Picking Milan or Rome is hard. Most bucket lists would likely put eternal Rome at the top.

There, you can wander between the remains of massive old temples. You can also see unbeatable artworks at the Vatican museums. But plenty of travellers may like Milan more. Trendy Milan has coffee shops, town squares, and lies near the Como Alps.

Truthfully, either iconic town would probably be an amazing trip. The two rank among Italy’s must-see spots. Both cities boast artistic wonders and very stunning architecture. But there are some key contrasts between the two that could guide your choice.

This guide calls out intriguing details about each metropolis to assist in deciding between them. We’ll overview the sights, attractions, and delicious foods on hand. We’ll uncover just enough specifics to help pick Milan or Rome this year.

Milan or Rome, Which is Best for Nightlife?

Millions of people live in Rome and Milan, providing plenty of vibrant nightlife options. Rome boasts bustling after-dark pockets throughout its age-old core, each with unique offerings.

You may favour touristy Campo di Fiori’s people-watching cocktail bars tucked down tiny alleys, artsy San Lorenzo’s smoky pubs and jazz clubs relished by locals, or even thumping EDM clubs in energetic Monte Testaccio depending on your scene. The variety stays plentiful across Rome’s districts so you’ll surely discover atmospheric venues suiting your preferences.

However, Milan narrowly wins for nightlife variety. Italy’s edgy second city offers almost unparalleled after-dark options. Places of note are the youth centers of Navigli and Isola, with craft beer breweries and Paris-esque cafes and riverside bars as well as Brera, which is great for those looking for a spritz along the sidewalks, and Fashion Quarter too. Then you arrive at Porta Venezia, a welcoming LGBTQ+ area.

Which is the Most Romantic out of Milan and Rome?

Milan tugs your heartstrings. The backdrop of the dramatic Alps and the enigmatic, Gothic Duomo spires set a romantic mood, that are very appealing to newlyweds. Pass days shopping Gucci, savouring risotto in snug trattorias, gazing at da Vinci’s renowned Last Supper painting. Posh hotels abound for closeness.

But Rome takes the romance crown – the city literally inspires the word’s root meaning. Avoid gritty outskirts, targeting time-capsule districts like La Trastevere instead. Paint-chipped taverns serve crisp beers and appetizers under beautiful magenta bougainvillea blooms.

The stunning Tridente area has hotels that gaze out at St. Peter’s from their roof-top gardens. Walking distance to uber-romantic sights like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Costs add up but create priceless memories.

Has Milan or Rome, Got the Best Transport Connections?

Let’s compare the two top-connected Italian cities. Rome – the culture epicenter and government seat. Milan – the economic stronghold and northern powerhouse. Reaching either should be straightforward with robust transit.

Rome’s two main airports are Ciampino, handling many low-cost carriers, and the much larger Fiumicino by the coast for ample long and short flights. Notably, Alitalia uses Rome as a hub, and budget airline Wizz Air links Rome to most of Europe.

Additionally, Rome is part of Italy’s swift train network, connecting it with the Alps and southern coastal cities in just hours. Highways also make it easier for drivers to get to Rome from all over Italy.
Milan’s largest airport is Malpensa (MXP) north-west of the city, with easy access to the Aosta Alps, Lake Como, and Milan. Bergamo Airport is another option under an hour away, offering abundant budget flights like Ryanair.

Milan terminates Italy’s north-south railway via Rome and Florence, plus international rail links from Paris. Key northern Italian motorways meet in Milan like the E35 southbound and A4 to Turin, along with Austrian connections via the Brenner Pass.

Which is the Cheapest City to Visit?

Budget travellers may want to avoid both cities. Milan and Rome cost plenty, especially summer high-season. Rome peaks summer; Milan adds winter ski crowds.
Solo backpackers pay around $900-$1,800 weekly in Rome. That’s based on $100 nightly lodging plus food, transportation, and attractions.
Costs might run lower prioritizing cheaper Termini hostels (as little as $30 recently). Food deals help too – lesser-known gems like:

Ristorante Carlo Menta in La Trastevere and Pizzeria Remo in Testaccio please without breaking the bank.
Surprisingly Milan prices surpass those of Rome. Trailing only elite ski resorts as Italy’s priciest locale. As the corporate and banking centre, luxury hotels drive averages up, catering to wealthier travellers.

Solo travellers in Milan pay around $1,000-$3,800 per week. Accommodation primarily drives up costs, although food and drink in Milan lean heavily on Rome. Getting away from the plush districts helps – staying/eating in places like the cosy Wigley Canal neighbourhood makes the budget a little easier.

Which City has the Best Food?

