Supper
Another top attraction in Milan is viewing The Last Supper in person.
For those who don’t know, the Last Supper is a painted wall mural by Leonardo da Vinci. It depicts Jesus Christ eating his final meal with his apostles before his crucifixion.
This painting is one of the most iconic and recognizable works of art in the world and is housed in Milan’s Santa Maria Delle Grazie church.
Today, tourists can see the masterpiece in person, but you’ll have to obtain an entry ticket to do so. And unless you fancy waiting in ridiculously long lines, your best option is to take a quick yet comprehensive 1-hour tour.
Essentially a guide meets you at a pre-determined meeting point 10 minutes before your start time. Then you will receive your skip-the-line ticket and a headset so you can hear your guide.
From there, the guide gives you insight into everything about the painting: techniques, the restoration process, etc.
Since the mural is so popular, you only get 15 minutes in the room with The Last Supper. But, I found this to be plenty of time to marvel at it.
Afterward, you’ll have the remaining time to interact with the guide and see the rest of the works inside the museum!
Overall, seeing the mural up close is such an awe-inspiring experience that I really do recommend it. Below is the tour I recommend booking to see the painting.
✅ Check availability for the fantastic tour of Da Vinci’s Last supper that I enjoyed.
5. Day Trip to Lake Como & Bellagio
If you’re looking for other places to visit or to simply get out of the city, I recommend a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio!
This fantastic day trip is like taking a step back in time to the Renaissance era. The entire area around Lake Como is blanketed with lush greenery, gorgeous villas, and quaint cobblestone streets that all make for an incredible experience.
My favorite part of this day trip is your chance to explore Bellagio, a small town located near the center of the lake.
The streets in Bellagio are filled with designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also known for its beautiful gardens with Lake Como as the backdrop which makes it perfect for strolls or romantic picnics.
On top of that, you get to take private boat cruises around the lake, and depending on the tour, you can visit other nearby villages such as Varenna or Lugano! Aside from the Duomo, a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio is my favorite thing to do in Milan!
✅ ⛵️ Check rates and availability for this fantastic Lake Como tour
Paris vs Milan: Which is Better for Vacation?
You likely have an idea of which city you prefer. But if you’re still deciding on Paris vs Milan, here is my take on a few different situations.
Which Has Better Nightlife?
When it comes to nightlife, the cities are pretty similar. Both Paris and Milan offer a wide variety of choices that range from rooftop bars to comedy clubs, pubs, and more.
That said, I would say that Milan has a slightly better nightlife scene. With the late-night markets, hundreds of clubs, bars, breweries, lounges, and disco places, the city is able to offer a massive range of night-time entertainment.
And from my experience, places stay open later and people are out partying later in Milan compared to Paris.
For example, if you head to the Navigli, where Milan’s canals are, you’ll often see tons of younger people hanging out until the wee hours of the morning. It’s just super lively and there are tons of restaurants.
Which Is Better for Families?
When comparing Paris vs Milan for families, I think that Paris is the better of the two.
Paris has more activities in the city that cater to younger ones. For example, there are a ton of parks, gardens, and museums that can keep children entertained. There’s also a more youthful and kid-friendly atmosphere.
In contrast, I believe Milan has more limited options for family-friendly activities. The city seems to be better suited for a more young adult crowd.
Of course, it’s worth noting that in both cities, children under the age of 18 can enter practically every state museum, monument, gallery, and archaeological site free of charge! This definitely helps in keeping costs down.
Which Is Better for Couples?
When it comes to planning a trip for couples and comparing Paris vs Milan, Paris takes the cake! After all, it’s known for being the City of Love.
Paris is home to some of the most romantic spots in the world. From taking a stroll through the winding streets of Montmartre or along the Seine River to having dinner at a fancy restaurant, there are endless cozy and romantic spaces for couples!
Especially for those who have never seen the Eiffel tower light up the night sky… that’s one of the most magical moments you can share with your partner!
And if you’re looking for something super special, you can dine at the famous Jules Verne restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower. Just know that you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for it!
On the other hand, I think Milan’s limited geography (distance from mountains, the Mediterranean sea, lack of lakes, etc.) makes it harder to find intimate spaces.
The city of course still has its own romantic charm and is incredibly beautiful. I just think Paris is better suited for a romantic couple’s getaway!
When Is It Better to Visit: Summer or Winter?
To be entirely frank, I think the best time to visit simply depends on where your interests lie.
