Milan versus Bologna

As they’re different cities and offer different things it all depends on what you’re looking for. Personally I’d stay in Bologna but that’s just me as I know Milano pretty well and I’m not really enamored with it as a tourist haven except for the duomo and a few museums. If you haven’t been to Bologna then I’d do that.

I totally agree with the first poster. It depends on what you want to do in Milan. Are you planning on doing day trips from MIlan to cities like Bologna/Parma/Ravenna/etc or are you planning on spending most of your time in Milan? Milan centrale IMHO is a zoo. It’s big and busy. We based in Bologna last fall for a week and did day trips to Modena/Parma/Ravenna/full day private driver guide for Parm Cheese farm/Balsamic Vinegar producer/Winery/Prosciutto Factory tour (awesome BTW). We enjoyed Bologna but we really enjoyed Parma so I would add that to your consideration if you don’t stay in Milan. Both have more “friendly” train stations - Bologna’s station is good size but it was easy to do day trips. We walked there from our AirBNB. It really depends on what and where you want to go. I also agree with the first posters assessment of Milan - it worth a good day and perhaps 2 depending on what your interests are, but I much prefer visiting the smaller towns in the area.

I think Bologna is a lot more user-friendly. The porticos make for very pleasant walking in the central area.

Milan can be a base to visit the areas around Lake Como/Lugano/Maggiore. Trips out to Turin, Verona and parts of the Dolomites are possible but, best enjoyed spending overnight at least. While Milan has various attractions that'll interest foreigners with many hidden charms however, its also the commercial capitol of Italy so, most areas around the city are geared towards daily work whereas other Italian destinations have historic centers and neighborhoods focused around tourism. Milanese food is going to be influenced by its Germanic and Gallic neighbors so it'll be different than what you'd find around other parts of Italy.

Bologna besides being a significant university town, is also at the center of a region largely shaped by the medieval period. Nearby Ravenna, with its many historic mosaics, was the capitol of the Western Roman Empire as Rome's position weakened. The food scene in and around Bologna can't be over-stated, the dining alone is worth the visit. Nearby Parma, Modena and Ferrera are all worthy of day-trips, to include the micro state of San Marino and the beach resort town of Rimini.

I also suggest Bologna. There are just so many places within easy train rides of the city not to mention that the city with the porticos taking you to San Luca, Piazza Maggiore with the meridian line, Santo Stefano and the churches, the food (cheese, ham, balsamico....)

*BOLOGNA-- If I could Bold it, Star it, Shout it from the rooftops, stay in Bologna!

I'm soooo with Janet. BOLOGNA

Another vote for Bologna!

Bologna is more charming, IMO. The porticos that Lola mentions, far less cosmopolitan than Milan. Easy day trips to Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna…

Thanks for all the comments.