Hi everyone, I'm planning a ski trip to Innsbruck this January and my options for flying into Europe (regarding free miles and what not) is either Milan or Munich. I have the option of spending the day at either of these two cities as I arrive early morning and then need to take a train to Innsbruck.

The question is, which city is better to spend a day in? I really want to visit Italy, but I've heard Milan is very much industrialized and doesn't offer much. I know what to expect in Munich, but wouldn't it be similar to my experience in Innsbruck, regarding the local culture?

I could do Paris as well, but I've already been there.

Thanx, Jay

Munich is much closer to Innsbruck--1:50 by train as oppposed to 5 1/2 hours from Milan. If you flew into Milan and hoped to reach Innsbruck the same day, you would have almost no time for sightseeing.

I would pick Munich. Milan can be kind of dreary in the winter. One thought, if you fly into Milan, the airport is closer to Como than Milan.
The culture in Munich and Innsbruck are similar, but Munich feels very much like a big city, and Innsburck (to me) feels like a small town.
I would not schedual a touring day for myself right after an international flight - its usually all I can do to get myself to my hotel, but I am assuming you are much younger or your flight is not that long.

I would choose Munich for the distance as a day trip. But I love Milan. Just some walking on the city center (Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, La Scala Opera House) and great food even on a cafe ..makes it worthy for me.

I'd also choose Munich over Milan, particularly in January. Milan feels a bit dreary at the best of times, and January is not the best of times. Munich does winter well, and transit connections from the airport to the city are more convenient.

milan is a great city. but yes, many do find it less attractive physically as compared to other european cities.

i wouldn't worry too much about the cultural similarities between innsbruck and munich. munich has a much different feel. anyway, innsbruck is really best visited for the skiing - as a small city it is really nothing special. nothing wrong with it but not nearly as interesting to visit as munich.

On topic Munich is much easier than Milan.

My question is why Innsbruck, I find there are many ski areas which are better in Austria.

Thanx for all the replies everyone. Yes, I am going to Innsbruck for the skiing at St. Anton for a week. I hear what everyone is saying about Munich, but I do like to just walk around and soak in the local culture, sitting at a cafe, etc... (still leaning towards Milan)

Also, the train ride is part of the enjoyment for me. So is the scenery from the train on Milan-Verona-Innsbruck better than Munich-Innsbruck? I understand the train will be longer from Milan.

Another reason for backing Milan is the choice of airlines. Im in Chicago and I can do Alitalia to Milan or Delta to Munich (need to stay in Sky Team alliance). I've traveled internationally quite a bit, and prefer non-american carriers for long flights in economy (on a side note, is Alitalia comparable to Air France or is it in doldrums?).

And oh yes, I'm on the younger side, so doing a nice sight-seeing day after a long flight is no problem.