For example, if you’re looking for warm weather during your vacation then summer is obviously the best time to visit. However, just know that both Paris and Milan get pretty crowded with tourists during this time of year!
Also, if you aren’t from Europe, know that air conditioning isn’t exactly commonplace.
When I was living in Paris, they had a record-breaking heat wave during the summer. To say the least, it was absolutely brutal. I just wanted to stay indoors and move as little as possible because I didn’t even have a fan in my apartment!
On the other hand, winter in both cities can be quite magical! If you’re looking to participate in some of the popular winter activities such as Christmas markets, ice skating or simply revel in the holiday spirit, then it’s definitely worth visiting during the wintertime.
One thing to note is that it doesn’t snow in Milan in the winter. Contrastingly, Paris is known to experience at least a little snow each winter season. Thus, if you want to experience a bit of a winter wonderland, then Paris is your best bet.
Ultimately, it just depends on what you want to experience. But, if I were advising a friend on when to visit, I suggest going in late September – late November!
Shoulder season is the way to travel for less and see all the beautiful fall colors. And, if you visit in mid-late November, you’ll still be able to partake in the Christmas markets!
Paris vs Milan: Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living in Paris vs Milan, research concludes that Paris is slightly more expensive.
This is likely due to its reputation as the most popular tourist destination in the world, and therefore having a higher demand for hotel bookings, food, and general services than other cities.
But again, both cities are fairly pricey and definitely more expensive than places in Eastern Europe, such as Zagreb, Croatia, or Zakopane, Poland.
Lodging in Paris
If you’re leaning towards vacationing in Paris and looking for places to stay, here are three places I would recommend depending on your budget.
These are based on my research into the hotels and my personal experience staying at several of these places during my now *6 trips* to Paris 🤠.
Youth Hostels
- The People Paris Marais — Near Pompidou Centre & Notre Dame | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- The People Paris Nation — Very clean & comfy hostel I stayed at! | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- See my full review of the hostel here 🙂
Low-cost Hotel:
- Tribe Hotel Saint Ouen — New 4-star hotel I enjoyed staying at! | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- Read my honest review of this hotel here
- Maison ELLE Paris Etoile – Great 4-star hotel near Arc de Triomphe | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hôtel Moderniste — Beautiful 4-star I loved staying at! | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Read why I enjoyed this hotel so much
- Chouchou Hotel – Super fun 4-star hotel near Tuileries Garden | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
✅ Click to check rates and availability of more hotels in Paris on Booking.com
Lodging in Milan
And if you think Milan is a better fit for you, here are a few places I recommend checking out. They are once again, based on my research as well as where I’ve been and had an excellent stay!
Youth Hostel:
- Ostello Bello Grande — Lively hostel next to train station, I stayed here! | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
Low-Cost Hotel:
- Milan Suite Hotel — Highly rated 4-star hotel that’s ~$100/night. The downside is that it’s further from the city center but with the metro, it’s worth it | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Mid-Range Hotel:
- The Square Milano Duomo – Comfortable & affordable 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
✅ Click to check rates and availability of more hotels in Milan on Booking.com
Paris vs Milan: Getting Around
As mentioned previously, both Paris and Milan have efficient metro systems that I highly recommend taking advantage of when you visit.
But if I had to pick which city is easier to get around, I would say Paris is easier. Not only is Paris smaller in terms of size, but the city also has a more comprehensive metro system. There are 16 metro lines in Paris, whereas Milan only has 4.
Regardless of which city you decide to visit, you can purchase metro tickets directly in the underground stations.
But, if would rather explore both cities in a more leisurely fashion and not worry about navigation, you can always opt for the hop-on-hop-off bus or some walking, biking, or electric scooter tours!
✅ 🥖 Click to see the different sightseeing tours in Paris
✅ 🍝 Click to see the different sightseeing tours in Milan
Airport Comparison: Paris
When comparing the airports in Paris vs Milan, there are a few key differences.
Paris has two airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) which is located to the north of the city center, and Orly, located in the south. CDG is definitely the nicer of the two, and typically where you fly into if you’re arriving from overseas. Meanwhile, Orly is common for domestic flights within Paris.
You can utilize public transportation or take a taxi from either airport to get to the city center. It takes about anywhere from 1 – 1.5 hours with public transit or about 45 minutes by taxi.
But if you’re traveling with 3 or more people, I highly recommend reserving private transport. It is so much cheaper and quite frankly, legions easier than dealing with public transit.
