Milan and Florence are two wonderful cities in Italy, but they offer unique experiences. My side-by-side comparison will help you choose the destination that suits your expectations.
You might have to pick due to budget or time constraints. We have been there, and my guide will help you create the perfect, unforgettable Italy city itinerary.
Both cities have their perks, and they are located in different regions in Italy. Pick if you would like to travel by car or train between Italian cities.
Comparing Florence and Milan side by side
Compare Milan and Florence side by side in the table below. We have included our perspectives and knowledge.
| Florence | Milan | |
| Location | Tuscany, in central Italy. | Lombardy, in northern Italy. |
| Size | Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany, it's one of the largest cities in Italy, with about 40 mi²s/ 100 km2. | Milan is the regional capital of the Lombardy region. The metropolitan city has been the industrial powerhouse of Italy. Milan is almost double the size of Florence, with 70 mi² 180 km2. |
| Getting There | Florence has a small international airport known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport. It borders the city, and it's just a 30-minute drive from the airport to the city center. Alternatively, you may opt to fly into Bologna or Rome and travel by train or car to Florence. The train might be the smarter option if you are only visiting the city and not the rural areas. | You can land at 3 airports to get to Milan city. Milano Malpensa Airport — One of the world's oldest continuous international airports. It's a 40-minute drive from this airport to Milan. Milan Linate Airport — A domestic airport. You can land here if you are traveling between Italian cities or if you have a jet. It's the closest airport to the city center. Il Caravaggio International Airport — Also called the Bergamo Milan airport, this airport serves mainly budget airlines. This airport is an hour away from Milan. |
| Top Reason to Visit | Florence was the European capital of the great Renaissance period. Famous people hailed from Florence or lived there, including Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, the Medici family, Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Several world-famous artists lived in the same period, and the great thinkers of Florence are to be thanked for pushing all the boundaries. They introduced provoking concepts and ushered in an open-minded era. Apart from the artworks and architecture, the people of Florence are free, and as a visitor, you get to experience this legacy. | Besides Paris and New York, Milan is one of the great fashion capitals in the world. In fact, the people of Milan are probably the best dressed people in the world. Therefore, shopping and catching up on the latest fashion trends is most likely the biggest reason for some to visit this city. Visitors to Milan come to see the Duomo cathedral, the Castello and Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Italian football fans come to see AC Milan play in one of their home games. |
| Other Notable Places Nearby | Florence is your entry point to other famed Tuscan towns, including Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano. History lovers, hopeless romantics, and gamers who played Assassin's Creed will love the Tuscan countryside. | Popular day trips from Milan include the Lake Como towns, Lake Maggiore, and Bergamo. If you want to experience the great luxurious lifestyle of the northern Italian lakes, then Milan should be at the top of your list. |
| Florence | Milan | |
| Museums | The Uffizi Gallery is probably one of the most well-known art history museums in the world. This should be on your list if you wish to see The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and many more Florentine Renaissance masterpieces. Michelangelo's famed David statue is on display in Florence. The interactive Leonardo da Vinci museum is also pretty popular. | Italian art and aesthetic admirers will appreciate a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Palazzo Reale di Milano and the contemporary art collection at the Mudec. Leonardo's Last Supper is displayed separately from the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Go to the Sforza castle. The Sforza family was directly competing with the Medici family in Florence until the very bitter end. |
| Gardens and Palaces | The famed Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace are polished, manicured Renaissance gardens. They are very popular, so get there early in the day. If you love plants, head to the age-old botanical university gardens of Florence. We couldn't visit due to Covid, which we regretted. You won't find many tourists here. | We loved the Castello Garden Park behind the castle, known as Parco Sempione. It makes for a fantastic picnic spot. |
