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WhereToGoForMyHoliday.com

The best destination comparison site!

Athens or Milan, which is better for your holiday in 2024?

Athens and Milan both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We recognise the difficulty in making this decision. While there is abundant information available on both destinations, clear guidance on which city better aligns with your travel preferences is often hard to find.
This article aims to provide an impartial comparison of Milan and Athens, and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

Introduction to Milan and Athens

Athens, a city where antiquity meets modernity, invites travellers to embark on a journey through time. The Greek capital, steeped in history, proudly displays its ancient treasures while embracing the vibrancy of contemporary life.

The Acropolis stands as a monumental testament to Athens' glorious past, offering awe-inspiring views and a palpable connection to the city’s ancestors. Down below, lively neighbourhoods and trendy cafes showcase the modern Athenian spirit.

Whether indulging in delectable Mediterranean cuisine, exploring historic ruins, or wandering through charming streets, visitors are sure to be captivated. Athens is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to adventure, a place where the past and present dance together in harmonious splendour.

Milan, synonymous with fashion and luxury shopping, is a city where appearances matter, and even its main tourist attraction, the Galleria, is a shopping arcade. While the historic centre is home to high-end boutiques and designer stores, the city’s more creative and edgy districts can be found on the outskirts.

Visitors should be aware that Milan that Milan does not have the breadth of monuments and standout tourist attractions as of other Italian cities. This is primarily a business focused city, which reveres in sophistication and looking good.

Duomo milan

The gothic Duomo in central Milan – a highlight is the view from the roof

Acropolis athens

The Acropolis stands high above Athens

High-level summary for Athens and Milan

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Athens
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Athens
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Athens
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Milan
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Destination details

How long to spend each city?

The main sights of Milan can be easily seen in a single day of sightseeing.
A second day allows time to explore the more atmospheric districts (Navigli, Zona Tortona) or provides extra time for shopping.

To capture the essence of the city, you need to experience the early evening drinks culture and the evening strolls where everyone wears their finest clothes. Milan may lack many tourist sights, but there surrounding region certain compensates with many enjoyable day trips.

This includes the historic towns of Bergamo, Brescia and Pavia, the beautiful lakes of Garda, Maggiore and Como, plus the Italian Alps. It is even possible to visit Verona as a day trip.

Athens can be sampledin a few days, but it can also warrant trips of a few weeks or more. It all really depends on what you want out of your visit. If it's a whirlwind tour of the famous 5th-century history sights (the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Agora), some Greek mezze, and a good night out that takes your fancy, then a weekend could be enough.

If you want to feel like a real local, sip gritty Greek coffees in corner bars in alt neighborhoods, and even escape to the islands to top up the tan, you'll need to plan longer.

Naviglio Grande milan

The Naviglio Grande canal runs through the heart of the Naviglio district

National Archaeological Museum athens

The National Archaeological Museum, houses the world’s finest collection of Greek artefacts

For the real Milan experience, you want to visit during the summer or winter fashion weeks (Sep/Oct or Feb/Mar), to mingle with models, stylish and Aficionados.

For a city break, Milan is almost year-round, but it is cool and possibly wet in the winter, while in hot August most residents head to the beach for the whole month.

One of the quirks of Milan is at the weekends, most of its affluent or mobile residents leave the city for the coast (summer), the Alps (winter) or lakes (Spring/Autumn), leaving the city to tourists and foreign shoppers.

Athens is most popular in the summer months, but we'd say it's not the best time of year to come. Temperatures in Greece can be scorching between June and August, with daily highs peaking around the 40 Celsius mark!

Much better are the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. These see warm days and cool evenings of between 16-29 degrees on average. It's still usually dry, with the occasional cloud and rainfall. However, there are also fewer people around, cheaper hotels, and smaller queues for the ancient ruins.

Winter in Athens gets surprisingly cold. Snow can even fall in the height of the season. It's the best if you really don't like dodging other tourists though, with the museums and the galleries all virtually empty. Be warned that ferries to nearby islands like Poros and Aegina rarely run between November and March.

