Milan or Rome: Which is more you?

When deciding between Milan or Rome for your next Italian city break, you’re faced with two iconic destinations, each offering a totally different experience.

Rome commands attention with its spellbinding history and awe-inspiring monuments. Milan sets the pace with sleek style, cutting-edge culture and world-class fashion. Still can’t decide between the two? Our handy guide will help you choose the city break that’s right for you.

Milan: where fashion meets sophistication

Milan leads with style and innovation. As a global fashion capital, the shopping is some of the best in the world, from the grandeur of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to cutting-edge concept stores like 10 Corso Como. Milan’s fashion week sets global trends, making the city a magnet for trendsetters and style aficionados.

Art lovers should make a beeline for Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, a masterpiece that reveals Milan’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond this, museums and galleries offer a contemporary edge that balances Milan’s historic roots. The city’s food scene is just as compelling. Milanese specialities such as risotto alla Milanese and osso buco shine alongside a buzzy aperitivo culture. Evenings in stylish wine bars, tucked away in the Navigli district or the chic Brera neighbourhood, bring the city’s sophisticated energy to life.

Milan suits couples, seasoned travellers to Italy and anyone on the hunt for a stylish urban break. Paired with the Italian Lakes, Verona or Venice, it forms part of an unbeatable Italian itinerary.

Rome: the unrivalled heart of history and culture

A trip to Rome is a profound cultural experience. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica aren’t just landmarks – they’re examples of living history. Each charming piazza, from Piazza Navona to Campo de’ Fiori, teems with authentic Italian life. Whether it’s the sound of church bells echoing through cobbled streets or the sight of street artists capturing the city’s soul, Rome’s atmosphere is palpable.

Roman cuisine celebrates bold, rustic flavours. You’ll find dishes like carbonara, amatriciana and fresh seasonal artichokes on the menu, best eaten in cosy trattorias that invite long lunches and lively dinners under the open sky. All the ingredients used are fresher than fresh, often hand-picked from local markets and food stalls.

Rome works brilliantly as a standalone city break or combined with Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast for a blend of sea and sights. For those who appreciate history, art and a bit of old-world grandeur, Rome always delivers.

Getting there and getting around

Direct flights from the UK serve both cities, making either a convenient choice. Rome is larger and more spread out, with a comprehensive metro and bus system and plenty of taxis. Uber is limited to premium options, so fares are higher, but local taxis are widely available, especially near key attractions.

Milan’s compact layout and efficient metro, tram and taxi networks make getting around a breeze. Uber operates here too, though again mainly the high-end tiers. For travellers who value ease and efficiency, Milan’s transport network feels effortless and modern.

The vibe: timeless Rome or contemporary Milan?

Rome’s energy is unmistakable. Espresso-sipping locals fill the pavement cafés, sombre-looking priests walk past excitable tour groups, noisy mopeds weave through historic streets – the city thrills and surprises at every turn. It’s filled with tourists year-round, who come to soak up the drama first-hand.

Milan exudes calm, sophisticated cool. You’re more likely to bump into designer-clad locals on the way to work here than hordes of tourists, while aperitivo gatherings create a relaxed yet refined vibe. There’s still tourism, but it never feels overwhelming.

Food & drink

Rome is one of Italy’s finest food cities. Expect rich, flavour-packed dishes like succulent porchetta and piping hot pizza al taglio served in authentic trattorias. The city’s culinary culture invites lingering over hearty plates and glasses of wine, celebrating the joy of good food and great company.

Milan’s culinary scene is less well-known but still very much worth exploring, with its creamy risottos, delicate cotoletta and festive panettone. The city’s aperitivo culture is second to none, with evenings filled with stylish small plates and fine wine.

Shopping: Rome’s eclectic streets or Milan’s high-fashion scene?

Rome has an array of charming boutiques to uncover, as well as excellent vintage shops in Monti and lively markets like Campo de’ Fiori. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind treasures and handmade crafts that capture the city’s artistic spirit.

Milan’s reputation as a fashion capital is well deserved. Its luxury stores, grand Galleria and avant-garde boutiques make it the definitive destination for style lovers. Whether you’re after Italian craftsmanship or global designers, Milan delivers them with flair.

Best things to do in Milan or Rome

Rome

Step back in time with a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where you can get a glimpse into ancient Roman life. Peruse priceless artifacts and artworks at the Vatican Museums before queuing to step inside the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica. Toss a coin and make a wish at the Trevi fountain and wander the colourful backstreets of Trastavere to browse artisan shops and traditional trattorias. End the day by watching the sunset from Pincian Hill, with the city spread out like a carpet beneath you.

Milan

Get your steps in first thing by scaling the spires of the Duomo, where you’ll be greeted by dazzling panoramic views of the city below. Admire ancient art at the 15th-century Sforza Castle before taking a stroll around lush Parco Sempione, where you’ll find chic locals walking their dogs. Art lovers can’t miss the chance to take in Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, on display at Santa Maria del Grazie. Hit up the city’s many high-end boutiques for designer finds or browse the quirky independent stores in artsy Brera. Nearby Navigli, packed full of speakeasy-style bars, is where you’ll find the city’s finest aperitivo scene.

Best time to visit Italy

Both cities deliver year-round. Spring and early autumn offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. Things heat up in summer, especially in Rome. Winter brings quieter streets and a focus on museums and seasonal dining.

Where to stay

In Milan, Sina De La Ville offers a chic central base near the Duomo and designer shopping. Rome’s Kolbe Hotel Rome features a peaceful courtyard close to the Roman Forum with effortless access to all major sights. Both provide a luxurious, comfortable retreat after days spent exploring.

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Rome combines beautifully with Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast for a rich mix of culture and coast. Venice, Florence or Verona are all easy to reach by train from Milan or the city pairs well with the Italian Lakes, like Lake Como, for a stylish lakeside escape.

So, which will it be: Milan or Rome?

Choose Rome for awe-inspiring history, bold flavours and a city buzzing with energy. Pick Milan for world-class style, elegant dining and an urbane Italian experience. Or do both – the train between Rome and Milan takes under three hours, letting you experience these two fabled Italian cities in one trip.

This feature was created on 20th June 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.