| Fashion Shopping | Both cities are known for their high-end luxury fashion. Famed Florentine designer boutiques to frequent when in Florence include Ferragamo, Gucci, Patrizia Pepe, Roberto Cavalli, and Pucci. Boutiques are scattered throughout the city, but you will find several around the Piazza Santa Trinita. | Milan beats Florence and any other Italian city in fashion. Well-known Milanese fashion houses that emerged from this stylish city include Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Moschino, Prada, and Attico. Many boutiques can be found in the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II adjoining the cathedral square, but the ultimate Milanese luxury shopping experience is along the Monte Napoleone. |
| Special Traditional Events | Florence celebrates all the religious holidays with a parade or reenactment. This includes, for example, Épiphanie, Carnival, and Good Friday. A medieval regional football game known as Calcio storico fiorentino takes place every June. It's a very rough game with Florentine men competing in 4 teams against each other. Each team represents a quarter of the city. | The greatest event of the year is the Milan Fashion Week, which takes place twice a year (summer and winter collections). |
| Florence | Milan | |
| Food and Drink | Florence and Milan are wonderful food destinations. When in Florence, try regional Tuscan food specialties such as the famous young steer steak Bistecca alla Fiorentina and the thick Tuscan bread soup, Pappa al pomodoro. | Food in Milan is a high-competition game for greatness, and it's as if all Italian master chefs converge in Italy, just like Paris does in France. If you are looking for typical local delicacies, try a cotoletta alla milanese. The region is known for cheese, cured meats, and polenta. |
| Walking Tours | Join a themed walking tour in Florence to learn about its Renaissance history, food, fashion, and the Medici. | If you love fashion, glitz, and glamor, join a fashion or vintage boutique walking tour in Milan. |
| Type of Visitors | Florence is frequented by people of all ages and walks of life. The city is very touristy any time of the year. In fact, Florence has been dealing with overtourism. | Milan is for the upscale, fashion-conscious, the religious, and the football fans. It's not a family destination at all, but many younger couples and solo travelers like to frequent Milan for the flair. Most tourists hang out at the cathedral square, and the rest of the city is a functioning metropolis run by the Italian elite. Therefore, Milan can be a bit underwhelming when compared to Florence in terms of attractions and things to do. |
| Hotel Room Prices | Hotel prices in Florence fluctuate. Peak season rates can be double. That said, the prices are comparable to those in Milan and other popular cities in Italy and Europe, such as Venice, Munich, and Vienna. | Milan is an all-year-round destination, but the peak seasons here are the twice a year fashion weeks and the Italian Grand Prix, which takes place in Monza near Milan. Rooms offered are often substandard in quality, except if you book luxury accommodation. Milan is a luxurious destination, and the best rooms can set you back considerably. |
| Getting Around | Florence is a walkable city, and most attractions are located nearby. | You will need to hop on the metro or one of the classic Milanese trams to get to the attractions. |
Photos to compare
You need to see both cities to know how to choose between the two destinations.
Both cities are great to experience, but if you have to pick one, go for the one that looks more thrilling.
Florence Photos
Milan Photos
Video
We didn't get to film Florence, but we do have a walking tour video of Milan, which will help you understand what Milan looks like in film.
Our Tips and Thoughts
I think most budget and middle-class travelers will prefer visiting Florence, and this is because Milan and its surrounding locations are gearing towards a luxury lifestyle.
Florence is also a pilgrimage place for all history buffs. Here you will find classic Tuscan architecture and a timeless central Italian vibe.
On the other hand, if I want to purchase Italian attire and accessories, I'll head to Milan because they know what they are doing.
If you would like to avoid large tourist crowds, head to Milan, Florence is extremely touristy,, and most attractions need to be booked far in advance. Our pictures don't show the crowds because we visited during covid.
If you seek the sun and warm weather, you will like Florence, but if you like cool crisp temperatures, Milan is your city.
You can plan a day trip or two to visit the Tuscan countryside when in Florence. Just picture those rolling green hills!
Is Lake Como on your bucket list? Then Milan is your city.
I hope this guide made it more clear and helped your decision process. Milan and Florence are like two contrasting colors in Italy.
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