The history lover is the traveller who will surely feel most at home in Athens. After all, this is the place of the mighty Parthenon; where the Athenian Empire once flourished. And it's got Orthodox temples and some of the most acclaimed ancient artifact museums on the globe to top the lot off. You can spend whole trips hopping between crumbling temples and learning about the hard-fought Peloponnesian War, without even scratching the surface of the amazing daytrip possibilities.

Aside from its famous historical relics, Athens also has a reputation for hedonism. Districts like anarchist Exarcheia come laced with squat bars and buzzy pubs. There's also pumping nightlife around the Plaka area, where you'll be able to dine on endless platters of saganaki cheese, hummus, and grilled lamb before heading out to dance the Zorba.

If you're planning a Greek beach holiday, then Athens is a good arrival point. You're likely to be a little disappointed if you hang around too long, though. The only sands within reach of the centre are in Vouliagmeni to the south and they certainly aren't the best in the country.

If you have a passion for fashion, a flair for style, and are willing to indulge in a premium experience, Milan is your destination. The city stands out for its high-end designer shopping, trendsetting fashion, and its overall chic aesthetic.
However, some visitors may find Milan less captivating compared to the grandeur of Rome, the cultural richness of Florence, or the picturesque scenes of Venice. Milan is predominantly a business hub, where the hardworking ethos of its inhabitants is reflected in its cutting-edge fashion and refined nightlife.
Insight: There are few historic buildings in Milan, as many were destroyed by the extensive bombing of the second world war.

Castello Sforzesco castle  Milan

The distinctive Castello Sforzesco castle in Milan

Pláka district athens

The delightful Pláka district, is a maze of narrow streets on the northern slopes of the Acropolis

48 hours in Milan
The interactive map below shows a suggested tour for 48hours in Milan. The first day is shown in green and the second day is marked in yellow.

Day 1: Start your first day at Piazza del Duomo, the vibrant heart of Milan. This square is home to the stunning Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral (be sure to visit the roof for spectacular views) and the elegant Galleria shopping complex, which houses a range of boutiques and high-end retailers. On the other side, you'll find the Palazzo Marino and the prestigious Teatro alla Scala.

In the afternoon, take time to explore the area around the Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione. Make sure to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, where you can admire the renowned “The Last Supper” fresco. Later, explore the fashionable Brera district, known for its blend of luxury stores and stylish residents.
Early evening is when Milan truly comes alive. As the workday ends, locals flock to bars for Apericena (a happy hour accompanied by a light buffet), where they enjoy fine cocktails and showcase the latest fashion trends. The Navigli district is an excellent spot to immerse yourself in this contemporary cultural tradition.

Santa Maria delle Grazie milan

The Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, the location of one of the most controversial religious paints….

Day 2: For your second day, take a stroll from the Duomo, along the lively Via Torino, and continue onto Corso di Porta Ticinese, passing the impressive Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore before entering the vibrant Navigli district. This canal-lined quarter brims with artisanal shops, trendy bars, and is a popular haunt for the city's youthful population.

The canals and train lines mark the boundary between Navigli and Zona Tortona, a district that has transformed from its gritty past to become Milan's hub of design and creativity. Today, designers breathe new life into former warehouses, creating the latest fashion trends. The area is subtly cool and epitomises the determination and fervour of Milan's residents.
For football enthusiasts, a tour of the iconic San Siro stadium is a must on your second day in the city.
Related articles: 48 hours in Milan

San Siro stadium milan

San Siro stadium, home to two of Italy’ greatest football teams

48hours in Athens
Searching for an all-round fantastic 48 hours in the Greek capital? Look no further. This culture-packed and monument-filled itinerary whizzes you through all the mainstay sights and even into some downright gritty local districts. Enjoy…

Day 1: Start as early as you can and head straight through the Plaka area up to the base of the Acropolis. The best way to reach that grand monument is via the winding roads that link up the tavernas with the great Propylaea gatehouse that dates to 437 BC. It was commissioned by Perikles in the aftermath of the Persian War and leads to the symbolic heart of ancient Athens: The Parthenon.