Although Italian, Rome, and Milanese cuisine is different because the areas are different. Rome is in the centre of Italy and subsequently very heavily influenced by Calabria and Tuscany. To the north is Milan, drawn by the flavours of the Alpine Sea Valley.

Roman cooking has ancient roots – hearty, simple, filling fare best enjoyed in modest osteria wine bars dotting areas like La Trastevere. Menus of course shift seasonally, high-lighting artichokes, mushrooms, and affordable local Lazio wines. But a couple of Euros gets bottles of Montefiascone’s Est Est Est, epitomizing rustic Italian winemaking.

Must-try Roman dishes include:
Carciofi alla romana – Mouth watering fresh artichoke hearts fried in olive oil, lemon and herbs.
Cacio e pepe – Simple pasta with just peppercorns and pecorino cheese.
Romana pizza – Rome’s flat, crispy-sided charred pizza spin.

Milan’s Lombard cuisine is more refined than Rome’s. Hints of French cooking (Napoleon loved Milan) and Austrian heartiness appear, using Italy’s rich northern Po Valley ingredients – Parma’s famous ham, Modena’s vinegar, Reggio Emilia’s hard cheese. Don’t leave without sampling nearby sparkling Franciacorta wine from Iseo or smooth, pricey Barolo reds.

Must-try Milan foods:
Risotto alla Milanese – Risotto with local hard cheese and aromatic saffron.
Minestrone – Vegetable soup originating in northern Italy.
Ossobucco – Meat on bone served in onion rich wine sauce.

Which City has the Most Attractions?

The sights are a big draw. Most global travellers eyeing the Eternal City or Milan crave top attractions. Satisfaction is common. Both overflow with splendid palaces, compelling museums, and abundant churches.

Milan’s sightseeing often starts at Piazza Duomo. A magnificent Gothic cathedral towers over lively cafes – the 600-year-old Duomo di Milano began in 1386.Entry is free, but the coveted rooftop walk is around $11.

A quick northern walk reaches Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s exquisite arcades, displaying Milan’s fashion passion through Gucci and Prada windows. Proceed to the esteemed La Scala opera, potentially Earth’s most prestigious venue. Then – the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery with Caravaggio and Ruben’s works.

That barely scratches Milan’s offerings down town. Areas like Navigli and NoLo have modern art and shopping extras.

Then you get Rome. It would hardly be exaggerated to call it planet Earth’s best sightseeing locale.

Spot the brawny Colosseum first off. Towering over the Roman Forum which displays antiquities such as the Temples of Castor and Pollux, aged Senate quarters, plus Julius Caesar’s entombed site jammed between majestic palaces raised through history.

2,000-year-old Rome sits beautifully beside the River Tiber, meandering through the Centro Storico, the Roman medieval neighbourhood.

There, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona beckon with stunning artwork and people-watching, while the view of the Tridente – the footsteps of Spain, the Trevi Fountain – is for those looking for a bit of romance.

Cresting it all – the Vatican Museums with perhaps the ultimate art trove finishing at the famed Sistine Chapel!

Which is the Best Base for Exploring Italy?

Rome and Milan are good bases for exploring Italy. Both offer access to nearby attractions. From Rome, you can find hidden treasures. Orvieto is a charming Umbrian hill town nearby. It has cobbled squares and catacombs. Visit Ostia on the coast for ancient Roman ruins.

Day trips offer breaks from Rome’s busy streets. You’ll see different parts of Italy. Rome is a great starting point for adventures. The area has picturesque towns and coastal history.

Rome’s surroundings offer natural wonders. Lake Bracciano is nearby for swimming and windsurfing. The Simbruini Mountains have hiking trails and waterfalls. Rome is a good base for exploring Umbria, Tuscany, and Marche.

Milan opens the door to northern Italy’s landscapes. The Alps are close, attracting mountain lovers. Lake Como is near Milan’s airport. It has beautiful towns and villas. Milan provides access to alpine scenery and lakeside retreats.

Our Verdict

An impossible choice between two Italian gems! But I hope this little guide shines some light on what makes these cities shine.
Overall: Fashionistas flock to Milan to strut by glossy boutiques and soak up Alpine views…with some fierce price tags. Culture vultures nest in history-laden Rome to explore endless ruins and masterpieces, with easy access to Tuscany’s hills and more. Lucky for you, a quick morning train links these marvellous metropolises!

Wherever your heart leads, embrace adventure and leave room for delight. Now go immerse yourself in Italian elegance, whether up north or further south.

Travel Planning Guide for Milan or Rome

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Italy

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Italy stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Italy

Indeed, renting a car in Italy is easy and is a great way to explore. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation in Italy

The best way to book your accommodation in Italy is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Italy

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Italy.

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