And if you’re getting into the airport late a night, definitely take private transport for safety purposes. You don’t want to get lost navigating after dark and accidentally end up stranded miles from the city center. Been there — can confirm it’s not fun. 🙃
✅ Check availability for private transport between CDG and Paris
✈️ NOTE: If you’re trying to find cheap flights, I like to use both Skyscanner and StudentUniverse.
Airport Comparison: Milan
On the other hand, Milan has three airports: Malpensa (MXP), which is 45 km from the city center, Linate (LIN), which is 7 Km from the city center, and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY), which is 50 Km from the city center.
Of these three airports, Malpensa is the largest, cheapest to fly into, and most convenient. There is a direct train called the Malpensa Express, which will get you to Milan in 50 minutes. It runs every 20 or so minutes and a one-way ticket is €13.
For this reason, I would say, Milan wins in the airport department. It might just be me, but I’ve always had a lot of issues getting to and from the Paris airports via public transportation.
And if you don’t want to deal with public transport or are flying into another airport in Milan, here are some airport transport services.
✅ Check Rates for Private Transport from Malpensa airport
✈️ See Availability for Private Transport from Bergamo airport
🚌 View options for Private Transport between Milan and Linate airport
Paris vs Milan: Food & Drink Costs
Finally, it’s time to compare Paris vs Milan in terms of food and drink costs!
Even though Paris has a higher cost of living when looking at everything, the average price of a meal at a cheaper restaurant is about €16 euros. Meanwhile, the average price of a meal at a cheaper restaurant is about €20 in Milan.
And speaking from my time in Milan, I really struggled to find places that offered food an entree that wasn’t a salad for less than €20. Looking at my expenses sheet, most of the time I paid about €23 – €25, and that’s not including drinks!
I know a few euros may not make a difference at first…But for people looking to keep costs down, remember the small fees add up over time!
So if you’re looking to save money on food and drinks while in either place, perhaps opt for a grocery store run every other night! Or, consider venturing to restaurants that are further away from the main tourist attractions or searching for a street food market!
Paris vs Milan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris or Milan Better?
Honestly, there is no answer. It all depends on what your personal preferences are. Personally, I much prefer Paris over Milan, but several of my friends are obsessed with Milan!
Is Paris or Milan Cheaper?
According to research, Milan is a tad bit cheaper than Paris. But, speaking from my personal experience, I find that Paris is cheaper in terms of food options but has more expensive housing accommodations. That said, it’s more than possible to visit either city on a tight budget with a few tips and tricks!
Is Paris or Milan the Fashion Capital of the World?
Milan is considering the reigning fashion capital of the world. However, Paris is not far behind! In fact, New York, London, Paris, and Milan are frequently referred to as the “Big Four” because each of the cities is revered for its longstanding fashion influence, heritage, and history!
Is Paris Worth Visiting?
In my completely biased opinion, Paris is definitely worth seeing and experiencing at least once. But, if you’re still on the fence or looking for a more in-depth response, I have an entire post about whether Paris would be worth your time or not!
Is Milan Worth Visiting?
Similar to the answer above, I do think Milan is worth visiting once, but it really depends on what you want to get out of the experience. For me, I’m in no rush to go back and don’t think it would be worth visiting again after having already spent a decent amount of time there… but if you’ve never been, I think it’s worth at least a two-day trip!
Distance Paris to Milan
The shortest distance from Paris to Milan is about 530 miles or 851 km. By train, it takes almost 7 hours!
Final Thoughts: Paris vs Milan (2023)
At the end of the day, both Paris and Milan have their own unique charm and beauty and are great cities to visit in Europe for different reasons.
Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world with its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and endless cultural attractions. On the other hand, Milan is Italy’s style capital known for its fashion designer boutiques, delicious Italian food, and the mesmerizing Duomo cathedral.
When it comes to traveling to each city, it’s easier to get to the Milan city center. But, with more metro lines available in Paris, getting around the French capital may prove a tad more convenient.
And when comparing food and drink costs, the average meal costs more in Milan compared to Paris, but you can still find lesser-known, delicious cheap spots if you’re willing to search for them!
No matter which city you choose, I hope this (probably too in-depth) comparison of Paris vs Milan has been helpful!
Read More About Europe
- Headed to Barcelona and thinking about going inside Casa Batlló, read my in-depth review before purchasing your ticket. It might save you €35!
- Looking for a fairytale town in Germany to visit? Read about the quaint town of Tubingen, which is near Stuttgart and accessible from Munich!