Getting there early means you can hopefully dodge the crowds and the heat. Take some time to wander to see the hulking columns and design – it's considered to be the finest Doric temple on the planet. The next-door Erechtheion also catches the eye. It was built after 421 BC in honour of Poseidon and Athena, famed for its Caryatid statues of female figures. A lookout point on the south-east end of the Acropolis is perfect for taking in the city views.

For lunch, go for the vibrant area of Koukaki, checking out the Theatre of Dionysus en route. It's filled with hip cafeterias and bakeries, all huddled under plane trees and bougainvillea. It's a short walk from there to the acclaimed Acropolis Museum. You can while away the whole afternoon within, uncovering the story of the legendary building and the politics it represented.

Think about ending the day with a walk through the pine trees to Filopappou Hill. That's home to the place where Socrates was imprisoned in the early 390s BC and tops out with some of the most stunning views of the Acropolis there are.

Parthenon athens

The Parthenon was dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, who is regarded as the patron of the city

Day 2: The café culture of Monastiraki gets the day rolling – think about grabbing a traditional Greek coffee and pastry in one of the local bakehouses. A quick stroll through the blocks southwards then takes you to the Agora.
That was the epicentre of life in the ancient city state, complete with shrines and marketplaces and statues. The piece de resistance is the Temple of Hephaestus, which crowns a hillside on its northern end. Nearby, the blocks of Syntagma and Syntagma Square offer a glimpse at the modern edge of the Greek capital.

The vast plaza at the area's heart hosts the Old Royal Palace of the Greek monarchy. There are also countless places to sit with a cold lunchtime beer. Finished? Go south and you'll find the mighty Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is half ruined but still draws a gasp from most visitors on account of its monstrous Corinthian columns.
In the afternoon, catch a tram towards the National Archaeological Museum. Inside, you'll discover perhaps the richest collection of ancient artifacts there are in the world.
What's more, the district on the doorstep is Exarcheia. Be careful with your valuables in those parts, because it's rough and gritty, but the streets ooze character and have perhaps the most hedonistic bars in the country.

Old Parliament House athens

The Old Parliament House served as the parliament building until 1935

Traveling from Athens airport is best done using the metro. Line 3 links directly to the terminal. The fare is a flat €10 and the journey takes around 40 minutes each way. If leaving the city, be sure to catch the right train, because not all departures on the line go to the same place.

There are some areas that really stand out from the crowd when it comes to finding hotels in Athens. The Plaka is popular for its traditional Greek restaurants and proximity to the ancient sites.

Kolonaki has lots of chain hotels with rooftop pools and breakfast terraces. But Koukaki is also worth considering, for its local vibes and charming B&Bs.

The Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus

Always beware of pickpockets, muggers, thieves and scams in Athens. The capital is generally safe, but certain areas – the Plaka, Omonoia Square and Exarcheia especially – do see regular crimes against tourists. Try to keep a hand on your wallet and an eye on your bag at all times.

Political upheavals in Athens are a common problem. Widespread discontent with the government has led to regular protests and marches since the 2000s. They can sometimes bring the whole city to a standstill and are worth avoiding – teargas, clashes with police and even Molotov cocktails have been known to play a part.

Getting around Athens is relatively easy. You've got a metro network that links most of the main tourist areas and the airport. Above ground, there are buses and trams going out to lesser known neighborhoods. There are both kiosks and vending machines at the entrance to most stations for you to buy tickets. They cost €1.40 and are valid for 90 minutes from the moment of validation.

There are three airports for Milan; Linate (small dated, 7km to centre), Malpensa (main international airport, 50km from west of Milan) and Bergamo (Ryan air hub, 50km from north east of Milan). There is a bus from Bergamo to Milan (60minutes €6.00), train from Malpensa airport (50minutes €13.00) and from Linate just take a taxi (€12-15). There is no shortage of flights and departures to or from Milan, and fares, if booked far enough in advance, can be very cheap.

Milan has ample hotels and accommodation options, but these obviously need to be booked far in advance during the two fashion weeks. For your first visit you would want to be based close to the historic centre (Centro Storico) or for a more lively and authentic experience the Navigli district. For cheaper accommodation look to the Citta Studi, the main student area of the city. Milan has very good public transport, and is easy to travel around the city.

Arco della Pace Milan

The Arco della Pace, in Milan

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