Milan and Florence are two of the most iconic cities in Italy. Both cities are home to impeccable cathedrals, landmarks, and are home to some of the world’s most famous pieces of art. There is plenty to see in either city but if you are stretched for time, the decision might be tough. If you are trying to decide between Milan or Florence, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city you should visit.
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Milan or Florence Overview
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy with 1.4 million people living in the city and a much larger metropolitan area. It is also the top financial and manufacturing city in the country. The only city in the EU with a higher GDP is Paris. Milan has also evolved into one of the leading cities in the world for fashion which led to it becoming one of the four fashion capitals in the world.
Some of the most famous pieces of art in the world are located here, including “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci. The city is also home to some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks and buildings. Milan is also just south of the Alps which is why the 2026 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted in Milan.
Florence
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. During medieval times, it was the center of trade and finance for all of Europe. The city is known for its spectacular architecture found throughout the city.
Florence is referred to as the “Heart of the Renaissance” with Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli all calling it home for an amount of time. History in this city runs very deep. Today, Florence is known for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, its art, and also for being one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Places to See
Milan
Duomo Di Milano, or Cathedral of Milan, is one of the most recognized cathedrals in the world and took nearly 6 centuries to complete.
Sforzesco Castle is one of the largest citadels in Europe. Construction started in the 1300s but was continually added to until 1862.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest continually used shopping mall in Italy. It was completed in 1877.
Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It opened in 1778.
Sempione Park is a large park in the center of Milan and is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. The exterior is made of white marble and it has the largest brick dome ever constructed.
Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence.
The Statue of David is held in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. It was one of Michelangelo’s greatest works. The museum draws over 2 million visitors a year.
Piazzale Michelangiolo is a city square that offers one of the best panoramic views of Florence.
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge with shops built into it. It is one of the most iconic bridges in Europe.
Food
Milan
Traditional cuisine in Milan is not you’re typical Italian dishes, they are oftentimes heavily meat-based. One of the most traditional dishes here is Risotto alla Milanese which is a rice-based dish made with saffron, cheese, and many times bone marrow. Ossobucco is a classic meat-based dish with most of the dish being veal and served with onions, tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Milan is said to be the birthplace of the world-famous Christmas fruitcake or Panettone in Milan.
Mogens Engelund
Florence
Bruschetta, also known as the original garlic bread, originated in Tuscany. It often topped with tomatoes, meats, and cheeses. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the T-bone of Tuscany. It is typically a thick cut of meat from a young steer. It is believed that world-famous gelato originated in Florence. You need to find yourself some gelato when you are here.
Getting Around
Milan
If you only want to see the historic center or the area around the cathedral, you probably won’t need to use public transportation. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other and are located in the center of the city. If you want to see landmarks like Porto Ticinese, Monumental Cemetery, or Gae Aulenti Square you will want to use public transportation. You have the option of buses, trams, and the metro to get around Milan. I would recommend investing in the MilanoCard because you get unlimited use of public transportation, hop on hop off city tour, and save up to 100% on some of the city’s most popular attractions.
Florence
The public transportation network in Florence is primarily dominated by a large network of buses. There are also trams you can take. Most of the historic city center can easily be explored by walking. Walking is your best bet for getting a feel for the city because much of the city can be seen on foot. If you want to go to sights such as Piazzale Michelangelo and Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, you might want to hop on a bus to save yourself some time.
Nightlife
Milan
Milan is known for having one of the best nightlife scenes in Italy and is considered to be one of the best in Europe as well. The area of Navigli is known to have some of the city’s most lively bars and pubs. The area around Colonne di San Lorenzo is full of bars and cafes and tends to be more of a laid-back atmosphere.
Corso Como is another great place to check out depending on which part of the city you are staying in. Some of the best nightclubs in the city are located in Corso Como, including Hollywood Rythmoteque and Tocqueville 13. Like always, make sure you do your research on which club/s you want to go to because there is no need to waste money at the door for an experience that doesn’t fit your vibe.
Florence
Florence has quite a few universities and it is a major hub for students from all over the world which is part of the reason why the nightlife is so lively. Italians have late dinners so the absolute earliest you can expect the nightlife to start. There are many bars scattered throughout the city. If you want to dance or go clubbing, Space and Tenax are two of the most popular clubs in the city. YAB is another popular club here but make sure you dress up before going to certain nightclubs or they won’t let you in.
Day Trips
Milan
Lake Como is just 30 minutes north of Milan. The town of Bellagio is one of the most picturesque towns you could imagine.
Lecco is another lake town to the northwest of Milan.
Bergamo is a city to the northwest of Milan. It is known for its medieval architecture and fell.
Florence
Siena is just an hour south of Florence. The famous horse race, Palio di Siena, is held in the city square twice a year.
Pisa is just a little over an hour away from Florence. It is home to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Volterra is a small town to the southwest of Florence. It is known for its beautiful setting and medieval architecture.
Rome is around three hours south of Florence and would be a fantastic addition to your trip if you haven’t aren’t coming from there. Turin and Genoa are also just down the road if you decide to visit Milan.
Overall
Milan and Florence are two of the most visited cities in Italy. Both cities are known for at one point being home to some of the world’s greatest artists and are still home to many of the most famous pieces of art in the world. Milan and Florence both have cathedrals that are iconic throughout the world. If you like the feel of a large bustling city then Milan would be perfect but if you would rather visit a smaller city that is less chaotic then Florence would suit you best. Florence is also in the center of the country which makes travel to and from other cities in Italy much easier.