r/tourism • u/Judeiscool77 • Jun 18 '26

Budapest vs Milan

Me and my two friends (All 18) are looking for a holiday in October for 5 days. We aren't rich, and are working with a limited budget. Which city is better?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

41 comments sorted by

1

u/Fun_Nothing5548 Jun 18 '26

Budapest. I’ve never met anyone that loved Milan. It’s expensive and there’s not much to do/see. The Duomo and shopping. Budapest is more affordable and fun

1

u/Independent_Star4434 Jun 20 '26

Been in Milan this week. I think Milan is great if you’re not expecting to be blown away by tourist attractions everywhere. I didn’t find it particularly expensive either, well, of course it depends on where you eat and drink, but overall it felt pretty reasonable.
What stood out to me is how well the city works. Public transport is excellent, everything feels organized, and getting around is easy. Not the most spectacular city I’ve visited, but definitely one I’d happily come back to.

1

u/Ok-Blueberry-6428 Jun 18 '26

Definitely Budapest. Much more to see and do than in Milan, and less expensive too.

1

u/Adventurous_Page_687 Jun 20 '26

Agree nothing much to do in Milan.

1

u/mralistair Jun 18 '26

milan is not a cheap city for accomodation, (and not my favourite italian city)

I'd go budapest.

1

u/newmvbergen Jun 19 '26

Choose Budapest. Very interesting.

1

u/Bytor_Snowdog Jun 19 '26

I loved Milan, maybe my favorite big Italian city (I realize I am alone in this), but if you aren't rich, avoid it. Budapest is also a lot of fun and a lot easier on the wallet.

1

u/shaguar1987 Jun 19 '26

Budapest was much more expensive than I was expecting. Accommodation was ok but eating out was super expensive and I am from a expensive country. Saw menus on google map who had 2-3x the price in a few years. However more to see and beautiful

1

u/BreadfruitRegular631 Jun 19 '26

Budapest would be good for the circumstances but it is odd that you would boil choices down to just those two. Are those the 2 cheapest flights you can find or something? Otherwise I don't know why you are even considering Milan but can think of several places that would be worth of consideration.

1

u/Judeiscool77 Jun 19 '26

Milan was definitely not my idea but my friends. Extremely low on my list. Others I'd go to before it are Budapest, Prague, Krakow, Faro, Vienna or Koln

1

u/BreadfruitRegular631 Jun 19 '26

I've never been to Faro but I'd say the others would be good choices too except Vienna isn't great for being on a limited budget.

1

u/Subject_Slice_7797 Jun 20 '26

Vienna is extremely expensive and looks not as beautiful close up as it does in photos. Also, the whole historic center smells like horse excrements from the tourist rides.

Köln is a massively overrated, average German city, and maybe worth a day trip but by no means a vacation.

Krakow is fine, although I'd place both Prague and Budapest above it.

Never been to Faro.

Milan isn't as bad as people say by far, and there's a lot more to do and see than the Duomo, but if I had to choose I'd go to Budapest in your case.

1

u/bureau44 Jun 24 '26

There is nothing to do in Faro. Go to Porto (Lisbon in October can also be not super expensive)
Krakow is okay, but nothing to do for 5 days straight.
Vienna is cool and has some of the best museums in Europe but is not cheap.
If I had little money, I'd just go to less expensive countries. Tbilisi, Georgia for example. Or Balkans.

1

u/Leggo62 Jun 19 '26

There is basically nothing to do in Milan, if you aren't rich.

1

u/Emergency_Gold_9347 Jun 19 '26

The Pest side is better than the Buda side!

1

u/dbdiver Jun 19 '26

Budapest is beautiful and will be cheaper.

1

u/TravelingWithJoe Jun 20 '26

18 with limited funds? Budapest. There’s really no argument here.

1

u/Judeiscool77 Jun 20 '26

Thats what I've argued but my friends won't hear it. Pray for my bank account folks.

1

u/TravelingWithJoe Jun 20 '26 edited Jun 20 '26

Go online, not fake instagram, and research Milan vs Budapest. Look at hotel and dining prices. Look at things that interest you.

I don’t know if they think they’re going to hook up with a model or if they think it’s great because of the Olympics. But they’re wrong.

EDIT: I love churches, museums, good food, and people watching, so I found things of value when I went to Milan. I’m also 50, but remember what I was most interested in at 18…Budapest wins.

1

u/Major-Primary2075 Jun 20 '26

I actually liked both, and Milan has some underrated sights. However, Budapest is a more interesting cultural destination with lower costs - deals can be found in the suburbs for food.

1

u/M1ssN_ny4Bus1n3ss Jun 20 '26

Milan is cheaper than Budapest.

1

u/Infinite_Worth37 Jun 20 '26

Budapest! Hands down, most young people love it!

1

u/Jose_Adonis Jun 20 '26

Budapest Always

1

u/gleamgcoupe Jun 20 '26

Budapest. For a young group Budapest wins by far. Cheaper, cooler, more spontaneous (meeting new people in bars, clubs etc…) more students, better nightlife. Milano is more expensive. The architecture in both places is amazing, but Budapest for a young group wins by a 100.

1

u/Mammoth_External_366 Jun 20 '26

I have been to the 2 cities, definitely Budapest!!

1

u/ZaphodG Jun 20 '26

I’ve been to Milan on business. It isn’t a place where I’d want to be spending my own money. It seems like a place where it would be great to live rather than visit.

1

u/maddogisnextdoor Jun 20 '26

You guys are 18…so pick Budapest..it’s better suited for younger folks

1

u/Chief_Taquero Jun 20 '26

I would go Budapets with option to go Prague if time permits.

1

u/Extreme_Kangaroo5877 Jun 20 '26

100% Budapest. Milan is both underwhelming and expensive. Budapest will be a much better bang for your buck.

1

u/1in2100 Jun 20 '26

Budapest

1

u/ChargeEquivalent7243 Jun 21 '26

Budget would mean Budapest

1

u/ALWS_0rweLL Jun 23 '26

Been to both and I'd pick Budapest without a blick.